Rajshahi Stars launched their maiden AFC Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign with a formidable squad featuring 16 Bangladesh women’s national team footballers on Friday, as the reigning Women’s Football League champions aim to secure a place in the continental competition’s main round.
The Bangladesh champion has already begun training at the Kamalapur Stadium before leaving for Malaysia, where the preliminary round gets underway on 17 August.
However, preparations for the club’s biggest-ever assignment have also exposed the limitations of Bangladesh’s women’s club football.
Despite assembling a squad packed with national team stars, Rajshahi Stars have not arranged separate accommodation for the players. Instead, the footballers will stay at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Bhaban, where members of the national team reside throughout the year, and travel from there for training.
Sources said the arrangement has not gone down well with several players, although the decision was reportedly taken at the request of the Bangladesh Football Federation.
The issue is not new.
Footballers from Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan Sporting Club and Nasrin Sports Academy also stayed at the BFF residential camp during the domestic women’s league, drawing criticism at the time. The situation remains unchanged despite Rajshahi’s participation in an international club competition.
Head coach Golam Rabbani Choton will lead the side after being released temporarily from his duties with the BFF. He is expected to return to his role with the Bangladesh Under-17 women’s national team after the tournament.
Rajshahi have strengthened their squad with a host of established internationals, including Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Rupna Chakma, Sheuli Azim, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Tohura Khatun, Alpi Akter and Shamsunnahar Jr.
The Bangladesh champions will play three matches in the preliminary round.
Rajshahi will open their campaign against India’s East Bengal on 17 August, before taking on hosts Sabah FC on 20 August and Guam’s Rovers FC on 23 August.
Only the group winners will progress to the main draw of the AFC Women’s Champions League, making every match crucial in Rajshahi Stars’ bid to script history on the continental stage.
