Mamunul Islam, the innovative midfield general of Bangladesh national team, asked his team-mates for perfect teamwork after Bangladesh Football Federation officially appointed him as the captain for the Saff Championship yesterday.
The left-foot specialist was appointed as the acting captain in the AFC Challenge Cup back in March and was duly promoted as the full time captain this time. His agility in the center of the pitch, the left footed curved crosses, corners and the precise through passes and the consistent performances made him the front runner for the post.
The man from Chittagong focused upon the tasks ahead. “Every player of the national team is eager to win the Saff Championship as Bangladesh won the last Saff Championship back in 2003 and we are hungry for the title. Every step of the training is focused upon the Saff Championship and we are working hard, all I want to ask from my team-mates is a perfect teamwork,” said Mamunul.
Mamunul liked the way Dutch coach Lodewijk de Kruif is conducting the camp. “The Dutch way of football is playing a pressing game with neat passing and possession, controlling the ball is equally important, we have been working hard and we want see the implementation in the upcoming Thailand tour. Only three weeks has passed and another five weeks left ahead and that is most important,” he said.
Taking a walk down the memory lane Mamunul hoped they don’t repeat the mistakes of the last match when Thailand drubbed Bangladesh 5-0. “We won’t commit the same mistakes as we are well prepared now and will be trying to produce a good result, we are focused to rectify our mistakes and the prime focus will be the Saff Championship,” said the midfielder.
Asked about his family reactions of being appointed as the captain Mamunul said his father’s dream has come true. “My father Nurul Islam was a football organiser in the port city of Chittagong club Kallol Shangha. He was the happiest person to see his son being appointed as the national captain, he has sought blessings from all the concerned,” said the national captain.
