Ardeshir Pournemat, the Iranian coach of Dhaka Abahani, virtually called his relations with the club off after they were demolished 3-1 by Team BJMC yesterday. Slamming the players as an undisciplined bunch, the Iranian coach said football in the country will never improve if the club management of the teams does not step forward to wipe out the irregularities. “I did not have any control over the players, I could not measure the intensity of the practices as the players started it before the scheduled time. After the practice sessions, the players were not taking adequate rests, moreover the practice field was also one of the major causes of injuries,” said the Iranian, adding that a piece of broken glass ruined his goalie Sohel’s knee in a practice session. He continued that many of his players got injured when they were out of the club. “I also did not have any control over the player’s entrance and exit in the club, a number of players got injured when they were outside the club, I had to play today’s crucial match with a second grade side,” fumed Pournemat. Abahani skipper Waly Faisal declined to comment about the coach’s tirade, but admitted that the players could not play according to their coach’s direction. It is uncertain whether the Iranian will still be with the team when they fly to Nepal next week for the AFC Presidents Cup. Team BJMC coach Zakaria Babu by contrast, was all praise for his players. “They played with their hearts out and were the deserved victors, I don’t think Abahani’s defence was weak because of the absence of some key players, they have got an efficient reserve bench. It was my players who made the difference,” Babu said. BJMC’d man of the match Tokils felt he is improving day by day. “After getting the national call I think my motivation is on a high, I was confident of pulling out a good show and it is my first win against Abahani” said the young forward.
Monday, April 28, 2025
