Hamza urges Bangladesh to turn fan support into silverware

Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury believes the national team have the confidence and quality to win the SAFF Championship, insisting that the time has come to repay the supporters for their unwavering backing by delivering results.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, ahead of Bangladesh's Group A encounter against Sri Lanka, Hamza acknowledged the pressure surrounding the team's title ambitions but said the players were determined to end the country's 23-year wait for the regional crown.

“We know there's a lot of pressure on us. But we know we all want this. We saw it in the training room and inside, and Inshallah, we want to win the SAFF Championship,” said Hamza.

Bangladesh last lifted the SAFF title in 2003, and Hamza expressed confidence in the current squad, pointing to their performances against stronger opposition, including India, Singapore and Hong Kong.

He also backed the team's attacking options, saying he was not concerned about their recent struggles in front of goal as they continued to create scoring opportunities.

“I'd be concerned if we weren't creating chances. But actually, we are creating chances. I also missed chances against Malaysia. But, like I say, we're creating chances, so Inshallah we can start converting them,” he said.

Hamza also highlighted the responsibility the players felt towards their supporters, who have followed the team in large numbers since the arrival of several expatriate footballers.

“It's been almost two years, so we need to start winning games and repaying the fans who spend a lot of money and time to come and watch us play,” he said.

The Leicester City midfielder, who has made 13 international appearances for Bangladesh, also said he would accept the captaincy if head coach Thomas Dooley wanted him to take the responsibility.

“If the coach wants me to be captain, I'll be captain,” he said, adding that the squad's unity and team spirit were more important than individual roles.

Hamza also backed Bangladesh's chances of being among the favourites for the ongoing tournament, saying the team were gradually finding the right balance.