Virus containment and overall performance equally vital as BPL kicks off today
The Bangladesh Premier Group is defined to get underway today with participating clubs facing the additional challenge to keep players and helping staff coronavirus-free through the lengthy little league to keep performing well on the ground.
On the beginning day of the 13-team group, defending champions Bashundhara Kings undertake Uttar Baridhara Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Following a long coronavirus-induced break, domestic football returned go on month through the Federation Cup. Despite the lack of proper preparation, virtually all clubs had performed very well without team -- big or tiny -- going unchallenged in the group matches, which raises expectations of a competitive BPL.
Coaches, however, happen to be a lttle bit worried about the brand new concern of keeping their players Covid-19 no cost and on the field in the hope of being in the title competition. Six-time group champions Abahani happen to be enduring tough times after five players examined positive through the Federation Cup.
"I think the control of Covid-19 will be an additional challenge during the long group, although everyone already includes a clear thought of how exactly to follow health suggestions the Federation Cup," said Sheikh Russel KC instructor Saiful Bari Titu. "Players being contaminated with Covid-19 may decrease the power of the clubs if indeed they don't have a strong reserve bench. Hence, containing the virus through the league is as crucial as the functionality on the ground."
Sheikh Jamal DC mentor Shafiqul Islam Manik said, "Everything is determined by the frame of mind of the players and support personnel [about following health guidelines].
"During the short Federation Cup, we're able to manage it well but we are found in doubt about maintaining it through the long group because we must travel exterior Dhaka [Cumilla, Tongi and Munsighanj] to play complements and we have no idea the way the environment and management is there."
Aside from their existing Covid-19 concerns, Abahani's Portuguese trainer Mario Lemos spoke about concerns over players' personal injury which has already weakened them before their first meet on Thursday.
"It will be troublesome because five players tested Covid-19 positive, two players -- Raihan Hasan and Masih Saighani -- happen to be injured along with several suspended players. Hence, we are looking for the solution," said Lemos. He as well said instead of it being a two-way challenge between Abahani and Bashundhara Kings, the likes of Sheikh Russel, Saif SC and Chattogram Abahani may also be hot contenders.
Echoing the sentiment, Bashundhara Kings' Spanish mentor Oscar Bruzon said, "We are wanting to compete so we will approach every match as if this is a last. The boys and the staff remain hungry for even more success.
"There are five-six clubs initially that may contest for the BPL title. The little league will favour the staff performing well on a regular basis and we will get a clear notion of title contenders simply after three to four weeks of competition," he added.
Saiful Bari Titu believes every team has signed up quality overseas players and it could not be wise to tag any team as little or big because just about every match will be tough for every club.
Zahidur Rahman Milon, instructor of Uttar Baridhara Golf club, said, "You will find a gulf of difference between big and small teams regarding strength however the small clubs, on the back of short planning, are using a positive attitude, which is the key strength of the small teams."
