Nigerian coach Joseph Afusi, the man who guided Sheikh Jamal to their second Bangladesh Premier League title and Federation Cup glory, is likely to set his foot one step higher in the I- league by taking over the reins of Goa based club Churchill Brothers as the head coach.
After Sheikh Jamal confirmed their premier league title with a win over Abahani two days ago, Joseph Afusi congratulated the club through a facebook status and thanked the players, officials, management and Bangladeshi people for the support he received from them during his time at the Dhanmondi club. He also announced his next move to the I-League.
Afusi began his career in Bangladesh as a player and assistant coach of Sheikh Jamal before taking the responsibility of the head coach the following year. In his debut season as coach, Sheikh Jamal finished second in three professional tournaments - premier league, Federation cup and Independence Cup, under the guidance of Nigerian coach.
Jamal built a new squad recruiting top rated players from the league and Afusi won his first title in the form of the Federation Cup, the season opener. His club then put up a sparkling display in the 118th IFA Shield in Kolkata where they finished runners-up. This achievement of his actually drew the attention of I-League clubs.
“A very big thanks to all my players. You have made me proud. Without you, I’m nobody. I will always remember your hard work and dedication throughout the season,” said Afusi through facebook before adding, “Sad to say goodbye, but that is part of our job. All I need from you is your prayers for my next assignment in I-league.”
The new premier league champions appointed former Sheikh Russell coach Maruful Haque as the chief technical consultant during the second phase of the league, and this appointment of Maruf might have been the indication that Afusi’s days at the club were all but over. He was not with Sheikh Jamal throughout the third phase of the league and his last game in charge of Shiekh Jamal came against Sheikh Russell on May 28.
Afusi, however, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Jamal president Manjur Kader saying, “You (Manjur Kader) have played a very big part in my new life.”
