JEDDAH: Oman Football Association (OFA) Chairman Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidi has underlined the importance of a genuine partnership between the association and the media, describing the press as a mirror of its work and welcoming constructive criticism as an essential part of developing Omani football.
Speaking during a meeting with Omani journalists covering Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah on Tuesday, Al Busaidi praised the media delegation for its coverage of the tournament and highlighted the role of the Ministry of Information in supporting the team's work.
“We believe that the media is a true mirror of all the work carried out by the Oman Football Association. We welcome constructive criticism that contributes to the development of Omani football,” Al Busaidi said.
He thanked the journalists for attending the gathering and commended the Omani media team at the tournament's media centre, describing its work as a positive reflection of the country's media capabilities.
Al Busaidi also acknowledged the facilities provided by the Saudi organisers, saying the media centre had met the requirements of different media organisations and facilitated their coverage.
DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES PATIENCE
Turning to the future of Omani football, the OFA chairman stressed that development requires patience, adding that the coming period would be important in building on the work already undertaken by the association.
He pointed to the qualification of Oman's youth team for the AFC Asian Cup alongside Saudi Arabia as an encouraging development, saying the players would receive particular attention as part of the long-term plan.
“This team will be given clear attention and, God willing, it will form the nucleus of our Olympic team and the senior national team in the near future,” he said.
Al Busaidi also highlighted the importance of investing in promising young players across the national age-group teams, expressing confidence that they would leave their mark on Omani football in the coming years.
Regarding the senior national team, he said its qualification hopes remained alive, while expressing hope that other circumstances would work in Oman's favour.
“We still have a chance in the tournament, and we hope the other circumstances will serve the team and help it qualify,” he said.
The OFA chairman also praised the support of Omani fans, describing them as passionate supporters whose presence gives the team strength and motivation.
“We promise that in the coming period there will be something for the Omani fans to be proud of in their national team,” he added.
Al Busaidi said the current development programme should also be viewed in the context of future continental and global competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup and Fifa World Cup, stressing that achieving those ambitions would require substantial and sustained work.
He concluded by thanking the media delegation for its coverage of the tournament, expressing hope that Oman would have a stronger presence in the competition in future editions.
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