Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club feels the side is a force to reckon with as the former professional league champions completed their players’ registration formalities at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) headquarters in Motijheel yesterday.
The Dhanmondi-based outfit, who emerged champions in their debut season in 2010-2011, finished at a disappointing fifth last season, 20 points behind eventual champions Abahani, as they lost most of their star players to Abahani and Muktijoddha Sangsad in the pres-season transfer window.
But this time, even though they do not look like the best of the lot, they seem to have what it takes to be counted as one of the favourites for the title. The side have assembled a solid squad of 23, which is a mixture of youth and experience.
“We are a pretty balanced side this time, solid in defence, good in midfield and attack. Based on the form of the local players, I think we can give a championship fight this time,” said Sheikh Jamal president Manzur Kader at the players’ registration ceremony at BFF House.
Sheikh Jamal signed up winger Nasir Chowdhury, defenders Ariful Islam, Moffazal Hossain Saikat, midfielder Alamgir Rana and goalkeeper Mashudur Rahman Mustak from Muktijoddha Sangsad, Monaem Khan Raju from Sheikh Russel and retained the services of defender Yousuf and striker Sohel Rana while they have lost defenders Atiqur Rahman Meshu, midfielder Abdul Baten Komon, Mintu Sheikh and goalkeeper Aminul Haque.
Their biggest scoop perhaps is the Nigerian hitman Sunday Chizoba, the second highest scorer in the league last season, from Muktijoddha. And they have acquired a couple of Nigerians — Joseph Ozurumba and Okemmiri — who can make a difference if they prove to be of the quality the club management thinks they are.
The club has also got a new coach in Nigerian Joseph Afusi who was the deputy to Abu Yousuf last season. The club president has expressed his satisfaction about the new coach at the pre-season camp. “I am very impressed with the coach [Afusi]. The coach will have an excellent support staff and think-tank to work with,” said Kader.
Midfielder Enamul Huq Sharif was declared the captain of the team.
TEAM
Mostak, Sultan, Raihan, Arup, Nasir, Shaikat, Al-Mamun, Monday, Shakil, Shahed, Sharif, Raju, Rana, Naimur, Okemmiri, Sohel, Masud, Sabuz, Sunday, Mike, Ozurumba.
-With The Daily Star input
