Bahrain games thrill ex-Archer

A Filipino-Bahraini gunner couldn’t wait to see the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) play in Bahrain.

Former De La Salle University standout Bader Malabes expressed elation over reports that the PBA will be flying to the mineral-rich country in the Middle East to hold regular matches on 15 and 17 December as part of its 50th anniversary celebration.

Malabes, who was part of the Green Archers squad that won the 2007 title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, said he expects the Khalifa Sports City to overflow with spectators due to the popularity of the PBA among overseas Filipino workers.

He added that it doesn’t matter what teams will be seeing action since the PBA is already known for its intense brand of Filipino basketball.

“It’s very exciting. When I got the news, we were all so excited to see the PBA games in Bahrain. We’ll see Filipino fans from Bahrain, from Saudi Arabia, everybody will be watching the games,” Malabes said at the sidelines of Game 5 of the Philippine Cup best-of-seven finals between San Miguel Beer and TNT late Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We’re very optimistic that Filipinos can fill up Khalifa stadium. No matter what team the PBA will bring, they will definitely fill up the arena.”

Situated on the Persian Gulf between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain is not really known to be a basketball powerhouse in West Asia.

But due to its large Filipino community, Bahrain has been a haven for Filipino clubs. In fact, teams like Sta. Lucia Realty, Rain or Shine and Gilas Pilipinas under Serbian head coach Rajko Toroman had already played in Manama in the past.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Bahrain Basketball Association president Alaa Mudara said they will bring three teams to Manama for a pair of Philippine Cup matches.

“We are very happy to host the PBA games in Bahrain,” said Mudara, who is no stranger to hosting foreign clubs in Bahrain.

“It’s for the PBA fans who enjoy watching them, especially for Filipinos who cannot come to the Philippines to watch these games.”

Mudara added that the games will coincide with Bahrain’s celebration of its National Day on 16 December.

“It will be held during the National Day of Bahrain. It will be a great time to have these games on a holiday, so fans will have a great time watching the games,” Mudara said.