Sudani to Duhok SC: “Live Up to Your Name, Hawks of the Mountains!”

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Just hours ahead of the decisive final in the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani made a stirring phone call to Duhok Sports Club, offering words of encouragement, admiration, and national pride to the players and coaching staff as they prepare to chase history.

In a warm and energetic exchange with Dr. Abdullah Jalal, President of Duhok SC, Prime Minister al-Sudani extended his personal congratulations to the entire team and sports cadres for advancing to this prestigious stage of the regional tournament. “Please pass on my warm greetings to all Duhok Sports Club’s team members and the coaching cadres,” he said. “Accept my sincere congratulations on reaching this stage of the Gulf Club Champions League. This is something we are very proud of!”

Describing the achievement as a point of national pride, al-Sudani reminded the team of football’s unifying force in Iraq. “You know how important soccer is for the Iraqi people,” he said, acknowledging the emotional and cultural resonance the game holds across the country.

Though he had planned to attend the final in person, the Prime Minister cited a last-minute commitment that kept him from traveling to Duhok. “I actually have an urgent commitment, otherwise, I had promised President Masoud Barzani and my brother, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, to attend this game, which is very important for all Iraqis,” he noted.

Invoking the team’s nickname with pride, al-Sudani declared, “Your name is ‘Mountains’ Hawks,’ and Inshallah, you are ‘Today’s Hawks!’” The phrase quickly spread across Iraqi social media platforms as a symbol of national backing for the team.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the players to approach the game with focus and discipline, reminding them to trust in their coach’s strategy. “In such circumstances, I always advise sports teams to fully follow their coach’s instructions!”

Lauding the team’s consistency and quality throughout the competition, al-Sudani praised their tournament run. “Your performance is excellent! We have noticed this during the previous games of the team within this championship.”

He concluded the call with a powerful reminder of his government’s support. “We hope you succeed… And we always repeat this saying with the sports teams: ‘You have to win, and we have to reward and support you.’ Inshallah, we will meet you in Baghdad with the cup to celebrate together.”

Duhok SC’s clash with Kuwait’s Al-Qadisiyah in the second leg of the Gulf Club Champions League final has captivated the attention of the nation. With the first leg ending in a goalless draw, anticipation for the historic moment is at a fever pitch. A win tonight would make Duhok the first Iraqi club to claim the title — a triumph that would echo far beyond the pitch.

As Iraq’s political leadership rallies around the team, the message is clear: Duhok is not playing alone — it carries the pride and hopes of an entire country into the final.