Will Fed Cup produce new champions?
Since the introduction of the Federation Cup in 1980, the season’s curtain-raising tournament has produced only six champions, with country’s two giants Abahani and Mohammedan SC sharing the most trophies (21) in 29 editions so far.
Nevertheless, except for 11-time champions Abahani and one-time champions Sheikh Russel KC, most other champions have lost their way, with 10-time champions Mohammedan, three-time champions Brothers Union, Muktijoddha Sangsad and Sheikh Russel KC trying to get back in the right direction over the last few years. Clubs like Bashundhara Kings, Saif SC, newcomers Bangladesh Police and Chhattogram Abahani are up to challenge the traditional powerhouses in 13-team Federation Cup, which will get underway today after a four-and-a-half months’ break in football. Holders Abahani will take on Bangladesh Police in the opening match at Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
“As Federation Cup is the season-opening tournament, it is tough to judge opponents. There may be ups and downs for the participating teams because no one knows the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents. However, teams that have taken proper preparation may not face trouble,” said Sheikh Russel KC coach Saiful Bari Titu, who has set his sights on the final.
“I think no team can be earmarked as the strongest side in the Federation Cup and the title race will be wide open. There may be some upsets in the tournament. I watched the performance of Bangladesh Police and they are a good side too, but I still don’t have any idea about other participating sides,” said Chattagram Abahani coach Maruful Haque, who guided the port city side to a runners-up finish in Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup in Chattogram in October.
Both Maruful and Titu believe that there is possibility to see new champions in Federation Cup as teams like Bashundhara Kings, Saif SC and Bangladesh Police have formed strong squads in transfer window.
“There are some five to six teams who have the ability to win the Federation Cup and out of those, Bashundhara Kings, Saif SC, Bangladesh Police are new teams who haven’t won the Federation Cup before,” said Haque.
Sheikh Jamal coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said it would not be a surprise if the Federation Cup produces a new champion.
“No doubt, top four clubs – Abahani, Bashundhara Kings, Saif SC and Sheikh Russel KC -- are the major contenders for the title but clubs like Mohammedan SC, Sheikh Jamal DC and Chattogram Abahani will strongly be in the race too,” said Manik, who wants to get his side out of the group-stage and then go match by match to ensure final berth.
Whoever emerges champions, the foreign players are likely to play a key role, with support from local players.
Apart from proven foreign campaigners like Daniel Colindres, Bakhtyir Duishobekov, Raphael Odoyin, Dainer Andres Cordoba, Solomon King, Landing Darboe, Sunday Chizoba, Kervens Belfort, Ballo Famoussa, Yusuke Kato, Souleymane Diabate and Ismail Bangoura, there are some 36 foreign players from among 66 players who are new to the Bangladesh football scene.
“I think the foreign players will make the difference,” said Titu.
Maruful said, “The standard of football will improve with the presence of quality foreign players. I can say our three new players are better compared to the last season.”
Whether there will be a new champion or a former one winning again will be known on January 4 after 22 matches including seven knock-out games.
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