‘Football or futsal, I am willing to play wherever I'm needed’

From football glory to futsal history, Sabina Khatun’s journey remains one of unrivalled leadership. After inspiring Bangladesh women’s SAFF triumphs, she has now captained her side to inaugural SAFF futsal glory in Bangkok. Speaking to Daily Sun’s Kamran Ahmed, the prolific scorer insists she is ready to serve wherever she is needed.

Daily Sun: When you joined the newly formed women’s futsal team, did you honestly believe at that moment that this side could become champions?

Sabina Khatun: Firstly, when I joined the team, I already had experience in futsal as I had played in the Maldives several times before. So, I drew from that experience. To be honest, whether we would become champions or not wasn't really on my mind initially, but I had total confidence in the players around me. The Sabina you see off the pitch is exactly the same as the one on it; I always try to stay friendly with everyone and motivate the team so that everyone can give their best.

Daily Sun: Winning titles while captaining in two different formats—football and futsal—which one felt more challenging, and why?

Sabina: Even though football and futsal are different formats, both games are certainly very challenging. Because we faced many high-quality matches, I felt that, compared to football, every futsal match had much more intensity. Since it is played on a smaller pitch, that intensity is naturally higher.

Daily Sun: Between the 2022 SAFF Football title in Nepal and the 2026 SAFF Futsal title in Bangkok, what differences do you feel between these two successes?

Sabina: Actually, there isn’t much difference between the two SAFF titles. Winning a trophy for your country is always a source of great joy. Victory always creates a wonderful feeling. From my side, I just tried to help the team. Since I am a goal scorer and have been scoring consistently over the years, my effort was to maintain that consistency in this tournament as well. In that regard, it definitely feels good. Scoring goals is difficult in both formats because it requires a great deal of skill.

Daily Sun: Captaining in a new format, where did you find the biggest difference between leadership in football and futsal?

Sabina: When it comes to captaining in a new format, leadership has always felt like a position of great responsibility to me. In that sense, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s football or futsal. To be a captain, your leadership has to stem from a professional mindset.

Daily Sun: How do you view this futsal team—is it just a short chapter or the future of women’s football in Bangladesh?

Sabina: I think since the futsal team has now achieved such a strong result, those involved and those in charge will hopefully be more interested in developing futsal further following this success.

Daily Sun: Now that you are successful in both, which format do you see yourself in more in the future?

Sabina: Regarding where I see myself, I am actually comfortable playing in both formats. For my country, wherever I am deemed to be needed, I am definitely willing to play.

Daily Sun: There has been a disagreement with the football team coach, and you have been away from the national team since last year. Do you miss the national team shirt?

Sabina: I don’t want to comment on the issue with the football team coach. He should work the way he feels is right. Since there is a major tournament ahead, I don’t want to create any negativity, discussion, or criticism surrounding him.

Daily Sun: What is Sabina’s next goal—more titles, or a new kind of “first”?

Sabina: As for my goals, since I am playing both football and futsal, I will try to participate in any tournament that comes up. I am also trying to take advantage of any opportunities to play in leagues abroad should they arise.