Mohammedan ex-footballers reunite for friendly match

Former stars of Mohammedan Sporting Club rolled back the years on Friday as the club’s ex-footballers reunited for a lively friendly match at the Bangladesh Football Federation’s (BFF) artificial turf, rekindling memories of the black-and-white giants’ glorious past.

Dressed in newly designed black-and-white jerseys bearing the name Mohammedan Masters, two teams made up of former Mohammedan players from different generations took part in the exhibition match, drawing keen interest from football lovers and former teammates.

One side featured familiar names such as Said Hasan Kanan, Milon Mollah, Abu Yusuf, Kaiser Hamid, Arman Mia, Hasanuzzaman Bablu, Riyaz, Alfaz Ahmed, Shafikul Islam Manik, and Ariful Haque Prince. They were pitted against another team that included Paniruzzaman, Minar, Swapan Das, Sohel, Kabir, Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, and Sharafat.

The friendly contest was competitive and entertaining throughout, with the Black team eventually edging past the Green team by a narrow 4–3 margin, earning applause from the spectators present at the venue.

The reunion match was organised by former Mohammedan director Mostakur Rahman, whose initiative brought together the club’s past heroes on one field. BNP parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-8, Mirza Abbas, attended the event as a special guest.

“I grew up watching Mohammedan’s stars as a boy, so I have a deep emotional connection with this club,” Mirza Abbas said. “If elected, I will work for the development of this black-and-white institution.”

Mostakur Rahman confirmed that the celebrations will continue over the weekend. “We will organise two more friendly matches on Saturday at AGB Colony Ground and the following day at Shahjahanpur Ground. Mirza Abbas bhai will be present at both matches,” he said.

For the former players, the reunion was an emotional experience. Ex-defender Kaiser Hamid said wearing the club jersey again felt special, while Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, popularly known as Banglar Maradona, added with a smile, “I scored in this match, which has boosted my enthusiasm. I want to play in the next two matches as well.”