The national team from Bahrain – a largely Islamic island country located in the Persian Gulf between Saudia Arabia and Iran – has been sticking to a tight schedule including two training sessions each day, as well as strict meal, prayer and rest times.

Bahrain Football Association president Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa says their regional Victorian host city has helped boost confidence ahead of the competition.

“We felt a warm welcome from the people of Ballarat,” he said.

“All of the players are happy to have had this experience in this wonderful city, we’ve had two good friendly games with two positive results.”

Bahrain opens against Iran in Melbourne on Sunday.

Despite being the lowest ranking team in the group at 122, Shaikh Ali said the players are in good spirits.

“There’s a good confidence buzz throughout the team,” he said.

“Ballarat is a city of gold, hopefully we will grab something gold at the end of this tournament.”

An official exchange of gifts been team officials and the Ballarat City Council took place to mark the farewell.

The team was presented with a book about Ballarat, a photo and pins.

In return the council was given a signed team jersey and miniature replica of a national Bahrain monument.

The $8.6 million Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility development was a key part of attracting the team.

Ballarat Mayor John Phillips says the investment has proven to be worthwhile.

“There’s always value for the city of Ballarat to have international teams here,” he said.

“But to also know that the soccer facilities that we’re building meet the needs of those levels of teams, so that we know that in the future we’ll be able to host more teams.”