Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury said he is eagerly awaiting his debut in the upcoming SAFF Championship and believes the national team is capable of achieving something special despite the pressure and expectations surrounding them.
Speaking in an interview with Agamir Somoy, the Leicester City midfielder expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s progress over the past year and insisted the team is ready to challenge for the regional title.
The SAFF Championship is likely to take place in November, and Hamza does not expect club commitments to create any complications.
“I don’t think so. There will be an international break at that time,” Hamza said regarding the possibility of missing the tournament due to club duties.
“Believe me, I am looking forward to this SAFF Championship. I know there will be a lot of pressure on us. But I believe that together we can do something great for the country.”
Bangladesh have not reached a SAFF Championship final since 2003 and are still chasing their second title. However, Hamza feels the rest of South Asia has already taken notice of Bangladesh’s rapid improvement.
“Of course we will try,” he said. “I think the other SAFF countries know how much we have improved and what a good team we are. We just have to go out on the field and show everyone that.”
The 27-year-old, who has represented Bangladesh for more than a year, also praised the quality and mentality of the local players, admitting they have exceeded his initial expectations.
“What I thought before coming here, the quality of the local players has exceeded my expectations,” said Hamza. “We are all very hungry for success and highly motivated to play for the country.
“Throughout the Asian Cup qualifiers, you have seen that we have gained experience and are playing better as a team.”
Bangladesh’s long-standing struggle to produce quality strikers was another topic during the interview. While acknowledging the issue, Hamza singled out forward Rakib Hossain for praise.
“I don’t know much about the domestic league in Bangladesh. But there are definitely some great qualities in Rakib,” he said.
“He has the ability to do more than just score goals, and that is what our team needs most. Experience makes you a better player and a better finisher. The team needs someone who can finish clinically.”
Hamza also shared his thoughts on the Bangladesh Football Federation’s search for a new head coach following the departure of Javier Cabrera.
The former Premier League player said he enjoyed working under Cabrera and drew comparisons between the Spaniard and his former Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca.
“I think I enjoyed working with Javier. I played under Enzo at Leicester. Javier has a lot in common with him,” Hamza explained.
“I think our team adapted well to him. Someone with a strong profile and a clear style of management can be given the responsibility.”
Away from Bangladesh football, Hamza also revealed his favourites for the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, naming Brazil, Spain, France and England as his preferred last-four line-up.
“Many of my friends play for England, so I want them to do well. But France are a great team this time,” he said.
“Brazil have a big chance under Carlo Ancelotti.”
Despite Bangladesh being far from football’s biggest stage, Hamza insisted he believes the country can one day qualify for the World Cup if the right development structure is maintained.
“InshaAllah. Of course Bangladesh will play, but we have to walk the right path,” he said.
“With the passion of the people in this country, the desire to learn, and the hunger for improvement that I have seen in the players, it is definitely possible.”