
Manama coach banned, fined after fiery outburst in WASL playoffs
Costly consequences
The veteran tactician, known for his animated sideline presence, saw red during Manama's best-of-three playoff showdown for a WASL Gulf sub-zone semi-final spot. His outburst led to an immediate ejection, and now, just days later, the consequences have come down hard.
The ruling means Gavriel will be absent for a crucial stretch of the season as Manama fights to keep their regional championship ambitions alive.
Manama's playoff hopes hit
Gavriel's suspension comes at a critical juncture, leaving Manama without their head coach at a time when leadership is needed most.
The reigning Bahrain champions must now regroup, with their coaching staff forced to adjust on the fly in the absence of their fiery leader.
With WASL glory still on the line, Manama's ability to navigate the playoff storm without Gavriel will define their season.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
10-08-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Break Through the Barrier
TDT | Manama First win in Cairo keeps spirits alive despite exit from main round After back-to-back defeats to Japan (32-30) and Egypt (36-28), Bahrain's U19s hopes of reaching the main round at the 11th IHF Men's Youth World Championship had already been dashed. But yesterday at Cairo Stadium, the Bahrainis refused to go quietly, battling past South Korea 36-33 in front of 4,000 fans to claim their first win of the tournament. Fast Start, Firm Finish Coached by Raed Al Marzouq and assisted by Ahmed Tarada, Bahrain led 16-13 at halftime and never relinquished control. Their attack clicked from all angles — 67% shooting efficiency on 54 attempts — and they punished Korea with a 16/23 breakthrough success rate. Playmaker Abbas Ali was flawless (9/9), while Mohamed Aadam's seven goals from the line were a constant menace. Salman Al Showaikh was named man of the match after scoring 8 goals from 9 attempts, including six from the backcourt. He has been Bahrain's top performer throughout Group G. Korea's Resistance Korea, also destined for the President's Cup bracket, kept the game tight thanks to Kang Juhyeon (8/15) and Ju Yongchan (5/6). Yet their 53% attack efficiency and occasional defensive lapses against Bahrain's wing play proved costly. Goalkeeper Hong Uiseok's 11 saves offered brief reprieve but couldn't turn the tide. Stat Sheet Story Bahrain's team shooting chart read like a coach's dream: perfect from the penalty line (4/4), 78% from the wings (7/9), and 100% on fastbreaks (1/1). Korea's backcourt fired more often but finished at 43% from 9 metres. Haider Salman's 13 saves anchored Bahrain's defense, most of them at critical junctures in the second half. What's Next With qualification out of reach, Bahrain now turn to the President's Cup, where placement from 17th–32nd remains at stake. For a young side that's been through narrow losses and heavy pressure, this first taste of victory could be the catalyst for a strong finish.


Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Sinner Advances After Dimitrov Retires Injured
TDT | Manama Top seed Jannik Sinner booked a place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Monday under the most bittersweet circumstances, as Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire while leading by two sets. In one of the tournament's most dramatic moments so far, Dimitrov had looked in command — playing fluent, high-risk tennis and leading 6–3, 7–5, 2–2 — when he slipped awkwardly after landing a big ace. After a brief medical assessment on court, the Bulgarian tearfully called time on the match, ending a promising run with another injury setback at a major. 'It's really tough to see,' Sinner said on court, standing beside a dejected Dimitrov. 'He's an incredible player and a great friend. If there was any chance he could keep playing, he would have. He didn't deserve this.' Sinner had been struggling himself, playing much of the match with visible discomfort in his serving arm. The Italian later confirmed that he fell awkwardly early in the first set and had felt pain in his right elbow throughout. 'It didn't look like a serious fall in the videos, but I felt it — especially when serving and on the forehand,' he said. 'I'll have an MRI tomorrow and we'll see where we stand. We'll adjust based on the results.' Despite trailing by two sets, Sinner was showing signs of growing into the match before Dimitrov's fall ended things prematurely. The world No. 1 moves into the last eight, where he'll meet American Ben Shelton. Shelton, Cobolli Make History Shelton advanced to his first Wimbledon quarter-final with a four-set win over Lorenzo Sonego — 3–6, 6–1, 7–6(1), 7–5 — showing off his booming serve and athleticism. Joining him in a surprise breakthrough was fellow 22-year-old Flavio Cobolli, who defeated 2014 US Open champion Marin Čilić 6–4, 6–4, 6–7(4), 7–6(3) to reach the last eight of a Slam for the first time. Djokovic Battles Back Novak Djokovic recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Australia's Alex de Minaur 1–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 and move into his 16th Wimbledon quarter-final. The Serb, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, dropped the opening set in just 31 minutes before turning things around with his trademark resilience. Watching from the Royal Box was none other than Roger Federer — the eight-time champion whose Wimbledon record Djokovic is trying to equal. 'We just shared a quick greeting,' Djokovic said. 'He congratulated me. Always special to see him — it was a relief to win in front of him too.' Swiatek, Andreeva, Bencic Cruise Top seed Iga Swiatek showed growing comfort on grass with a 6–4, 6–1 win over Clara Tauson, setting up a quarter-final clash with Liudmila Samsonova, who beat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7–5, 7–5. 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva continued her Centre Court dream run, dispatching American Emma Navarro 6–2, 6–3 in front of her idol Federer to book a showdown with Olympic champion Belinda Bencic. For Bencic, her 7–6(4), 6–4 win over Ekaterina Alexandrova marked a career milestone — her first Wimbledon quarter-final, 15 months after giving birth to her daughter. 'I'm surprised how quickly the results have come,' she admitted. 'But I'm feeling great on court again.' Sinner, bruised but through. Djokovic, still hunting history. And a new wave of young talent crashing into the last eight. Wimbledon 2025 is heating up.


Daily Tribune
08-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Dominate Oman
TDT | Manama Bahrain hit the ground running in the U16 Asia Cup Gulf Qualifiers, sweeping aside Oman 96–44 in front of a buzzing home crowd at the BBA Arena in Umm Al Hassam. The hosts raced to a 31–11 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, controlling the game on both ends of the court. By half-time, the score was 60–23. Key figures deliver for hosts Rassem AlMarzouki rotated Bahrain's squad well throughout, supported by assistant Hani Alam. Five players from Manama Club featured, including Ali Al Ferdousi and Mohammed Farhan, while Al Ahli and Muharraq also had strong representation. Hassan Abdelkadir led the charge with a powerful dunk, multiple blocks, and calm freethrow shooting. Yousif AlSamahiji, who won the Bahraini Premier League with Al Ahli, impressed alongside Hassan AlSamahiji, who competed in the 2024 Bahrain ISF Gymnasiade 3x3 event. Oman's biggest threat, Adam Sulaiman, started brightly but was forced off with injury in the third quarter. Almulham Al Obaidani showed glimpses of promise for a side featuring players from Seeb, Sohar, and Nizwa. Despite encouragement from fellow Tunisian coach Zuhair Al Ayachi and assistant Ali Ismaeel Al Balushi, Bahrain's depth was too strong to overcome. Speaking after the game, Bahrain's head coach Rassem Al Marzouki remained positive: 'Alhamdulillah, we came away with a good impression. We gave all our players a chance and used the opportunity to try different things, especially with the full squad available. Tomorrow, the real tournament begins — we're the only team playing three matches in a row without rest. We'll adjust our defensive strategy, study Kuwait's strengths and weaknesses, and prepare in morning training. We scored 20 points late, we fought hard on both ends, and I believe all our players played well so that's the foundation of a strong team. InshAllah, we'll make the Bahraini crowd proud.' Crowd energy and royal support Drums and music filled the stands as the crowd spurred Bahrain through every play. Notable attendees included HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and Alaa Mudara, President of the Bahrain Basketball Association. Timeouts were used tactically by both sides, but Bahrain's rhythm rarely faltered. Leading 79–31 after three quarters, Bahrain closed out the match 96–44. Eyes on Kuwait Bahrain return to action today at 7:30pm against Kuwait, who beat UAE 63–44 in their opener. Saudi Arabia face UAE earlier at 5:00pm. The tournament, held from July 7 to 12, features five Gulf teams—Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia—and acts as the qualifying stage for September's FIBA Asia U16 Championship in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.