Bangladesh women’s football team and the coaching staff members are currently riding a wave of euphoria after the Saff Championship success.
The Bengal Tigresses are the darlings of the nation right now with songs of praises being sung in all corners of the country and the countrymen eagerly waiting to welcome their heroines from Nepal Wednesday afternoon.
But it wasn’t always like this.
When women’s football began its journey in Bangladesh, not only did the footballers face a lot of opposition and ridicule, but also the custodians who were entrusted with the responsibility of taking the game forward, chiefly head coach Golam Rabbani Choton.
Here is one man who has seen it all, a coach who has been with the Bangladesh women booters from day one, when it all started.
But he too encountered his share of shame and degradation, and from his friends no less, as he was sarcastically called a “women’s coach” back then.
Although there isn’t any lack of adulation at the moment, Choton hasn’t forgotten those days when women’s football in Bangladesh was in its embryonic stage.
“When I took over as coach of the women’s team, many of my friends used to call me a ‘women’s coach’. When I walked on the road, I used to be called ‘women’s coach’. They used to make fun of me this way. I did not think that way. I was always fond of my work,” said Choton during the post-match press conference.
“I would like to salute my players. They played outstanding football. The dedication they have for the country and their parents, they have showed it. The girls have come far, they are ready now. (Bangladesh Football) Federation president Kazi Salahuddin had this dream in 2016, if the girls undergo long-term training, if we can keep the girls together, maybe success would come. It has happened. Bangladesh’s population of 18 crore, the current situation on social media, and the way media is praising us, obviously it’s a great feeling,” he added.
Bangladesh overcame hosts Nepal 3-1 in Monday’s final in Kathmandu in front of a full house but Choton said his charges were never nervous in anticipation of facing the Himalayan nation at their backyard.
Rather, they targeted scoring an early goal which would in turn put Nepal under pressure and that’s exactly what happened as Shamsunnahar Jr gave Bangladesh the lead in the 13th minute.
“I had a thought a day before the final that there would be lots of spectators, most of whom would support Nepal, even when I was a player I played in front of 50,000 fans in Mohammedan-Abahani matches. I was prepared from those experiences. The girls too didn’t face any problems with it. We knew Nepal would be under pressure if they conceded early. And that’s what happened. Before the final Nepal played three matches while we played four. The girls’ fitness and determination, really it was outstanding,” said the jubilant coach.