Cohesion among the players, commitment towards delivery, insight from the coach and good team management were the keys to Sheikh Russel KC's Independence Cup triumph -- their second trophy of the season.
Historically, it has been seen that despite spending big, clubs have to wait for a couple of season to get success. Sheikh Russel, though, have negotiated that trap by bringing success in the same season following good outlay in the squad.
“The triumph of the Independence Cup was a total team effort; from the players to the support staff. The players are committed to deliver their best to win all the silverware this season and we are on course for that,” said Sheikh Russel KC captain-cum-goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee yesterday.
“The players are also eager to add a feather to their playing career to give back to the club,” said the former national goalkeeper.
Sheikh Russel started their journey in the top-flight football in 2003 after crossing the hurdles of First, Second and Third Division leagues and surprised all to become runners-up in the now defunct Premier Division Football League in their debut season. Since that bright opening, they had become a mid-table side, until this season.
“Winning the season's first trophy of the Federation Cup has strengthened our team spirit and now the triumph of Independence Cup will help us complete our course through winning the title of the professional football league for which we are waiting from the start of the season,” said playmaker Mamunul Islam.
The lad from Chittagong teamed up with Moroccan Tareq El Janabi to turn into the diving force of Sheikh Russel's midfield but he did not want to highlight himself.
“Football is a game of 11 players. I could not perform if others did not help me. But one thing I always try to put up my best in the game,” said the captain of the national football team, who fed striker Zahid Hasan Emily to notch the winning goal against Sheikh Jamal in Tuesday's final.
Mamun, however, praised coach Maruful Haque for his understanding of the players and termed him as a great motivator.
“The coach is an important factor to get success and I will say he is a great motivator,” said Mamun. “I am a short-tempered person and have been suffering from a family problem recently but he read me well during the practice session and solved the matter to get maximum service from me.”
Despite hitting the heights by claiming two successive titles, Sheikh Russel KC kept their foot firmly on the ground by turning up for a training session, just 17 hours after the triumph.
Sheikh Russel celebrated their Independence Cup triumph for a short time on Tuesday night at the club tent situated besides Hosni Dalan in the capital's Chankharpul. The squad then congregated to watch the Champions League match between Barcelona and PSG.
Sheikh Russel is likely to resume their campaign of the Bangladesh Premier League against dark-horse Brothers Union on Saturday. Sheikh Russel are in the second position with 26 points from 12 matches, just two points behind leaders Abahani, with a game in hand. Apart from the tie against Brothers Union, Sheikh Russel have to face title aspirant Sheikh Jamal DC and relegation-threatened Arambagh KS and Feni Soccer Club.