Three-time Bangladesh League champions Abahani began their preparation yesterday with their focus firmly on securing a fourth consecutive Bangladesh league title.
The Dhanmondi-based outfit is the second club, to start their preparation well before the start of the players transfer after a rejuvenated Muktijoodha Sangsad. And the club management urged the players to maintain the discipline strictly vowing to provide all sort of support necessary for a successful season.
Despite failing to retain the services of last season's goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee, defenders Rajani Kantan Barman, Mohammad Sujan, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, midfielders Motiur Munna, Shahedul Alam, Zahed Parvez Chowdhury and illustrious striker Enamul Haque, the Sky Blues believe they retain enough fuel to launch a shot at this season's title.
To make up for the extensive losses, Abahani have roped in veteran striker Alfaz Ahmed, Amit Khan Shuvro, Choumin Rakhain, Shakawat Ronny, Abdullah Parvez alongside veterans like Mehdi Hasan Ujjal, Nazrul Islam, Ibnul Siraji, Pranotosh Kumar, Mohammad Robin, Abul Hossain, Zia, Shohag, Mintu and Biplob.
Claiming that Abahani have a balanced side, manager Satyajit Das Rupu said, "We lost some key players, and at the same time we have roped in some quality players alongside the old guys and this has ultimately strengthened our side as the local players are mostly of similar quality.
"Last season three foreign players were eligible to play in a match and this time five foreigners will play in a match and I think they will make the difference and we are aiming to bring in quality players apart from last season's defender Samad Yousuf and striker Awudu Ibrahim," said Rupu adding that three Nigerian and two Ghanaian players were in the pipeline.
Rupu also added that there was a distinct possibility that Abahani would rope in an experienced coach from the Middle East.
Abahani last season only clinched the professional football league title after going down to archrivals Mohammedan in the Federation Cup final.
Despite having topped in the Group A of the AFC President's Cup qualifiers, Abahani were eliminated to Kyrgyzstan champions Dordoi on goal difference.
"Our target is to win all five titles Abahani will play in for the coming season and the first target is to win Bordului Trophy in India," said Rupu adding that they have also set their sights on the Federation Cup, Super Cup, Bangladesh League and AFC President's Cup.
The former Bangladesh international, however, said that they are taking part in the Bordului Trophy to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the squad.
Abahani will play in quarterfinals directly in the meet where they were eliminated from the semifinals in 2007.
Source: thedailystar.net
