DEFENDING champions Al Hidd take on Sitra in the opening match of His Majesty the King’s Cup.

The draw for the event was made yesterday at ART Rotana, Amwaj Island.

All nineteen teams in both divisions of the Bahrain League will participate in the competition with the last six in the second division taking part in qualification rounds. 

Hidd claimed the title last year for the first time in their history defeating Busaiteen 2-0.

The qualification rounds will see Al Shabab face Isa Town with the winner clashing with Muharraq in  round of 16. 

The second game of the qualifications will see Al Ittihad come up against Al Tadhamun with the winner facing Riffa while Qalaly and Al Ittifaq will conclude the qualification round  with the winner facing Malkiya. 

Yesterday’s draw was attended by Bahrain Football Association (BFA) president Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and other members of the association, club representatives and the local media.

Clash

Bahrain Club face Busaiteen, Budaiyaa take on Al Najma, East Riffa clash with Manama while Al Ahli meet Al Hala in the other round of 16 showdowns.

His Majesty the King’s Cup has been played annually  since 1952 and has seen Muharraq crowned champions a record 31 times.

Their closest opponents Al Ahli have won the title eight times with Riffa third with five titles. 

The tournament began as Emir Cup in 1952 and it was later changed to Federation Cup in 1960 before going back to its old name which stood till 2003.

As Bahrain officially turned into a Kingdom it was changed into His Majesty the King’s Cup. The dates and venues of the games are yet to be announced.