Resplendent in the flags of the countries due to compete at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the team buses of the 16 national teams participating in next month’s continental championship were unveiled in Doha.

The 45-seater vehicles will transfer players and coaching staff to and from their official hotels to matches and training sessions and each has also been emblazoned with a slogan or nickname chosen by fans in a competition conducted on the-afc.com.

Defending champions Iraq will travel around Qatar in a bus bearing the team’s nickname, ‘The Lions of Mesopotamia’ while Australia’s Socceroos will be ferried around in a bus proclaiming ‘We’re the Thunder from Down Under’.

The move was hailed by Asian Football Confederation general secretary Alex Soosay.

“This is the first time the AFC has done something like this, along with the QLOC,” said the Malaysian.

“The slogans are selected by the fans and it gives a very vibrant look to the buses and a burst of pride for the players.

“We’ve been inside and the buses are very comfortable. It’s the first time we have done something like this. I’m sure the players will be very motivated to see such an initiative.”

Source: AFC

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