Russel enjoy the morning after

Despite hitting the heights by claiming their first top-flight trophy in history, Sheikh Russel KC yesterday showed that they had kept their foot firmly on the ground by turning up for a training session. Just a day after a long-awaited Federation Cup triumph and a late-night celebration to mark the occasion, the players were back to the daily routine.
However, the players have been given a six-day Eid-ul-Azha vacation starting from today, following a full session of afternoon practice at the BUET ground yesterday.
“From the coaching experience, I have often seen that the players failed to keep the momentum in the next assignment after winning the Federation Cup so my request to the club management was to do everything tonight (Monday) and they accepted my request,” said Sheikh Russel coach Maruful Haque, who had earlier guided Mohammedan SC to two Federation Cup trophies and the inaugural Super Cup.
The players and officials along with their neighbours had a late-night celebration at the temporary club tent situated besides Hosni Dalan in Chankharpul. The players, coaching staff and officials were awarded a dinner by the club management at a city hotel for their triumph.
“It was a big day for all of us -- club, players, officials and fans. We enjoyed it very nicely as the neighbours of Old Dhaka also joined our DJ Party that continued till late night,” said captain Biplob Bhattacharjee.
The players were also immediately rewarded with US$ 6,000
(Tk 5 lakh).
The Blue and White outfit with a bunch of national and experienced booters put up a brilliant performance to come from behind to beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club 2-1 in the Federation Cup final to begin the season on the right foot.
“The onus was on our shoulder to prove ourselves and we did just that. Now our focus is on the professional football league to prove that we have come here to stay,” said veteran Biplob, a national discard goalkeeper who has a vast experience of playing for big teams like Abahani, Mohammedan and Muktijoddha.
Sheikh Russel also saw the rebirth of star striker Zahid Hasan Emily who topped the score list with seven goals as the national striker was almost in the wilderness for the last two seasons.
With the crowd-pulling traditional powerhouses Abahani and Mohammedan failing to reach the season's curtain-raising tournament final for the second consecutive season, the Federation Cup final between Sheikh Russel and Sheikh Jamal is apparently indicating a new order in country's football.
After failing to win a major title at any stage of top-level football since their appearance in the 2003-4 season, the management of Sheikh Russel realised that no success would be achieved until a team is formed with the players who have match temperament as well as experience of winning trophies in past. And they gave their dream a real shape after roping in nine national players along with some experienced players.
And it has already started to pay off in the beginning of the season through clinching the maiden title of the Federation Cup.
“It has been proved that the inclusion of experienced and national players was a right decision,” said Sheikh Russel KC president Nurul Alam Chowdhury over the phone from China yesterday.
“Look at the semifinal and final, it would not have been possible to come back in those matches without the national and experienced players after conceding a lead in both games,” said Chowdhury.
Coach Maruful Haque believes the spectators will see an improved Sheikh Russel in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League as they have kept their sight on the remaining domestic titles.