Manik’s focus on the next generation
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) presidential candidate Shafiqul Islam Manik yesterday disclosed a 21-point manifesto, promising to visit each District Football Association (DFA) once a yearand meet the presidents of all professional league clubs once every six months if elected during the October 3 polls.
The former national footballer-cum-coach, who is one of three candidates for the hotseat of the country's second-most affluent sports body, also included routine work in his manifesto, similar to what incumbent president Kazi Salahuddin did in his 36-point manifesto.
The former DUCSU sports secretary also promised to regularise district football leagues and the Dhaka leagues and revive some tournament like the national football, youth and inter-university championships. Another aim is to introduce two tournaments, Bangabandhu U-17 and Sheikh Jamal U-21, alongside the Suhrawardi Cup U-19 tournament.
The manifesto also mentions disclosing implementable yearly calendars, formulating a policy to curb financial irregularities and fixed matches, bringing the national men's and women's teams under a salary and insurance structure, emphasising on workplaces of educated coaches and taking proper development measures for referees.
Apart from the BFF Academy, Manik ensured there would be at least two age-group teams set up by each capable professional league club. Those players, along with some scouted from the Bangabandhu and Bangamata Primary School Football tournaments will be trained under a programme designed to give Bangladesh a U-23 team that can compete for a place in the 2033 Olympics.
"I want to address the rumours that I have come into the polls to support someone. That is not right. I am contesting of my own accord," Manik said. "I have learnt honesty, morality and commitment. I believe these virtues can help me take football forward."
Replying to a query, Manik said: "I included routine work because they have not been done in the past 12 years and I think the BFF president needs to monitor those things."
"I know none of us believe Bangladesh can qualify for the World Cup. But all of us want to see Bangladesh in a good position in Asian football and I believe I have given a realistic manifesto. Now it is the decision of the delegates and whether they want to give life to football or kill it," said Manik.
The presidential race gathered pace elsewhere on Monday when the third candidate Badal Roy -- who failed to timely submit his letter of withdrawal after announcing his intention to quit the race -- urged councilors to bring the change in the BFF leadership by casting the votes to the right persons on Facebook.
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