The introduction of the money-spinning Taka one-crore Super Cup last year proved a shot in the arm for the country's flagging football. Not only did it revive attention for a sport that was slowly winding down, but it also offered hope of return to the heydays, when the beautiful game dominated the local scene. Understandably then, the uncertainty over holding its second edition, following reported unwillingness from the sponsors is making the footballing circle anxious.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is still waiting for the nod from the sponsors even though they are determined to make the tournament a success again.
"We are ready to roll the Super Cup out as soon we get assurance from Citycell, even though they have not yet responded after the budget was placed before them," said BFF general secretary Al Musabbir Sadi.
The inaugural Super Cup brought huge enthusiasm among the organisers, players, and supporters and the final of the eight-team tournament saw a full-house crowd. Fans from even outside the capital came to enjoy the clash between archrivals Mohammedan and Abahani.
Talking to all those concerned with the Super Cup, it became evident that the response from the spectators was overwhelming, something that was missing from football for long and the presence of the massive crowd made the tournament more competitive.
"The Super Cup made waves across the country, especially amongst the spectators because of the one-crore taka prize money and it brought a noteworthy crowd to the venue in every match," Mohammedan ad-hoc committee convener Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan said.
"Keeping the Super Cup in mind, we spent a lot of money to form the team last season and we will be hoping that the Super Cup is held according to schedule. The federation should organise it at any cost in the greater interest of football," said Satyajit Das Rupu, manager of the Abahani football team adding that even though he believes the Super Cup made the people enthusiastic, it will not leave a lasting impression if not staged regularly.
Brothers Union's football manager Amer Khan said that despite its top-heavy prize structure, a tournament like the Super Cup is essential for football, since it brings spectators to the venue.
Brothers coach Wasim Iqbal believes all participating teams benefited from the Super Cup, not only the champions and the runners-ups and the financial package reduced the burden on officials as every participating club was given Tk 2 lakh.
"The Super Cup had more appeal than the professional football league and everyone related to football was excited during the tournament. I think the federation should hold it regularly if they want to keep inspiring players and organisers," said Wasim.
National striker Zahid Hasan Emily believes the installation of the Super Cup benefited the players most during transfer season.
"Mohammedan spent a lot of money to form the team after winning the one-crore taka prize money from the Super Cup that eventually bettered the players' payment," said Emily, who reportedly got the highest payment of Tk 18 lakh from Mohammedan last season.
"It is a different feeling to play in front of a full-house and we are eagerly waiting to play in the Super Cup again," said national goalkeeper Aminul Haque.
Veteran coach Golam Sarwar Tipu believes the Super Cup attracted the young generation most and the federation should take steps to keep it intact as well as seek cooperation from the government to hold the event if there is any uncertainty over sponsorship.
Source: thedailystar.net
