Premier league mini-tournament set for kick-off

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The first of three crucial match days in a mini-tournament to determine three places in next season’s Nasser bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League is scheduled to kick off tonight.

Top-tier clubs Budaiya and Hidd will be fighting to keep their places in the top flight while second division sides Sitra and Malkiya will be hoping to make the step up. The four teams are taking part in this first-of-its-kind competition, organised by the Bahrain Football Association (BFA).

After a single round, the top three will be a part of an expanded 12-club 2022/2023 premier league campaign. Tonight, Budaiya take on Malkiya while Hidd face off with Sitra. On Tuesday next week, Budaiya play Sitra while Hidd battle Malkiya.

The final day on May 14 will see premier league sides Budaiya and Hidd clash, with second division teams Malkiya and Sitra facing off. Matches will be held at the National Stadium in Riffa along with the Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.

All the games are set for 7pm kick-offs. Next season’s roster of 12 clubs will be the first time the Kingdom’s premier league will feature that number of teams.