President Richards hosts visiting Bahrainis

The occasion was used by Richards to show solidarity between the two countries which will do battle on the pitch in tomorrow’s 2006 World cup qualifying play-off match. Bahrain’s Shaikh Fawaz Al-Khalifa, the sports minister; Shaikh Ali Al-Khalifa, vice president of the Bahrain FA; Yousif Hassan Jassim, chairman of the Bahrain National Teams’ Committee as well as Mahmood Fakhro, director of coaching and development for the Bahrain FA were part of the contingent present.

Specially invited guests included Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes, TTFF General Secretary Richard Groden, other TTFF Executive Committee Members and sponsors’ representatives. President Richards, who has traveled to see the team in matches away to Costa Rica and Panama, is no doubt hoping for a TT win tomorrow but expressed the desire to see an well-contested match. "I have heard a lot of the two teams in recent times and I can assure you that the game will not be an easy one. It will in fact be a well-contested and enjoyable match for all," Richards said.

Bahrain sports minister Al-Khalifa added, "Our country is very proud of the achievements so far and it’s every little country’s dream, just like yours, to get to the World Cup. We expect a very good match and one which will go down in history without doubt.

"I think even in defeat, we can all be proud of the two teams. I can assure you that we have enjoyed very good hospitality in Trinidad and the 200 fans going to Bahrain for the next match can expect the same treatment from our people."