Bangladesh women’s football team are working on their attacking play as they prepare for two international friendlies against Singapore in December, with new interim head coach Eric Mare overseeing training at the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram.
The team have been training at the venue since October 30. The camp offers residential facilities, open grounds and a peaceful environment as the players look to improve their fitness and match preparation.
Speaking to reporters during Wednesday’s training session, defender Afeida Khandokar said the new coach has encouraged them to play more attacking football.
“We have a new coach now, and we’re enjoying under him. He likes us to go forward more, since it’s a game of goals,” Afeida said.
Bangladesh have faced Singapore before, and Afeida believes that experience could help the team in the upcoming matches. Afeida also praised the new training facility.
“We played Singapore before. We will try to use that experience, and perform well in the upcoming matches. I would also like to thank the KEPZ for providing us with such nice facilities.”
Like Afeida, captain Maria Manda also welcomed the facilities at KEPZ, saying the environment had helped the players concentrate on their preparations.
“With the December matches approaching, it’s great to have the facilities to practice all the time here,” Maria said.
She also spoke about the importance of adapting to changes in the coaching staff.
“Since we are players, we have to be mentally prepared for any coach leaving or joining the team any time. We’re adjusting under the new coach, and we want to practice well and perform well.”
Mare took charge on an interim basis after Peter Butler returned to England for medical treatment. The French coach joined the squad in Chattogram on November 10, with limited time to prepare for the two matches.
Beyond the immediate challenge, Mare also spoke about identifying more players and building a stronger national team pipeline for the future.
“Some scouts outside have started to bring some information about some girls. That means some more girls will now get this opportunity. It’s a long-term process. To get to a higher level, you need to keep training, and you can compete in everything,” he said.
The coaching staff are expected to reduce the initial training group before finalising the squad for the matches against Singapore on December 1 and 5.
