Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan joined the national team training camp in Dhaka Thursday ahead of the Afghanistan friendlies soon after returning from Argentina where he signed for Sol de Mayo and was given the captaincy on debut.
The midfielder said he was surprised by the club president’s decision to give him the captain’s armband in his very first match in South America as he repaid the faith with a goal.
“I was surprised in the first game because I was totally a new player and then the president gave me the captaincy. I was happy. They helped me a lot,” Jamal told reporters after Thursday's practice session at the Kings Arena.
Jamal also talked about his experience in Argentina where he found everything different from Bangladesh, starting from food to playing style.
“Everything is different there. First of all, the food is different. It’s winter season there so it was very cold. I’m adapting gradually,” he said before adding, “Playing style is different. The humans are different. Overall, it’s been a good experience.”
Bangladesh will play a couple of FIFA friendlies against Afghanistan Monday and Thursday at the Kings Arena.
Jamal, who returned to Dhaka Wednesday morning, said he is happy to be back.
“I feel happy to join after a long time. It’s good to be back in Bangladesh,” he said.
“Afghanistan are a strong team. Their maximum players play in Europe so they are strong. They are also 30/40 places above us (in FIFA rankings).
“But it’s our home ground so we have advantage. We have to keep the same spirit from SAFF Championship. I think we can get a good result.”
Bangladesh’s assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun said the joining of the captain in the camp boosted the team spirit.
“Jamal finally joined the team. Coach (Javier Cabrera) asked him first if he can attend (Thursday's) session but the attitude he (Jamal) showed made us happy. He wanted to attend the full session despite the long flight,” said Mamun.
The former national defender added, “The responsibility he showed for the team and country as a captain made an impact on the whole side. The players were inspired.”
