Alfaz hangs up boots today

An era of golden football will come to an end today when the last star of the golden generation, Alfaz Ahmed, hangs up his boots officially. Almost five years after hanging up his national boots, this immensely gifted striker will take one last bow from the domestic football scene when his beloved Mohammedan will take on one of his former outfits, Abahani, in their Grameenphone Bangladesh Premier League clash today.
The 42-year old forward has not featured in any of the matches of the league this season, but is expected to be starting against Abahani. The veteran forward is happy that his club has chosen the big match to give a fitting send-off to his illustrious career.
“I'm very happy with my playing career because as a footballer I have achieved all kinds of success. I feel honoured to leave football with an outstanding game between Mohammedan and Abahani. I thank Mohammedan officials as they have given me a chance to retire with a big and prestigious match like this,” said an emotional Alfaz.
Alfaz made his footballing debut with Ershad Cup in 1985 before rising through the ranks of Pioneer Football, Second Division and First Division. Alfaz made his premier league debut with Arambagh in 1994, but his big break came in 1995 when Mohammedan signed the prolific striker. That was the same year when Alfaz wore the national jersey in the SAARC Football held in Sri Lanka.
Scoring a hatful of goals every season for the next seven years, Alfaz left Mohammedan in 2002 and joined Muktijoddha Sangsad. The veteran forward then played for a number of clubs including Abahani over the next eight years before returning to his old Black and Whites where he has spent his golden years. The club has also decided to give him the ideal send-off by naming him as a life-time member of the club and organising a dinner at the club tent tonight.
The veteran striker has already taken up his coaching kits as a member of Mohammedan's coaching staff, and wants to flourish in that job like he did during his playing days.