The custodian of Kings’ fortune
Anisur Rahman Zico played a key role in each of the four title triumphs of Bashundhara Kings since 2018. The 23-year-old goalkeeper was solid under the bar throughout the just-concluded Federation Cup, especially in the final against Saif SC, where he made at least six excellent saves. The national team’s custodian from Cox’s Bazar spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman regarding Kings’ success as well as his preparations and future plans.
DS: What is the secret behind Bashundhara Kings' Fed Cup success?
AR: The management of Kings is following everything in a professional manner. The club management is providing all types of facilities needed to be champions. Besides, we were the first team this season to start pre-season training. The high-profile coaching staff worked really hard to bring all the players in shape.
DS: How challenging was it to win the title after a long lay-off?
AR: As there was no training and matches since the postponement of football in the middle of March last year, it was really challenging for everyone to get back in form. It was also a challenge for us, the local players, to have a good understanding and combination with four new foreign players. We were a bit worried about what was going to happen but we grew confident after playing some practice matches before the start of the tournament.
DS: How will you evaluate the Federation Cup campaign, which started almost 10 months after the break?
AR: The Federation Cup was overall a good tournament because Saif SC did really well this time. Besides, there were quality foreign players in every team and there was no way to underestimate any team except for Brothers Union, who were on the back-foot due to shortage of preparation. All the footballers initially struggled to get back to rhythm in training, but the fitness of players was not bad at the start of the tournament.
DS: You had a good contribution in each of Kings' triumphs including Sunday's Fed Cup final. How do you continue to improve yourself?
AR: I always follow world-class goalkeepers and prepare myself in that way. I'm not satisfied with only club training; I also do individual training to improve myself. There are still many things to learn and develop. I think playing more international matches is important for me to get sharper under the bar.
I would like to play in overseas leagues if I get a better offer compared to Kings'. I once had an offer from a Turkish second division side, but did not show interest due to my contract with the Kings.
DS: You conceded only one goal in five matches and made a string of saves in the final. Which forwards gave you a tough time during this tournament?
AR: The forwards from Sheikh Jamal, Abahani and Saif SC were really dangerous because those clubs roped in quality foreign forwards. Saif striker Kenneth Ngowke and Sulayman Sillah of Sheikh Jamal were really dangerous inside the box.
DS: How is the league going to be and what is your target in the league, which starts on Wednesday?
AR: I think the premier league is going to be a competitive one but I believe the race will be confined among four teams -- Kings, Abahani, Saif SC and Chattogram Abahani. I kept a cleansheet in 14 matches before, so this time my target will be to improve on that record as Kings have a better defence this time compared to the last season.