Tough times ahead of Sheikh Jamal

Plagued by players’ injury and struck by the non- eligibility of foreign players, Bangladesh Premier League runners-up Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will be a mere shadow of its recent past when they take the field for Super Cup, starting from June 14. With first choice goalkeeper Maksusdur Rahman Mostak still under rehabilitation, suffering from a knee injury, key midfielders Enamul Haque Sharif and Shakil Ahmed are also not fully fit. Jamal began their preparations with only 13 players and they look forward to fill the vacuum with footballers from their academy. They are also looking for players who would boost their attacking line up. Nigerian coach Joseph Afusi has flown home on a one-month vacation as per the proclamation of manager Anwarul Karim Helal and the team picked out former national winger and Brothers Union coach Wasim Iqbal, who has been conducting the camp. Helal explained the scenario of his team. “We were reluctant to play the Super Cup, but responding to the request of the football federation president we moved to the field and started preparations. A number of our players are injured and we will fill the vacuum with our academy players and if possible hire a few from other clubs,” said Helal. However, with the existing resources Jamal wants to fight it out with the other competitors. “We have got some seasoned players. Out defence is strong and the midfield is quite ok. However, we have some problems in the offence and we want to fight it out as the tournament is an all local one,” said Helal. In the Bangladesh Premier League Jamal heavily relied on their Nigerian recruits. Forwards Sunday Chizoba, Mike Otojeri, Alfred Emoefe, Chibuzo Joseph Ozurumba and midfielder Okemmiri Ikechuwn along with defender Ossagie Monday were the key foreigners. The vacuum created by their departure will be hard to fill for Jamal who won the BPL title in their very first appearance in 2010.  Helal thought if the players can raise their fitness to the highest level then anything is possible. “After the league we stopped our camp and when the players returned they were not in good shape due to rest of more than two weeks. The coach is working hard to attain the fitness. The quality are there, we will prove our worth,” Helal added.