Bangladesh’s goal scoring hero against Sri Lanka Hemanta Vincent Biswas asked the clubs officials to give the local strikers more playing chances in domestic matches.
The 18-year old attacking midfielder, who celebrated his first goal in his fourth international appearances, claimed that if the strikers are given enough opportunities they can prove their worth at international level too.
‘Most of the clubs preferred foreign players in the attacking line,’ said Hemanta, who is hailed from an indigenous group in Dinajpur.
Hemanta impressed some 15,000 fans at the Bangabandhu National Stadium to score the only goal of the match five minutes from the break which was enough for Bangladesh to book their place in the semi-finals.
‘I believe if the local strikers get more playing chances, it will help them develop their skills that ultimately will benefit the national side,’ he said.
Hemanta burst into the international scene with the international friendly match against India last year, when he was Bangladesh’s best player at the age of just 17 in the 2-2 draw.
He assisted one goal and scored the other, though FIFA later recorded his goal as India’s own goal, leaving him to wait for 10 months to get his name finally on the scoresheet.
In the meantime, he attended a trial at Dutch Club FC Twente and was denied a place in their youth team only because of his tender age.
Rene Koster, the former assistant coach of Bangladesh, was instrumental behind his meteoric rise, said Hemanta after his goal scoring feat left his family overjoyed.
‘During the AFC Under-19 championship, Koster motivated me a lot,’ he said.
‘I am really thankful to Kruif [Bangladesh head coach] and Koster for giving me the chance to attend the trial at FC Twente.’
Hemanta claimed during the two-week long camp in Netherlands opened his eyes and helped him learn few fundamental things that made him extra-confident.
‘During the training, I learnt how to control the ball and how to distribute the ball after chasing it,’ he said
‘I also learnt how to maintain my fitness by practicing individually,’ said Hemanta, who termed the Sri Lanka match as his best.
‘With the Under-23 team, I played two good matches against Afghanistan and Hong Kong in the Asian Games but to be honest this match was so far best match of my career,’ he said.
Hemanta said he took inspiration from the words of some senior players, who had announced that they will quit from international football if they cannot beat Sri Lanka.
‘We felt huge pressure before the game as everybody knew our two senior players announced to quit the national team if we lose the Sri Lanka match,’ he said.
‘We gave our best to win the game and did it for Mamun Bhai [Mamunul Islam] and Ameli [Zahid Hasan Ameli] Bhai.
‘We know they are very important member in our team and the national team still need their services.’
-With New Age input
