With the majority of domestic clubs yet to launch their pre-season preparations, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is planning to arrange four international friendly matches for the national team during the upcoming September FIFA window to build momentum for the SAFF Championship on home soil.
“We will hold a 10-day training camp ahead of the September window, which begins on September 21. Our target is to play four matches during this period to boost our FIFA rankings and fine-tune squad chemistry for the SAFF Championship,” BFF President Tabith Awal told reporters, withholding the identity of the potential opponents and host venues.
Under the guidance of German-American head coach Thomas Dooley, the national squad is also slated to undergo an intensive two-week conditioning camp prior to the marquee regional tournament, scheduled to take place in Dhaka from November 4 to 17.
The domestic football calendar is set to kick off on August 21 with the marquee Challenge Cup clash between defending champions Bashundhara Kings and runners-up Abahani Limited.
However, neither giant has initiated pre-season training, as both clubs continue to navigate FIFA-imposed player registration bans while constructing their rosters. Given that the core of the national team is drawn from these two powerhouses, concerns have emerged regarding player match fitness.
“The National Teams Committee is actively tracking player fitness, dietary regimes, and injury rehabilitation. We cannot rely solely on two clubs for player readiness, which is why we have stepped in,” explained Tabith, who also heads the National Teams Management Committee. “At present, only Fortis FC and Bangladesh Police FC have resumed training. We anticipate most clubs will finalize their squads and commence field sessions by August 1.”
The Federation Cup and the Bangladesh Premier League are scheduled to commence on August 25 and August 28, respectively.
Because the SAFF Championship is set to begin five days before the official November FIFA international window opens on November 9, Tabith acknowledged that Bangladesh may have to launch their campaign without overseas-based talent.
“If the tournament kicks off ahead of the FIFA window, we are prepared to start without players contracted to foreign clubs,” Tabith stated.
Consequently, high-profile overseas-based players like Hamza Choudhury and Fahamedul Islam are expected to miss the opening fixtures of the tournament.
