After almost one and a half decades as head coach, Golam Rabbani Choton finally parted ways with the national women's football team. The 54-year old said he achieved everything he set out to do and wants to take on a new challenge after taking a break. Dhaka Tribune met him beside a tiny playground at his locality for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts:
How is life since leaving the job?
It's good. I'm relaxed. I don't have to follow the everyday routine, like waking up at dawn, going to the field, preparing training schedules, training the players and be busy throughout the day. I'm free from all that.
Don't you miss coaching?
At the moment, I do. But now I can give time to myself and my family. I'm also enjoying this. I'm living my life – waking up, attending prayers and going for a walk in the morning.
Was it a sudden decision to leave or pre-planned?
I wanted this long ago. I even talked to a club (Bashundhara Kings) last November before the women's football league. At that time I was thinking of leaving. I tried but the federation (Bangladesh Football Federation) didn't want me to leave. My salary was increased by $500.
Then what happened? Why did you quit?
I continued working. I passed a very hectic schedule in the last five-six years. There were lots of tournaments (mostly youth), preparation and training sessions. Overall, I was very busy. I couldn't give time to my family. I didn't even have time for myself. I also got tired (staring away).
BFF offered you to take your own time and return whenever you want. Why did you say no?
I saw that there was no chance the tight schedule would change. I left but those who are working are following the same schedule. Sometimes, there were three teams to train. Now, two teams practice in the morning. They go to the field at around 5am in the morning. It ends at around 9am. There is gym session afterwards. They are busy all day.
Do you want change?
No. I just want rest. Women's football is now a bigger sector. There are expectations to do better and that is why, there are more activities. It is my personal choice to leave.
Did you ever feel boredom working at the same place for 14 years?
Never felt like this. As a coach, I think it's an achievement to work for a team for 14 years. Coaches change constantly all over the world. I feel lucky to have stayed there for such a long time. Taking break is necessary. I'm also getting older.
Any complaints?
I have no complaint. There is no issue. I worked for BFF for 18 years. I can say I'm happy because I have a good relation with everyone. When you are at a workplace you may not like everything. It's not an issue, so I have no anger as well.
Was there anything you asked for but didn't get?
No. The BFF always tried. They increased my salary last November. They did it despite their limitations. Besides, I don't have much of a habit to ask for something. In terms of achievements as a coach, there was nothing left that I wanted but couldn't achieve.
Have you found any loopholes in women's football?
It may seem like I know more if I give any advice, but BFF knows better. The number of women footballers has increased. I think they need more game opportunities.
What do you have to say on the retirement of Sajeda Khatun and Sirat Jahan Shopna?
Sajeda was excluded from the camp due to her performance. She is still young. I think she got emotional and decided to quit. Shopna is a bit older and took the decision analyzing the overall situation. Her retirement is a big loss for the country. But it'll also be good for them if they return.
