The woman who dreams of being the first men’s basketball coach in Bahrain

On a basketball court, Fatima Reyadh gives instructions to the players of a men’s club in Bahrain, where she has succeeded in overcoming prejudice against women in the small conservative Gulf kingdom.

Signed as assistant coach by the Al-Najma club, from Manama, the capital, the 33-year-old woman dreams of climbing the ladder and one day leading the team and winning the Bahrain championship.

“At the beginning of my career, there was not the same level of acceptance as today,” Fatima Reyadh tells AFP, in a training that takes place under the gaze of her seven-year-old daughter.

“The presence of women in the world of sports was perceived as strange, especially in basketball,” recalls the 30-year-old.

“In the beginning, there was concern. But with my work and dedication, I have shown that doubts about my ability to lead the team were unfounded,” celebrates this woman, who is a taekwondo black belt.

He considers himself “just like any other basketball coach.”

With rare exceptions, especially in women’s football, teams managed by women are rare in the world of sport in general. And in the conservative Gulf region, the situation of Fatima Ryad is even more surprising.

– A “bold” choice –

Wanting to soften their image, several countries in the region have put women in business, sports or cultural positions, although they rarely hold top positions.

Fatima Reyadh wants to reach the end of her dream since she inherited her passion from her mother, whom she sometimes accompanied to her work, as she was also the coach of a women’s basketball team.

The young Bahraini began in this way coaching a team of girls, and then boys, before being signed by Al-Najma. A “bold” decision, estimates the club’s technical director, Raouf Habil.

“Communication was a bit difficult at first with the players, but it has become much easier over time,” he explains.

Bahraini society is considered one of the most open in the Gulf region. According to official figures, women represented 32% of the active population between 2010 and 2019 and held 54% of public service positions.

The government has four women among its 24 ministers, although none of them hold any of the most important positions.

For one of the Al-Najma club players, Hussein Shaker, “Fatima Reyadh is one of the talents that represent successful Bahraini women.”

“I encourage women in sport,” she adds, hoping to see “more examples” like Fatima Reyadh on her country’s men’s teams.

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AFP

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The woman who dreams of being the first men’s basketball coach in Bahrain