Veteran coach Shafiqul Islam Manik yesterday penned a two-year deal with defending Bangladesh Premier League champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. The former national footballer penned the deal at the office of the club president, Manzur Kader, in presence of the club officials.

“The deal is a two-year one for now. My immediate duty will be to prepare the side for the AFC Cup. The club officials are trying to take some national players on loan while there are a few local and foreign players already with the side. I hope we can form a balanced side with these players,” said Manik in his reaction.

After enjoying domestic success with clubs like Muktijoddha and Mohammedan, the veteran coach was out of job for the entirety of the last season before being poached by big-spending Chittagong Abahani at the end of the season. And in his first assignment, Manik delivered the title of Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup for the Chittagong outfit. However, Manik reportedly was piqued by the constant interference of the club manager which spurred him to look for a new destination. Sheikh Jamal, on the other hand, had failed to retain last season's coach Joseph Afusi.

Even though the domestic season is still a month away, Sheikh Jamal will start their season on February 23 when they play away to Singapore outfit Tampines Rovers.