Bangladesh Football Federation has made a change to the coaching team of the Bangladesh U17 women’s side ahead of their tour of Jordan.
BFF technical director Saiful Bari Titu will take charge as head coach. Golam Rabbani Choton, who had been coaching the team for the past few months, will work as his assistant.
Bangladesh will tour Jordan as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
The decision raised questions at a BFF press conference ahead of the team’s departure.
BFF Women’s Wing chairperson Mahfuza Akter Kiron was asked why the federation had replaced Choton despite his long and successful spell in women’s football.
Kiron initially did not respond. She later explained why BFF had chosen Titu.
“The technical director is basically a coach and he holds a Pro Licence. The federation felt he was better suited for the role and gave him the responsibility,” Kiron said.
There has also been another change in the team’s coaching staff.
Former Bangladesh international Mirona Khatun had been working with the U17 side. However, BFF has left her out of the Jordan tour.
A disagreement reportedly developed between Mirona and Titu while Choton was in Malaysia with Rajshahi Stars. BFF later issued a show cause notice to Mirona and formed a committee to investigate the matter.
Kiron said the ongoing investigation was the reason behind Mirona’s absence from the tour.
“An investigation committee has been formed regarding Mirona. She is not being taken on the tour while the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The decision has also raised questions over BFF’s handling of another case involving senior women’s team manager Khalid Mahmud Nowmi.
SAFF had made a disciplinary complaint against Nowmi. BFF formed a committee to investigate the issue, but its report has not yet been made public.
Despite the investigation, Nowmi has continued to travel with the national team. He has also been named team manager for the Asian Games in Japan.
Mirona, however, will not travel with the U17 team while her case remains under investigation.
Kiron said the two situations were different.
“The issues involving Nowmi and Mirona are different. There was no problem between Nowmi and anyone in the team. There are internal questions regarding Mirona. That is why two different decisions have been made,” she said.
Mirona has worked with Bangladesh women’s football for several years. She previously worked alongside Choton and other coaches.
The change from Choton to Titu could also bring a different approach to the U17 side after months of preparation under Choton.
Bangladesh co captain Alpi Akter was asked about the coaching change and how the players had adapted to Titu.
“Both coaches are good. We are training under them. The federation has done what it thinks is best,” Alpi said.
Bangladesh will now continue their preparations in Jordan ahead of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
