Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin hopes to capitalise on the interest of thousands of football lovers during the FIFA World Cup trophy’s stay in Bangladesh.
Players from the national football team also said that seeing the trophy had increased their motivation to perform well in the future.The BFF president arrived at the Radisson BLU Water Garden Hotel on Thursday afternoon and marvelled at the thousands of football lovers who remained to catch a glimpse of the trophy.
‘I came here not to see the trophy, and not to take a picture with the cup, but to see the interest of people who love football,’ said Salahuddin.
‘Ignoring the 72-hour blockage called by 18-party opposition alliance, a huge number of football fans gathered here to see the trophy, which proves that Bangladesh is a football-loving nation and that it is very important to develop the game,’ he added.
Salahuddin was also hopeful that Coca-Cola, a corporate partner of FIFA, would assist the BFF in developing the game in Bangladesh.
‘The FIFA World Cup trophy tour perhaps didn’t bring any good developments for football, but I believe that, after a successful event, Coca-Cola will join with us to develop football in the country,’ said Salahuddin.
Meanwhile, members of national team expressed their satisfaction at receiving the opportunity to view the trophy on Thursday.
The footballers admitted, however, that it would not be possible for them to qualify for the World Cup at their present level of football.
‘I strongly believe that this trophy will motivate us to play better in the future,’ said national team striker Zahid Hasan Ameli.
‘But it’s also true that it’s not possible to qualify for the World Cup with our present strength. We have to change our whole football structure to reach the goal,’ he added.
National team left-back Wali Faisal was delighted to see the prestigious trophy.
‘I saw this trophy, which many legendary footballers held in the past and maybe some stars like Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar will kiss after a few months, so it’s a great pleasure for me to see this trophy,’ said Wali.
‘But at the same time I’m frustrated by the thought that we might have to be happy with just seeing the trophy because we are unable to play for the trophy.’
National team captain Mamunul Islam, whose squad were wearing their national side jerseys for the occasion, was also happy to see the trophy.
`At last the authority let us see the trophy together. Now we have to go forward to fulfil our next dream to qualify for the World Cup,’ said Mamunul.
Unprivileged children from the Jaago Foundation and the Shishu Academy also had an opportunity to see the trophy. They were taken inside the VIP room and were each given a photograph with the trophy.
Following the end of the display programme at the Radisson, the trophy was taken for a viewing at the American embassy, after which it was returned to the hotel.
-With New Age input
