Bangladesh Saff camp received a boost as star winger Zahid Hossain Chowdhury and striker Shakhawat Hossain Rony joined the national training camp after recovering from injuries yesterday.
Though Zahid is fully fit to feature in national team’s fourth warm-up match against Team BJMC today, Rony is yet to regain his match fitness. This is the first time the national duo attended a practice session under Dutch coach Lodewijk de Kruif since the camp began 15 days ago.
Zahid, who was suffering from a thigh muscle tear, said he took more time to recover than usual just to make sure he does not suffer another setback. The Sheikh Russell forward missed the previous edition of Saff Championship due to injury and he is determined to make it this time.
“I couldn’t play previous Saff footballs. There was a fear I could miss this one too. I could have joined the camp a bit early, but I took time and made sure I’m fully fit. Coach also gave me enough time to become fit,” said Zahid who is expected to feature in today’s warm-up match.
On the other hand, Abahani striker Rony still lacks confidence and said if the coach wants him to play today he is ready despite not obtaining full match fitness.
“This is the first time I joined this camp. Today (Tuesday) I only did practice with the ball and played a 15-20minute match. I took the field after a long time so I have not yet gained match fitness. The confidence is not 100 percent as well, but if coach wants I can play tomorrow (today),” said the youngster, who was suffering from groin injury.
With Rony’s return to the squad Kruif now has four options for the striking position with Emily, Wahed Ahmed and Toklis Ahmed.
