It is a big day for Bangladesh striker Sabina Khatun, goalkeeper Sabina Akter and midfielder Mirona who will fly to Maldives today afternoon to play in the MAF Women’s Championship 2015 in Male. The Bangladesh trio will be representing Dhivehi Sifainge Club, an outfit of Maldives National Defense Force.
The MAF (Football Association of Maldives) Women’s Championship will kick off on May 24 and end on June 12. Sabina and her compatriots are expected to play four matches.
It was 22-year-old Sabina Khatun’s trip to Maldives earlier this year that opened the doors for the female footballers of the country. The striker was the first ever female footballer to be recruited in a foreign league and her dazzling performance paved the path for the future. Sabina Khatun played for Police Club in the Maldives Women’s Futsal Fiesta in March-April where she netted 36 goals from just six matches, averaging six goals per match.
The deputy chairperson of BFF women’s football committee, Mahfuza Akter Kiron, informed that Sabina Khatun will earn double than her last trip as she will receive $1200 along with air ticket, accommodation and other facilities while first-timers Sabina Akter and Mirona will be paid $600 each.
“I went there alone last time, but I’m excited that I will go there with two of my teammates this time. We will give our best and hopefully we can uplift the image of our country,” said Sabina Khatun yesterday. “As a striker my target in any tournament is to become the highest scorer.”
The trio made their domestic debut together in the Citycell National Women’s Football Championship in 2009 before making their international debut a year later.