Treble beckons Abahani
Having won the Federation Cup and Bangladesh Premier League, Abahani now have their eyes on a domestic treble as the Walton Independence Cup gets underway today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Since the introduction of the professional league in 2007, only Sheikh Russel have achieved the rare feat of winning three domestic titles in a season. Abahani, too, went close last season before Chittagong Abahani spoiled the party by beating them 2-0 in the Independence Cup final.
The six-time professional league champions once again have the chance, but the job may not be easy at all as the 12-team tournament will only feature local players. Abahani, who were in third position at the end of the first phase of the Bangladesh Premier League, came back strong in the second phase, thanks to nine goals in 11 matches from their mid-season recruit Sunday Chizoba.
“Abahani always play for titles and we will definitely go there to win the cup. Our first target is to qualify for the quarterfinals and then go match by match,” Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu said during a pre-tournament press conference at the BFF House yesterday. “The boys proved themselves in the Federation Cup and the Bangladesh Premier League and they will not have to prove themselves again in the Independence Cup. I have confidence in my players and I think they will end the season the same way they started.”
Without foreign players, the Independence Cup is a more even affair, with lightweights like Farashganj winning the title in 2011 and Feni Soccer reaching the final in 2014.
There will also be incentives for teams like Chittagong Abahani, Sheikh Jamal DC, Mohammedan SC, Saif SC and Sheikh Russel KC, who have formed strong squads but failed to win any silverware, to compensate themselves by winning the Independence Cup.
“We formed the team to become champions but we could not produce the expected results despite leading the league table till the 17th round. Now my job is to rebuild and motivate the players and first qualify for the knockout stages,” said Chittagong Abahani's newly-appointed coach Julfiker Mahmud Mintu.
“Our collection of local players is good and we want to prove it on the ground with the target of becoming champions,” said Mohammedan coach Rashed Ahmed Pappu.
Sheikh Russel coach Shafiqul Islam Manik believes the title will be up for grabs for any side, especially those that will reach the quarterfinals stage. His side have set their sights on reaching the semifinals.
“Independence Cup will be a good stage for the local players to show their worth in the absence of foreign players and I think the tournament will be very competitive as local players will try to give their best to draw attention for national team selection,” said Manik.
Lightweight likes Farashganj, Arambagh, Team BJMC and Rahmatganj are also expected to upset the giants with their spirited performances.
Defending champions Chittagong Abahani will take on Saif Sporting Club while 2011 champions Farashganj will face Brothers Union on the opening day today.