*** Bahrain Build Momentum, Cairo Sets the Scene | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain Build Momentum, Cairo Sets the Scene

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Final Stretch 

With the AFC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup fast approaching, Bahrain’s national team has settled into a training camp in Cairo, Egypt. Running through June 12, the camp is designed to elevate every aspect of the squad’s game ahead of their home-soil campaign starting June 17.

The setup is meticulous. Players are immersed in daily technical drills, physical conditioning, and high-intensity friendly matches—all under the watchful guidance of head coach Arnaud from France and his assistant Mishal Turki. This phase is as much about fitness as it is about rhythm, chemistry, and getting the final 14-player roster battle-tested.

Meet the Camp Squad

Sixteen players made the trip to Cairo, each with a clear goal: earn their spot and bring sharpness to the team’s core. Among them are seasoned names like Mohammed Anan, Nasser Anan, and Mahmoud Abdulhussein, joined by rising figures such as Abbas Sultan and Ayman Haroona.

The training is as competitive as it is calculated. Sessions move fluidly between tactical walkthroughs and match-style scrimmages, creating an environment that mirrors tournament conditions. Coaches are assessing not just form, but cohesion and adaptability—two essentials in any short-format international competition.

Tournament on the Horizon

Hosted at Isa Bin Rashid Volleyball Hall in Riffa, the AFC Nations Cup runs from June 17 to June 24, with Bahrain placed in Group A alongside Indonesia and Thailand. It’s a manageable group, but one that offers no room for complacency.

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Bahrain's group-stage fixtures:

  • June 17 – Bahrain vs Thailand (7:00 PM)

  • June 19 – Bahrain vs Indonesia (7:00 PM)

Other pool fixtures across the tournament include:

  • June 17: Qatar vs Kazakhstan, Pakistan vs Philippines, South Korea vs New Zealand

  • June 18: Australia vs Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei vs Philippines, Vietnam vs New Zealand

  • June 19: Qatar vs Australia, Pakistan vs Chinese Taipei, South Korea vs Vietnam

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Eyes on Performance, Not Just Participation

There’s a quiet confidence about this Bahrain side. With a methodical build-up and the advantage of playing at home, expectations are justifiably high. The Cairo camp reflects a team intent on refining every detail.

Tactically, Bahrain have shown growth under Arnaud, building a more organized and fluid style that emphasizes quick transitions and smart rotations. Physically, the squad looks sharp, and the internal competition for starting roles has raised the overall level.