The seventh edition of the Bangladesh Premier Football League kicks off today with defending champions Sheikh Russell Krira facing Uttar Baridhara in the opening match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. the competition wide open thanks to six equally competitive teams who all have the capacity to win the title. Russell will take to field knowing that their quest for a treble like the previous season has already ended with them losing the title of Federation Cup to Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club.
Jamal proved that they are a little bit ahead compared to other title contenders, though the coaches of different teams said there are no clear favourites in the league – there are six equally strong teams who all have the capacity to win the title – which will be played in three phases, a new system introduced by the BFF this season.
With each team set to play at least 27 matches, coaches said it will a tough thing to predict a winner at the start of the league.
Reigning champions Russell coach Maruful Haque admitted they are under some pressure after the side were eliminated in the Federation Cup quarter-final.
`The players were surprised at the early exit from the Federation Cup and it came as a wake-up call for us,’ said Maruf. ‘If we are to retain the title we have to give our best.’
Maruf built his team around three foreign midfielders – Uruguayan Francisco Pasqueta, Frenchmen Maxim Rogers and Jamaican Ricardo Cousine – but admitted that his present squad is not as good as last season’s.
-With New Age input
