The Bangladesh U-20 women’s team is set to kick off their SAFF Championship campaign on 11 July, and the squad list has raised a few eyebrows — and expectations — with the inclusion of several senior national team players.
In a pre-tournament press conference, head coach Peter Butler, Bangladesh Women’s Football Committee chairperson Mahfuza Akhtar Kiron, and team captain Afeida Khandaker addressed the media, shedding light on squad selection, preparation strategies, and long-term goals.
Though the SAFF U-20 Championship is a youth-level tournament — often seen as a breeding ground for emerging talent — this year’s Bangladesh squad includes a surprising number of seasoned campaigners. With India absent from the competition, many expected more opportunities for younger players to step up. So why the senior presence?
Butler explained the rationale clearly:
“SAFF rules allow this flexibility. Since we’ve qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, it’s vital to keep our key players match-fit and active. That’s why we’ve named this squad,” he said.
Despite the relatively easier competition expected in India’s absence, Afeida Khandaker is focused on only one thing — winning.
“In professional football, the goal is always to win,” said the captain. “We went into the Asian Cup with a winning mentality, and we’ll do the same here.”
When asked whether it was challenging to adapt to the U-20 setup, Afeida — a regular face in the senior national team — said preparations had been smooth:
“Before travelling to Myanmar, both the senior and U-20 teams trained together. That helped me adjust quickly.”
On the team’s objective in the tournament, she stated:
“We want to win every game. Since it’s a round-robin format, every match counts.”
Afeida was also a part of the SAFF-winning side in 2023. Comparing that squad to the current one, she added:
“Back then, we had players like Rupna Akter and Shamsunnahar Junior. This time, we’re taking the lead. Both teams are equally strong in my eyes.”
Meanwhile, Mahfuza Akhtar Kiron highlighted the strategic role of head coach Peter Butler, who oversees both senior and youth squads.
“This is how we’ve always worked. Peter monitors everything — and we want it that way. He’s present during senior matches and involved with youth team development too. Local coaches implement his instructions accordingly,” she said.
When questioned about the decision to keep all programmes under one head coach despite Bangladesh now competing at a wider Asian level, Kiron stood firm:
“I believe it’s easier when everything grows under one ‘banyan tree’. Peter sets the framework, and every level of the programme follows that vision.”
Looking ahead, Kiron revealed ambitions to take preparations overseas once again, similar to past successful campaigns:
“Previously, we’ve trained in China, Korea, Japan, and Singapore — and returned to win SAFF. This time, we plan to do the same. We have nearly seven months, and we want to make the most of it. I’ll discuss this further with BFF President Tabith Awal,” she confirmed.
The message is clear: Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is moving forward with a clear and unified strategy. By blending senior experience with youth energy, and treating every competition with importance, they are building a strong pipeline for the future of women’s football.
If Afeida and her team can replicate their ambition on the pitch, even bigger stages may soon await them.