By IANS
New Delhi : Former India coach Syed Nayeemuddin is back on his home turf but now in charge of the Bangladesh national team for the five-nation Nehru cup international football starting here Friday.
It was under Nayeem’s guidance that India lifted the 2005 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup in Pakistan. It was India’s last success in an international competition.
But this time the Dronacharya Award winner faces a much tougher challenge.
“I have to live up to the reputation of being an Indian coach in a neighbouring country,” the 60-year-old coach said soon after arriving here Thursday, when asked about his goals in the tournament.
“I have always believed in playing to win and this won’t be any different. I have come here to play and win your hearts,” he said.
Nayeem is the only person to have won both the Arjuna Award (as player) and the Dronacharya (as coach).
India might have tasted their last success under Nayeem, but the veteran coach was at the receiving end when players joined hands to protest against the coach’s alleged dictatorial attitude.
Nayeem was sacked unceremoniously but he now maintains that he has no hard feelings against the players or the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF).
“I am a sportsman and I take all these things sportingly. They (players) are a part of me and I have no hard feelings for them. These things keep happening in a sportsperson’s life,” he said philosophically.
“Here nothing is new for me. It’s my country and I will also be playing at the same old stadium.”
When asked if revenge against India is on his mind this time, Nayeem smiled and said: “I have come here to win the hearts of my people.”
Nayeem took over as the Bangladesh coach in July and said skill-wise the players are good but they lack practice because of floods in the country.
“We didn’t have enough practice for this tournament. Due to the heavy rains and floods none of the grounds were available. But we have a good team and all the boys are in good form,” he said.
Bangladesh has also fielded a team in the Merdeka Cup, which starts Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Both teams are balanced and I expect good results from them,” said Nayeem.
While interacting with media persons, Nayeem saw current India coach Bob Houghton pass by and rushed forward to greet the Englishman.
“I am looking forward to learning from you for the sake of Bangladesh team, if you are not selfish,” Nayeem jokingly told Houghton, who in return smiled and left for his team’s final practice session before Friday’s inaugural game with Cambodia.
Bangladesh open their campaign against Syria Saturday.
“The match against Syria will be the first big test for us and then we have to take it one game at a time,” said Nayeem.
He has also promised his wards a treat at the famous Karim’s restaurant in the walled city if they perform well in the tournament.
TEAM:
Goalkeepers: Biplob Bhattacharje (vice Captain), Ziaur Rahman Zia, Mamun Khan; Defenders: Rajani Kanta Barman, Kazi Nazrul Islam (Captain), Firoj Mahmud Hossain, Mohammed Waly Faisal, Mohammed Ariful Islam, Atiqur Rahman Meshu, S.M. Rajib, Kazi Mofazzal Hosin; Midfield: Mehedi Hassan, Arman Aziz, Md. Abul Hossain, Mohammed Zahid Hossain, Mohammad Zahed Parvez Chowdhary, Mohammed Akramur Zaman Liton; Forward: Mohammed Alfaz Ahmed, Mohammed Jahid Hasan Ameli, Mohammed Robin.
Head coach: Syed Nayeemmuddin (India), Team manager: Mozammel Haque Mukta
Assistant coach: Syed Golam Zilani, Doctor: Debasish Chowdhury