'American Idols' type search for booters

KAZI SALAHUDDIN ... the BFF president

On April 28 this year, Kazi Salahuddin was elected president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), winning an election that was termed 'impartial' even by his opponent Maj General (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury. His predecessor SA Sultan called it 'the first fair, neutral and democratic election in our football history'. The former national football captain and arguably the greatest striker the country has ever produced, Salahuddin's two months at the hot seat have been busy to in a bid to prepare future plans as well as giving shape to the cash-starved federation's operations. Here he opens up and explains his recent activities to The Daily Star Sport's Al Musabbir Sadi in an exclusive interview at his Gulshan residence yesterday.
Daily Star Sport (DSS): Two months on, you have not shown your hands to the media although we have heard that you have gone to the FIFA and AFC as well as the sponsors with your programmes. What are they and where does the BFF stand now?
Kazi Salahuddin (KS): Football is such a thing that there is no scope to do something new. It's played by 200 nations in the world. It's just the same formula, from one place to another. The only changes we see are due to weather, physical and financial conditions. Basically our programmes will be set as everyone does, like what Japan, Korea, England or Germany have. It varies fractionally with your financial capability, weather and your infrastructure. This is the only difference between the rest of the world and us.
When my committee took over, I wanted to get football to the ground as soon as possible. It's going to happen on 25th July with the Federation Cup. That is not a very bad achievement because all the clubs -- they wanted a delay in the transfer, would not accept relegation -- were giving excuses to delay football. We are lucky to overcome these problems with full support of the members of the federation.
DSS: Are you close to land a big sponsorship deal?
KS: Yes, you can expect it within weeks. Everyone asks me this thrice a day. It's not a matter of two or three days. To be very honest, I did not have a product (football) in the market for one and a half years. People should not forget that. I am trying to market a product which is almost extinct. I am lucky to have response from corporations who are willing to take football to the ground with us.
DSS: We have heard about a 9-figure deal…
KS: My asking price to the sponsors, I think, is reasonable but they think it's higher. There we have not agreed. One asked why am I asking for such a high price while the product is not in the market. I said, 'you have already established my product is available and has a value by offering a price. Now it's a matter of opinion how much it's worth'.
I am under constant pressure to land a deal because we can't start competitions without sponsors. I have not been able to really negotiate the way I liked to. To really get the finest deal for this country, I don't have the leverage right now. So I might have to compromise. I believe my product will be good in future but everything is based on now. A big corporate house would not accept a one-year contract. They know football is going to develop, that's why they are investing.
DSS: What about bringing professionalism into management?
KS: Professionalism is a must. I have already asked for a technical director (from abroad) but can't get one in a day. He has to like the environment and situation of Bangladesh. I have been negotiating with a few but then there is the question of wages. To add our new staff (local) I have to pay big amounts. I have to see if I can cover that. I am not rushing things and from the second year, I'll go all the way as far is professionalism is concerned.
I am also looking for a coach. It takes long time to settle these.
DSS: Are you interested to appoint former national goalkeeper Shahidur Rahman Shantoo, who was national coach for a stint, as a youth coach?
KS: He is in town and I have had talks with him. But nothing is final yet.
DSS: You have met the FIFA and AFC bosses and got a lot of promises. What's coming next?
KS: I have spent hours talking with AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam about our development programmes. We have decided what's good for the nation. It's not going to make me popular or famous immediately but it is going to develop my football. Our emphasis is absolutely on youth development. Once the Dhaka football starts, I will concentrate completely on Under-14 and Under-18 development.
DSS: Can't you start below, at 10-11 years?
KS: We've thought about that. That is possible in Europe but our social structure does not permit it. Parents are not educated enough to understand football as a profession. So we have to stay between ages 14-18 years.
DSS: You have the SAF Games and SAFF Football next year but no coach yet. How are you seeing that?
KS: Let football be played for the next ten months. It would be more aggressive and better for the national team.
DSS: What new thing is Salahuddin's committee offering?
KS: In September and October this year, I'm going to call for trials. It's like the 'American Idol' type trials to pick up talents. There will ten days trials at five venues and say we will pick up 100 boys, the hidden talents in villages and districts. I will be the main sponsor of it and involve my committee members, especially with playing experience and local coaches as scouts. I am sating this in advance so the under-18 boys who are interested, get this message.
This concept I've taken over will bring at least 40-50 players for round the year training.