Muharraq Begin Arab Championship Journey in Tunisia

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom’s volleyball champions Muharraq are set to take center stage in Tunisia as the 44th Arab Club Men’s Volleyball Championship begins today, marking the start of a demanding regional contest featuring the Arab world’s elite clubs. The tournament runs from January 6 to 18, with matches at El Menzah Sports Palace and the Sidi Bou Said Indoor Arena, bringing together 12 top teams.

Muharraq are the Kingdom’s sole representatives and are in Group B alongside Etoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia, Qatar’s Al Shorta SC, Al Ittihad of Libya, Majees of Oman, and the Palestinian Military Club. While the tournament starts today, Muharraq will begin their campaign tomorrow, ready to challenge the region’s strongest sides.

The Bahrain champions have a demanding group-stage schedule, with five matches in as many days. They open against Majees on Thursday at 2 PM Bahrain time, followed by a clash with Al Ittihad on Friday at the same hour. On Saturday, they meet the hosts Etoile Sportive du Sahel at 3 PM, before facing Police SC on Sunday at 3 PM, and concluding the preliminary round on Monday against the Palestinian Military Club at 5 PM.

Preparation has been carried out locally under head coach Yaseen Al Meel, as the squad balances continental ambitions with the 2025–26 Isa Bin Rashid Bahrain Volleyball League, where they aim to defend their national crown. Muharraq’s roster brings experienced national-team regulars with internationally recognized talent. This includes Naser Anan, Mahmood Alafyah, Sayed Hashem Issa, Mohammed Abdulla, Mohammed Omar, Abbas Al Khabbaz, Majeed Mohammed, Hussain Ehsan, Abbas Ehsan, Ali Alsairafi, and Swedish professional Jacob Link, whose presence adds further strength and depth to the squad.

Meanwhile, the other side of the draw features Al Seeb (Oman), Northern Refineries (Iraq), Tadjenanet (Algeria), Asswehly (Libya), Qatar SC, and Espérance Sportive de Tunis, setting the stage for highly competitive matchups. With last year’s finalists, Zamalek and Al Ahly, absent, Muharraq have a prime opportunity to assert themselves and target a deep run as they begin their campaign tomorrow in Tunis.