Javier Cabrera used a quiet Saturday evening in Dhaka to send a clear message about Bangladesh’s short-term future and his own. Speaking at an Iftar Mahfil organised by Bangladesh Sports Press Association at the Handball Stadium, the head coach confirmed the national team camp should begin around March 16, flagged a positive injury update on Hamza Choudhury, and refused to rush any conversation about what comes next for him beyond this window.
March now defines Bangladesh’s season. Cabrera wants his players together shortly after the domestic league pauses, build rhythm in Dhaka, then step up a level with a friendly in Vietnam before the Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on March 31. It is a simple plan, but it finally gives structure after months of stop-start football.
Cabrera spoke with obvious relief when the conversation turned to Hamza. “We are in contact. I am speaking with him and also with the doctors at Leicester City,” he said, choosing optimism over anxiety. “We feel positive and I hope his recovery goes very well.” That tone matters, because Bangladesh need Hamza’s control and bite in midfield, and panic helps no one in February.
The coach struck a similarly upbeat note on Shamit Shome. “I spoke to Shamit recently and he is very keen to join the camp as soon as possible,” Cabrera said, clearly encouraged. “Everything is fine with him and we are even trying to get him into camp directly from Dhaka.” It sounded like a coach who already pictures his midfield shape.
Logistics now drive the calendar. The league resumes on March 6 before pausing again for national duty, and Cabrera wants to strike while the players remain match-sharp. “Nothing is confirmed yet, but we are discussing it,” he said. “If the league finishes around March 14, then the camp could start around March 16.” That timing gives him just enough runway without burning legs.
The base stays in Dhaka, at least initially. “We will stay in Dhaka for a few days and probably have three or four training sessions,” Cabrera explained. “Then we travel on the 26th to play in Vietnam and from there go to Singapore for the official match on the 31st.” It is a clean, uncluttered schedule, something Bangladesh rarely enjoy.
Cabrera defended the Vietnam friendly as a deliberate step up rather than a risk. “One of the key points in the plan I submitted this year was to face higher-ranked teams,” he said. “That helps us prepare properly for SAFF later in the year.” He sees Vietnam as pressure training, not a vanity fixture, and that logic holds when Singapore loom days later.
Inevitably, talk drifted towards SAFF and Cabrera’s own future. The coach refused to bite. “This decision is not final and we need patience,” he said, sounding measured rather than evasive. “I still have two months left on my contract and, for me, the Vietnam and Singapore matches are very important. We will talk after that. There is no need to rush.” It felt less like deflection and more like a man protecting his work.
Away from tactics and calendars, Cabrera showed a softer side when asked about Ramadan and life in Bangladesh. “I have been here for almost four and a half years and it is always a pleasure,” he said warmly. “I truly enjoy the culture and feel lucky to share this time with the team, the players and local coaches.” That sense of belonging explains why his words still carry weight inside the camp.
