NEW ERA DAWNS

FANS danced in the streets and partied in the malls as PUMA launched the new Bahrain national team football kit at the dawn of an exciting new era, writes Stan Szecowka.

The misery of missing out on the World Cup Finals was cast aside as the country's top players paraded in a convoy across the island.

The 'new look' side will be managed by a new manager and the goal for soccer success has been set for the coming GCC Cup contest and finals of the Asia Cup.

GulfWeekly understands that there is a shortlist of three top European managers being considered for the post - a British, a German and a Dutch coach.

Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, vice president of Bahrain Football Association, said: "There are exciting times ahead and we have to pull together and work hard. This is a new era and we are full of optimism."

The new kit not only looks good but uses state-of-the-art technology to aid the players by combining fabric and mesh to improve manoeuvrability and comfort.

Supporters were treated to a glimpse of the clothing when first team players - including Asian Footballer of the Year runner-up Sayed Mohammed Adnan who missed a vital penalty in New Zealand during the final World Cup play-off encounter which heartbreakingly ended 1-0 to the home side - sported the kingdom's new colours. Although the star defender and his family suffered taunts and abuse shortly after the defeat all was forgiven as the players jumped on to the PUMA Fan Bus at the brand's outlet store in Janusan and then took in Bab Al Bahrain at the entrance of Manama Souq and Bahrain City Centre.

Supporters were even given a chance to challenge the players 'one-on-one', swap shirts and have their pictures taken with their heroes. The event fitted in perfectly into PUMA's 'Love Equals Football' initiative.

The association's badge is prominently displayed on the left of the chest and the leaping PUMA Cat logo is on the right of the jersey, with the Bahrain flag featuring inside the collar.

A PUMA spokesman said: "The design of the jersey reflects PUMA's sports lifestyle positioning and the dynamic and modern character of the Bahrain team. The new Bahrain kit puts emphasis on courage, engineered performance features and a distinct articulation of raw football power."

Bahrain national team jerseys in red (home) and white (away) are available in stores priced from BD30.60.

Prize chance for readers

GULFWEEKLY has two 'large' size Bahrain national team jerseys to give away to readers. Simply complete the PUMA logo - Love Equals XXXXXXX - and send the missing word to editor@gulfweekly.com

The first two correct entries drawn on Sunday at midday will receive the prizes. Normal GulfWeekly competition rules apply. The Editor's decision is final.