Russel eyeing a fourth

Can Sheikh Russel coach Maruful Haque (C) complete the Grand Slam of domestic football? Photo: Star

Sheikh Russel KC have already written their names in the history books by winning three titles this season and now they are looking forward to going one more by winning the season's fourth and last title, that of Super Cup which set to start from June 14.
“We want to create history in the country's football by winning the Super Cup to add to our three titles,” said Sheikh Russel KC's captain-cum-goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee at an official press briefing at the BFF House yesterday.
However, the assignment will be a tough one as Sheikh Russel will miss foreign booters like Sony Norde, Tareq El Janabi who had a key role in their treble triumph since the game's governing body have decided to keep the foreign footballers out of the competition in a bid to give the local booters a platform to perform.
“It is true that our foreign players made a big difference in some crucial matches in the tournaments and the league but I think we have some quality local players to replace them,” said Sheikh Russel coach Maruful Haque.
“The Super Cup is not a pressure tournament for us. We enjoy playing under the pressure and we proved it in the past by taking it as a challenge,” said Maruful. “Without foreign players, anyone can pull out victory on their given day. However, as we said before we wanted to win all titles of the season and the aim still remains the same.”
Maruful has made his players work hard in the past two weeks so that they can deal with playing three matches in five days in group stage.
However, Maruful has some injury concern as he might miss the services of Mamunul Islam, Zahid Hossain, Zahid Hasan Emily, Mithun Chowdhury against Feni Soccer Club in the Group A opener, a group which also consists Abahani and Muktijoddha Sangsad.
“We have roped in 15 new players in our 30-memeber squad and you will see the reflection of it in the group-stage matches,” said Feni Soccer joint secretary Shakhawat Hossain Shahin, whose side narrowly escaped relegation by finishing second last in the premier league.