The sudden departure of Mohammedan’s Portuguese head coach Rui Jose Capela Batista saw former national striker Alfaz Ahmed make his debut as a coach of the Black and Whites against Chittagong Abahani yesterday. Batista returned home last Sunday due to his wife’s sickness who is reportedly diagnosed with cancer.
Alfaz, himself a Mohammedan legend, hung up his boots two seasons ago after enjoying a glittering career which lasted more than a decade. After obtaining his AFC C coaching license last year, it was it was indeed a good start as Mohammedan gifted him a win although not in a way he expected.
“It feels really great (to coach Mohammedan). They played well but I expected more goals,” said Alfaz after the game. “I played for Mohammedan. I love the club. I will support the club as long as possible. I prepare myself in that way,” he added.
Unlike other coaches, Alfaz was hardly ever seen to move out of his seat in the dugout out but the nervousness was visible on his face throughout the game. Mohammedan was not at their best and even when they were leading, they were seen in their own half most often.
“When you are 1-0 behind, any team in the world would be under pressure. There was tension as it was my first match as coach. Besides, our vital player midfielder Hemnata couldn’t play today (Saturday) and Demien was not fully fit as well. So we struggled a bit in midfield,” said Alfaz.
When the talk was about Portuguese coach Rui Capela Batista, Alfaz himself looked baffled for a moment but he got himself on track immediately. “A bit of pressure without the head coach (Batista). He left suddenly but he will come back may be in the next month,”
Meanwhile, Mohammedan manager Amirul Islam Babu said the club will confirm the current and actual status of the coach within two days.
