‘My stepping stone’

Sheikh Jamal coach Joesph Afusi termed the Federation Cup success as a ‘stepping stone for coaching career’ after his side claimed the first trophy of the season, the Federation Cup, beating Muktijoddha Sangsad KC 1-0 in an absorbing final the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. The Nigerian, who came second in three tournaments last year in his debut season as full coach, said it was the first of the missions accomplished for him.
“We had set our target of winning all the silverware this season. This is the beginning. It is, you can say, the stepping stone for my coaching career and I’m delighted with the trophy,” said an emotional Afusi.
“I think there are three coaches in Bangladesh. Maruf (Maruful Haque), Titu (Saiful Bari) and Manik (Shafiqul Islam). I am just an apprentice. But I’m happy to take the first successful step and I thank my players and the club president for the success.”
The final, at least on paper, was thought to be a battle between David and Goliath. Sheikh Jamal have a starcast which boats nine national team players as well as the highest-paid player in the domestic circuit, Sony Norde, who is enough to demolish oppositions on his own. Muktijoddha, on the other hand, do not have any have national players and their foreign recruits are arguably less lethal compared to Sheikh Jamal’s. But the All Reds proved as worthy opponents in the final and as they stifled the attacking verve of Sheikh Jamal, keeping them at bay till the 83rd minute.
“I knew it would be difficult, but It was more difficult than I thought,” said Afusi after the match. “I know Manik, he is a very good tactician. He strategised in the way which made it difficult for winning with my 4-3-3 formation. I had instructed my players to take their chances and thankfully Nasir got the late goal,” said Afusi.
Afusi’s opposite number, Manik was satisfied with his team’s performance but rued the lack of marking which gave away the goal.
“I am very happy with my players as they tried their best. Everyone knows Sheikh Jamal much stronger than us, but I cannot take anything away from the effort that my players put in. We marked the forwards throughout the match, but unfortunately Nasir was not marked which gave away the goal,” said Manik, who had delivered two Federation Cup titles along with four runners-up trophies to Muktijoddha Sangsad.
Everyone was expecting that Sony Norde would prove to be the difference between the two sides. But despite a good effort from the Haitian, who won the man-of-the-tournament award for scoring seven goals, the decider in the final match came from an unlikely source. The once striker in the domestic circuit proved his predatory skills with a powerful header on a corner from Norde to seal the victory. “We have many goalscorers in our side. But thinking that my goal won us the match and the title, makes it so much more precious,” said the national team’s centre-back.