Bahrain Super Cup Tips Off Tonight

Muharraq and Manama Renew Rivalry in Basketball’s Season Opener

Bahrain’s basketball spotlight turns to Um Al Hassam this evening as Muharraq and Manama face off in the 2025 Bahrain Super Cup, the traditional curtain-raiser to the new national season. Tip-off is set for 7pm at the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) Arena, where fans are expected to pack the stands for a matchup that has long defined the local game.

The Super Cup, held annually to mark the start of the campaign, brings together the champions of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League and the previous season’s Khalifa bin Salman Cup finalists. Muharraq enter the contest in familiar territory as double title-holders, having defeated Manama to claim both trophies in a dominant 2024–25 campaign. That success adds extra edge to tonight’s encounter, with Manama eager to respond and set the tone early.

The matchup also reignites one of Bahraini basketball’s great rivalries — a fixture steeped in history and competitive balance. Since the Super Cup’s inception in 2009, the two clubs have taken turns at the top, with momentum shifting between them. Manama enjoyed a sustained run of success from 2013 to 2018 before Muharraq reclaimed the crown in 2019. The competition has since become the symbolic launchpad of the season, often offering a glimpse of which side might seize the initiative in the months ahead.

Both teams enter with fresh storylines. Peter Schomers' Muharraq are coming off a tough loss to Shabab Al Ahli in the 2025–26 FIBA West Asia Super League and remain winless in the competition, giving them extra incentive to make a statement in tonight’s Super Cup match. Manama, meanwhile, have brought back Salman Ramadan as head coach and will rely on a mix of seasoned campaigners, including Ahmed Salman, Mohammed BuAli, Hassan Nooroz, Sabah Hussein and Ali Jaber, along with young players expected to make their mark this season.

The atmosphere tonight is expected to be electric. The BBA has announced that spectators will be allowed to enjoy food and drinks inside the arena for the first time in several years, a move warmly welcomed by fans. The excitement mirrors the sense of renewal surrounding the season, as both clubs look to stake their claim in front of passionate supporters.

Before the opening tip-off, the spotlight will briefly shift to one of Bahrain’s most respected basketball figures. The BBA will honour Hussain Shaker, the former national team captain and long-time point guard, for his outstanding contributions to the sport. Shaker, who represented top clubs including Al Ahli, Manama, Muharraq, and Al Najma, retired earlier this year after an illustrious career defined by leadership and consistency. His tribute tonight marks both an ending and a beginning, as he moves into coaching and continues to shape the next generation.

Attention will then return to the court, where momentum and the first trophy of the season await. As the Super Cup tips off, Bahrain’s two basketball giants meet once again, ready to deliver a contest worthy of their rivalry and of the sport’s growing stage at home.