Treble winners Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra will go up against Feni Soccer Club in the opening match of the cash-rich Grameenphone Super Cup which will get underway on June 14 while defending champions Abahani Limited will face off against Muktijoddha Sangsad in the opening day.
A draw ceremony of the third edition of the Super Cup took place in Sonargaon Hotel on Thursday where Russell, Abahani, Muktijoddha and Soccer Club were pitted together in Group A while Group B comprises of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Team BJMC, Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited and Brothers Union.
The Super Cup will take place for the first time without foreign players so the difference between the eight professional teams will not be vast. Hence, all the mainstream teams will be vying for the trophy.
Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin expressed his desire of witnessing some competitive matches in the forthcoming tourney.
‘The draw program was held. Now we are waiting for some high-quality football from the local players. I believe that the local players will give their level best to prove themselves ahead of the upcoming assignments – the SAFF Championship and Bangabandhu International Football Tournament,’ he said.
The draw ceremony started with the theme song of the BFF and a dance theme titled `flash mob’. Three
former footballers and BFF officials, Abdus Salam Murshedi, Elias Hossain and Arif Khan Joy and veteran organiser Abdur Rahim participated in the draw programme.
The captains of the participating teams with the exception of Soccer Club then performed catwalks alongside ramp models.
After the draw ceremony, Abahani captain Wali Faisal said that they are looking forward to defending their title.
‘All the teams are evenly matched without the foreign players. So whichever team execute to the best of their abilities will lift the title and I hope that we are able to retain the trophy,’ he said.
Sheikh Russell captain, Biplob Bhattacharjee was also hopeful of success which would ensure their fourth trophy of the ongoing season.
‘The treble will not be a source of pressure for us. It will give us confidence and we want to confirm the silverware that would mean we have achieved the quadruple,’ said a self-assuring Biplob.
Mukitijoddha coach Shafiqul Islam Manik on the other hand was optimistic that his charges will once again land a
place in the last four like last time around in 2011 and pointed out that Group B was comparatively an easier proposition than Group A.
‘At least 15 national players are with Sheikh Russell and Abahani and we are in the same group. So the job will be very hard. On the other hand Group B is comparatively easier than our Group [A],’ said Manik.
Meanwhile, Abdus Salam Murshedi, senior vice president of the BFF, announced that the next edition of the Bangladesh Premier League will be held without any interruptions. Tabith Awal, the BFF vice president who is also the chairman of the competition committee, delivered the opening speech in the draw ceremony.
The top two teams from each group will go through to the semi-finals. The final will be held on June 25.
GROUP
Group A Group B
Sheikh Russell Sheikh Jamal
Abahan Team BJMC
Muktijoddha Mohammedan
Soccer Club rothers Union
-With New Age input
