Bangladesh football team defender Nasiruddin Chowdhury has accepted that the national side has a dearth of quality players but said the situation can improve if the 63 District Football Associations take a leaf out of the Chittagong DFA’s book.
The 34-year old Abahani booter informed that Chittagong over the years has produced a number of quality players, be it at the national senior side or the age-level teams, and it has only been possible due to regular domestic competitions throughout the year organized by the Chittagong DFA.
If the 63 other DFAs follow suit, then the national side will benefit a great deal, believes Nasiruddin.
“Around seven-eight of us who hail from Chittagong are playing in the national side. In the U-23, U-19 and U-15 teams, the number is even higher. These players are able to express themselves in the Bangladesh Premier League, Bangladesh Championship League, First Division and Second Division,” said Nasiruddin.
“I hope these leagues would continue, so that the pipeline for the national team and other age-level sides has enough back-up.
“Chittagong DFA has continued holding the First Division, Second Division and other leagues, as a result, many players from Chittagong are getting the chance to play in the national team and other age-level sides. I hope the 63 other DFAs will take the same initiative.
“If each district organizes its own First Division and Second Division leagues, then we would get more players. Many good players would emerge. At the end of the day, the national side and our football would benefit.
“There are a lot of good teams and clubs in the BPL, the players are earning handsome amount of money, which is inspiring the young players. The youth are being encouraged to take up the game. Actually, there isn’t any short of enthusiasm among our players, the DFAs have to do the rest. If they come forward and take different initiatives, then I believe our country’s football would go a long way.”
