By Hussain Almaskati. Bahrain's Somto Patrick Onoduenyi and Hussien Fouad claimed individual honours as the kingdom's youth team celebrated a first-ever title at the U16 Arab Basketball Championship in Cairo. Onoduenyi was named Most Valuable Player, while Fouad picked up the Best Three-Point Shooter
Bahrain’s Somto Patrick Onoduenyi and Hussien Fouad claimed individual honours as the kingdom’s youth team celebrated a first-ever title at the U16 Arab Basketball Championship in Cairo.
Onoduenyi was named Most Valuable Player, while Fouad picked up the Best Three-Point Shooter award after Bahrain beat Algeria 81-63 in Sunday’s final.
The victory capped an unbeaten run for Bahrain, who swept all five of their group-stage matches — including wins over Qatar, Algeria, Kuwait, Tunisia and Egypt — before easing past Algeria in the gold medal game.
It continues a strong run of form for the side, who also lifted the Fiba U16 Asia Cup Gulf Qualifiers on home soil last month.
Bahrain’s success is seen as a product of the Khalid Bin Hamad Golden Generation League, a domestic initiative designed to identify and develop young basketball talent.
The squad are expected to receive a hero’s welcome on their return to Manama, before turning their attention to next month’s Fiba U16 Asia Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
