Will the spark reignite Mohammedan?
Mohammedan have done the seemingly impossible, beating heavily-favoured Abahani in the final of the Federation Cup on Tuesday to end a barren run stretching nine years. It has evoked widespread euphoria among the club's supporters and former players, with some referring to the success as a turning point in the fortunes of the most decorated football club in the country.
Ever since Kamrul Islam scored the winning spot-kick at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla, a festive vibe has engulfed the club. Players and coaching staff returned to the capital late that night to a heroes' welcome from the club officials, who arranged a small party, which continued well into Wednesday afternoon.
Despite the financial trouble dragging Mohammedan back in recent times, the club's management announced a Tk 40 lakh bonus for the team while its football committee chairman Ghulam Mohammad Alamgir announced an added bonus of Tk five lakh for captain Souleymane Diabate and Tk two lakh each for the two goalkeepers -- Sujon Hossain and Ahsan Habib.
Imtiaz Sultan Jonny, a famed forward for the Black and Whites in the '80s, reflected on how big the achievement is, after the victory. "We ended Bashundhara Kings' unbeaten streak and then became champions by beating Abahani, so it's a big deal," Jonny told reporters. "We will have to win the league now and this title will surely motivate."
The victory is evidence of the progress that the club has made under the new committee following the casino scandal in 2019. Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, a magical playmaker during the '80s and '90s, recalled the resurgence: "After the casino scandal, the ex-players have taken the responsibility of the club under late Badal Roy's leadership and we are moving ahead step by step."
While Alfaz Ahmed has turned the tide since taking over as coach midway through the season, continuing the good work may prove to be a far more difficult task.
It may be noted that although Mohammedan failed to win a single league title since the start of the professional league in 2007, they won a number of cup titles, including two out of the three Super Cups between 2007 and 2014. Even lesser clubs like Arambagh and Farashganj have won Independence Cup during that time, but a league triumph is a different ball game altogether.
To challenge for the league title against big-spenders such as Bashundhara Kings and Abahani, the team will need long-term investment, depth and quality in its squad, a good environment and other facilities, many of which Mohammedan may be lacking at present.
Alfaz, who has steered the team to fourth position in the league with four games remaining, said he needed reinforcements to turn this team into a force that could challenge for the league title next year.
"I haven't signed a new contract with the club yet. If the club wants to keep me and if I stay with the club, I'll definitely want to have a squad capable of putting up a title fight," the former national forward told The Daily Star yesterday.
"I hope the club management realises that too and forms a strong squad for next season. There will need to be more investment and planning and I will need a few new players too," the 49-year-old added.
Despite losing much of its relevance in the recent past, the latest Abahani-Mohammedan derby showed that it can still reignite the passion among fans like the good old days. And fans of both clubs along with the neutrals will hope that Mohammedan do return as a force in domestic football once again to bring back the appeal of domestic football.