The top-flight clubs returned to full swing in training following a short vacation due to Christmas and the national election, after the BFF announced that the Bangladesh Premier League would kick off on January 18 this year.
Defending champion Abahani Limited, former treble winner Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited all resumed their preparation Wednesday, along with Saif Sporting Club.
Independence Cup champion Bashundhara Kings cut short their vacation and will begin training Friday, ahead of their debut appearance in the professional league.
Bashundhara provided their players, coaches and staffs a 10-day vacation after winning the maiden Independence Cup title on Boxing Day.
The vacation was scheduled to end Monday.
#BFF reveals 2019 calendar https://t.co/CklzTVtTIE
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) January 2, 2019
“We expected the league to start after the 20th, but after the kick-off date was brought forward by two days, the club decided to reduce the vacation. All local players will join the camp Friday morning,” said interim head coach Mahbub Hossain Roksy.
However, Bashundhara’s Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon and four foreign recruits, including Daniel Colindres, will enjoy the full vacation and will return to training Monday.
Federation Cup champion, Abahani’s Portuguese head coach Mario Lamos returned to the club after vacation at home, and conduced Thursday's afternoon training session at the club ground.
Haitian international Kervens Belfort couldn’t join training due to injury.
Independence Cup finalist, Sheikh Russel also kicked off their preparation without their foreign recruits, while Sheikh Jamal also resumed the camp without their Nigerian head coach Joseph Afusi, who is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka from London Friday.