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BFF pins hopes on Manik
Sports Reporter



New Bangladesh national football coach Shafiqul Islam Manik and BFF vice-presidents Abdus Salam Murshedi (M) and Badal Roy (L) are all smiles after the former got his contract with the federation yesterday at the BFF Bhaban. Photo: STAR
As expected, Shafiqul Islam Manik has become the highest paid local coach for the national football team.

Announcing him as the new coach for the next three and half months at a press conference at the BFF Bhaban, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) vice-president Badal Roy told that the contract is renewable and the federation will watch Manik's activities during the period.

"He starts working from today and once the National Team Management Committee (NTMC) gives its prescription for team selection, it will not interfere in Manik's business," said Badal, also the chairman of the NTMC.

"After selection, all responsibilities belong to the coach. We want to ensure that this is not breached. Although we have made a brief contract, our plan is long-term with Manik.

"We will recruit a technical director and he will decide everything bout national team's coaching. That's why we've gone for a short contract. We know he is an able coach and believe he will do the job properly."

Badal added that although Manik will get only one tournament -- Merdeka Cup in Malaysia -- during this period, he would not be judged by the result as the BFF has no target in the Merdeka Cup.

"We will see whether his activities are according to the terms and references of the job or not."

It seems that it would be a testing time for the former national footballer, who has 12 years' experience in club coaching.

"I am grateful to my parents and my mentors Gafoor Balooch and Ali Imam for whom I have come this far. I am also thankful to the BFF because for evaluating my ability," said Manik whose monthly salary would be Tk 60,000 in addition of other facilities.

His predecessor Abu Yusuf received Tk 35,000 as national coach.

"I know there had been problems with local coaches in the past but I don't want to look back. All I want is to work with the federation as one of its members and try improve the condition of the game," added Manik.