Bangladesh begin SAFF preparations on revamped National Stadium pitch

The Bangladesh national football team returned to the National Stadium for their first training session on Monday afternoon, kicking off their SAFF Championship preparations on a completely modernised pitch.

The squad last played at the venue in November last year, securing a long-awaited win against India. Upon their homecoming, the players were greeted by a pristine, entirely sand-based surface. The new setup completely removes topsoil, ensuring the pitch will no longer turn into a muddy quagmire during heavy rain while permanently solving previous issues with earthworms and weed growth.

Twenty-two players from the 28-man preliminary squad reported to the team hotel on Sunday to begin the camp. Among them was veteran defender Topu Barman, returning to the fold after a late injury ruled him out of the recent ASEAN Cup in Indonesia.

"I am completely healthy now," Topu said before following Monday's training session. "Playing the SAFF Championship at home after eight years is a special moment. We have to fight to win this trophy after 23 years, right here on our own soil."

Reflecting on the team's recent defensive struggles, which saw them concede nine goals in their last international outing, Topu admitted it was deeply disappointing. He stressed that improving collective defending and guiding young Defenders like Zidane Alexander Yousuf

who gained valuable minutes in Indonesia will be his main priority over the next week of training.

The defender also noted that the team will likely miss key midfielder Hamza Choudhury and Farhaan Ali Wahid for their opening match against Bhutan 

"Hamza is our most important player, and we will definitely miss him if he can not make the first match," Topu added. "But we have to play as a unit to cover his absence. The first match is very important to set a good tone."

Topu also confirmed that team management has issued a strict zero-tolerance policy for any disciplinary breaches during the camp, noting that the players must act as idols for the younger generation.

Monday's opening session also highlighted fresh faces, notably 18-year-old forward Mohammed Mahe Khan, who earned his maiden senior call-up. Fully recovered from a recent hand injury in England, the teenager is unbothered by the pressure of the number nine role.

"I am extremely proud and happy," Mahe said. "I am fully confident. I know exactly what the coach expects from me, and I will try to execute his plans perfectly and hopefully get some goals."

For Mahe, the camp is also a chance to fulfill a childhood dream of sharing a dressing room with Leicester City's Choudhury.

"I have been watching Hamza play for Leicester since I was a kid, as Leicester is close to my home," the forward explained. "To get the chance to play in the same team as someone I grew up watching is a massive honour. He has so much top-level experience, and I am incredibly excited to learn from him."