Former Bangladesh striker Alfaz Ahmed kicked off his professional coaching career as the head coach of newly-promoted outfit Uttar Baridhara Club, during their opening Federation Cup match against Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Friday at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.
Alfaz, whose long playing career stretched from 1991 to 2013, was the assistant coach of his former club Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited in 2014-15.
He also coached the Mohammedan women’s team and Bangladesh Army football side before completing his AFC A license last year.
Most of the Baridhara players have no premier league experience with the exception of right-back Saidul Hoque and Gambian forward Landing Darboe.
Alfaz was happy with the 1-0 defeat.
Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra started their TVS Federation Cup 2019 campaign with a solitary-goal victory over Uttar Baridhara Club in the opening Group D match at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.https://t.co/Smj5Q0yjSO#FOOTBALL #FEDERATIONCUP #CUP #FEDERATION #BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 20, 2019
“Federation Cup is a preparation tournament for us. Like me as a coach, most of the players are new in top-flight, that is why they lacked experience,” said Alfaz after the game.
Unlike other clubs, Alfaz fielded a local, Sumon Reza, in the center forward role.
“Most of the clubs do not give local strikers the opportunity, except a few like Nabib Newaj Jibon. They deserve regular playing times. I want to produce new players, strikers for the national team,” he added.
Alfaz, who once became AFC player of the month in 1996, began his career at Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society before playing for Mohammedan, Sheikh Russel, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra, Arambagh Krira Sangha, Abahani Limited and Brothers Union.
He played for the national team from 1995 to 2008 before finally calling it a day at Mohammedan in 2013.
