Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin declared a monetary award of Tk10m for the national football team, provided they win the final of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup against Malaysia Under-23 tomorrow at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Salahuddin held a meeting with the national side at the team hotel yesterday and motivated the players to perform to the best of their abilities for the sake of the country’s football. “The momentum is with you. You can present the nation a football title that has been alluring us for a long time. A title will also help us to develop the game. I hope you will rise to the occasion,” said Salahuddin to the players.
Prior to the start of the tournament, Salahuddin announced an incentive of Tk5m for the national team in the event of them securing a semifinal berth. Salahuddin said he has already fulfilled his promise. “It is our commitment to the national team. Tk5m has already been awarded. Another 5m will be added to the previous amount for being the champions,” added the BFF boss.
The third edition of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup has been a huge success with the crowds of Dhaka and Sylhet - the two venues hosting the international tournament. Every time the hosts played, the stadium was packed to the rafters. Even when the home side were not involved, the two stadiums – BNS and Sylhet District Stadium – were nearly full.
The interest shown by the football-loving people was not lost on Salahuddin.
“I enjoyed the scenario. Football is on the up again. We have to continue the trend,” Salahuddin concluded.