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Muharraq have underlined their supremacy by winning the King's Cup after a gap of two years. It was a fitting end to a spirited campaign as the undisputed champions were once again declared the 'Soccer Kings of the Kingdom'.
Muharraq undoubtedly are the champion club and there are enough statistics to support it. In fact, the numbers are mind-boggling: they have won the Bahrain Premier League 29 times, the King's Cup (formerly known as the Amiri Cup and the Federation Cup) 26 times and the Crown Prince Cup three times.
Muharraq have also won national titles in handball, basketball and volleyball and is home to some of the past and present greats like Mohamed Ahmed Salmeen, Rashid Al Dossary, veteran goalkeeper Ali Hassan, Duaij Nasser, Ali Amer and Ebrahim Al Mishkas.
Muharraq also set a trend in local circles by hiring foreign professionals on a regular basis. Brazilian forward Leandson Dias Da Silva, also known as Rico, is the toast of the club today while French player Richard and Bosnian Adnan Sarajlic are the other well-known signings.
In many ways, Muharraq is to Bahrain what Manchester United is to England, Real Madrid to Spain, Inter Milan to Italy, Bayern Munich to Germany and Lyon to France. It is the richest club with the biggest stars in its ranks and the largest fan following.
But unlike Manchester United, and much more like Real Madrid I'm afraid, Muharraq have failed to prove its pedigree outside the kingdom. Lions at home, but lambs abroad is a common phrase often used to sum up its disheartening campaigns in regional tournaments. And, I suspect, with some very valid reasons.
Muharraq have consistently flattered to deceive, be it the Arab Champions League or the more prestigious Asian Champions League. This is certainly an irritating anomaly for a club with a bunch of talented players who could ply their trade for handsome amounts in other Arab countries.
This year's King's Cup itself is a fitting example of their overwhelming domination in Bahrain. Coached by former striker Salman Shereeda, Muharraq qualified for the final with a one-sided 4-1 win over Busaiteen in the semi-finals. They earlier defeated Bahrain Club 4-0 in the first round and Al Ahli 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
The final on Saturday was dominated by Muharraq. In front of 10,000 cheering supporters, the champions were in irresistible form with Rico, the top scorer with five goals, masterminding ceaseless waves of attacks.
Al Najma were certainly affected by the absence of two of its key players - Hussain Al Saudi and Talal Mishan, through injury and suspension respectively. But by letting Muharraq dictate terms, the defending champions were not only proving second best but at times also second class.
A goal in the 22nd minute by Mahmood Abdulrahman 'Ringo' further demoralised Al Najma while a second in the 50th minute by Faouzi Aaish put an end to their dream of winning the cup for the third successive time.
Muharraq may have regained lost ground for the time being, but to be true champions they have to look far beyond home shores. It's time the lions at home began to roar abroad.
