Bangladesh Premier League champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will be eager to return to winning ways when they take on Ceres La Salle FC of Philippines in their second AFC Cup match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. The Dhanmondi-based outfit suffered a 0-4 away drubbing to Singapore side Tampines Rovers on February 24 in their first match of the tournament.
During this seasons’ inter-club players’ transfer window Jamal faced a huge setback as many of their key players including some of the national team stalwarts left the club that weakened their strength.
And the suspension of some of their key players from the national squad for breaching the rules has also shattered the morale of the team.
Despite all the problems, coach Shafiqul Islam Manik is trying to motivate his charges to give their best against the Philippines club.
‘There are some problems with the footballers’ transfers, the suspension of the national players and for these reasons they are mentally down and I have realised it on and off the training,’ said Manik.
‘However, I’m trying to motivate the players and I think that the foreign players are motivated and also hope that the local players will be able to give their best by wiping off all their troubles’, added Manik.
Meanwhile, Ceres coach Frank Muescan said that they are taking the hosts very seriously for today’s match.
‘We played well in our first match with much ball possession and proved that we can be successful at this level. Regarding tomorrow’s [today] match, we highly respect the opposition because they are the home side.’
-With New Age input
