Al Najma Club signs top Brazilian striker Jefferson Maia
MANAMA, BAHRAIN, 24 July, 2008- Al Najma Club announced it has signed top Brazilian striker Jefferson Maia to their team. Bahrain’s leading football club, Al Najma, is sponsored by Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based investment bank with global reach. The club’s recent signing comes as part of its strategy to enhance its squad ahead of next season.
Brazilian striker Jefferson Maia joins Al Najma Club from Bahrain Club where he stood out as top scorer last year. Maia’s skill and pace is certain to boost four time King’s Cup Champion winners, Al Najma, to victory this season.
Ahmed Abdulrahim, Managing Director – Group Support, Ithmaar Bank said, “We are extremely pleased at Al Najma’s new signing. Jefferson Maia will be a welcome addition to the club’s spirited, dynamic team of players. Ithmaar Bank is committed to nurturing the abundant sporting talent that exists within the Kingdom and as such we were pleased to partner with Al Najma Club. The team had a strong season last year and we hope our support will lead them to continued, further success.”
Ithmaar Bank also sponsors Al Najma Club’s various other sporting disciplines which include: handball, basketball and volley ball teams.
Head of the Football Association at Al Najma Club, His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mubarak Al Khalifa said that the club greatly valued the substantial support provided by Ithmaar Bank and that the bank’s sponsorship was essential to improving the team’s performance for the up coming season.
His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa said, "We thank Ithmaar Bank for supporting the club over the past two years. Our partnership with Ithmaar Bank has enabled us to positively develop our team.
A key addition to the team is our new Brazilian striker Jefferson Maia who will play an active role in strengthening the team’s offensive play. “
Al Najma Club also revealed they have signed a prominent Moroccan player, Abdel Rahim Diem, who is set to arrive in the Kingdom of Bahrain shortly - Ithmaar Bank sponsored Diem’s move to the club.
His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa added, "The team has been performing very well, in particular our offensive attackers led by our key striker Rashid Jamal. We hope to continue our aggressive stance next season with the help of our new signings.”
Ithmaar Bank’s sponsorship agreement with Al Najma Club will enable the club to move to new better premises shortly.
About Ithmaar Bank:
Ithmaar Bank B.S.C. is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and listed on the Bahrain and Kuwaiti Stock Exchanges (“ITHMR”). It has a total equity of US$1.2 billion and is a full investment bank with business spanning the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region, as well as Asia-Pacific and Europe. Besides holding significant investments in the banking, financial services and real estate sectors in different markets, the main activities of the Bank include underwriting (equity and other financings), private equity (structuring, participation and portfolio management), Islamic financing, private banking, and advisory services covering project financing, investments, capital markets and mergers & acquisitions.
Ithmaar Bank’s flagship subsidiaries and affiliates include Shamil Bank, Solidarity (an Islamic insurance company, headquartered in Bahrain), Faisal Private Bank (Switzerland), Faysal Bank Limited (Pakistan), First Leasing Bank and Ithmaar Development Company.