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EVERYTHING is looking bright for Bahrain's soccer hero Ala'a Hubail after his golden goals have helped set the kingdom on the path of an African adventure.
Bahrain clinched a place in the final round of qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup by picking up a point against Oman in front of an adoring 30,000 fans at the National Stadium on Saturday night.
Ala'a, 25, has played a vital role by scoring twice in the competition and putting on a series of impressive displays during the side's unbeaten run.
"It was a tough game but thank God we made it!" he said. "I like to make my fellow Bahrainis proud and ensure that they can hold their heads high."
Ala'a knows the highs and lows of professional sport more than most. He returned from the Asian Cup in 2004 as top scorer and the world was at his feet.
But the rug was pulled from under him with a cruel sequence of events which were out of his control. After signing for Qatari club Al Gharafah he suffered a devastating knee injury.
He said: "I was kicked from behind and felt a sharp, horrible pain. The truth be told, it was my first injury and my first operation.
"I had hurt my ankle in the past, been bruised, cut and pulled a muscle, but I never injured myself so badly that I would need to have an operation. It was a horrible moment for me but I knew I would overcome it.
"It took six months for my knee to fully recover and during that period I needed a lot of physiotherapy.
"But I wasn't going to let a tear stop me from playing football. I was determined to come back stronger than ever. The fact of the matter was, I was even more determined than when I first started to play. I had a lot to prove."
In fact, the goal-scoring hero had preferred swimming to soccer as a child and at one time it looked like Ala'a would never wear the red shirt of his country again.
He even told the national FA that he had decided to quit international football for "personal reasons".
He explained: "Yes, I did want to quit playing for the Bahrain national team although I did not want to stop playing football altogether.
"Honestly, it was due to a family thing. It's personal so I can't go into it in depth."
Fortunately the player was talked out of throwing away his international career.
He received a phone call from General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.
Ala'a said: "We had a long talk. I like him as he has been there for me and helped me in the past. So upon his request I continued with the team. I meant no disrespect by wanting to quit because I am extremely proud to be Bahraini - Bahrain will always be my home.
"I am so thankful about the way things turned out in the end. I am very happy that I am still a part of the team."
And so are the fans. So much so, that Ala'a requested this interview in the privacy of his home in Sitra because the country's success on the pitch makes it impossible for the star to have a moment's peace.
"It can be overwhelming when I go out sometimes as I am constantly approached by adoring fans - boys and girls alike. I usually have people asking me to take pictures with them or give them an autograph. Others just want to shake my hand and tell me what a good job I am doing and how proud I have made them. I have to admit it is a remarkable feeling because I truly feel loved."
Ala'a's brother Mohammed is a year older than him and also plays professionally for Al Arabi of Kuwait and the Bahrain national team.
Their father Ahmed Mohammed works for Garmco and was a former manager of Ahli and Sitra football clubs.
He added: "My mother is really proud of me too, but she gets frightened when I play especially after the injury."
He also has another special lady in his life that is extremely supportive. "She is my loving wife," he said, "and is currently carrying my child. I will be a father in two months' time."
It's a 'goal'den time for one of Bahrain's favourite sons who is among 13 contenders for this year's Asian Player of the Year Award released by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Results will be announced at the annual AFC awards gala scheduled for November 25 in Shanghai and as far as the fans are concerned Ala'a is already a prize guy on and off the field. Although his amazing backstroke goal celebration routine was probably mastered in the swimming pool.
