Fifteen-year-old striker Mirajul Islam impressed everyone with his goal-scoring ability in ongoing Bangladesh Championship League (BCL), finishing as the second-tier's top goal-getter while representing BFF Elite Academy. His performances saw him earn a shot at top-flight football in the Bangladesh Premier League, with Mohammedan set to rope in Mirajul on loan after the Bangladesh Football Federation decided in principle to send the teenager to the Black & Whites for the rest

of the season in exchange of Tk 10 lakh. The 10th-grader shared the tales of his journey and spoke about plans for the future with The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman. The excerpts are below:

The Daily Star (DS): You started with the BFF Elite Academy in the BCL and are set to join Mohammedan in the coming days. How do you feel?

Mirajul Islam (MI): I just now learned that information from you. If it happens, it really is big news for me and I would be very happy. I will try to give my best for Mohammedan although I'm sure there will be a lot of challenges.

DS: You are the top-scorer of the BCL with 10 goals in 11 matches. Does striking goals come easy to you?

MI: No, it is not an easy task. I always try to improve in terms of scoring but nothing is easy. However, I really love to score goals and I feel really good after scoring. Scoring 10 goals in 11 matches was possible because of my teammates, who helped me a lot.

DS: How do you feel you match up against Mohammedan's foreign recruits and experienced players for a place in the playing eleven?

MI: I believe I can compete against them. Age doesn't matter. Performances on the field are more important. I believe in myself and I believe I can secure a place in the starting eleven through my performances.

DS: Do you have experience of playing any position other than striker?

MI: From the beginning, I play as a striker. Before coming into the BFF Elite Academy, I played in the 3rd Division Football League for King Star in 2021 and hit 13 goals in probably 20 matches as we became runners-up in the league. I also participated in the 2018 Subrato Cup in India for BSKP and I hit seven goals.

DS: Can you tell us briefly about your football journey?

MI: In my childhood, my parents, especially my father, prevented me from playing football. However, my two elder brothers, who were also playing football in our village of Jhalakathi, inspired me to play and helped me develop as a footballer. After being admitted to the BKSP in 2017, my parents also inspired me. I joined the BFF Elite Academy from BKSP.

DS: What are your strengths and shortcomings?

MI: I can press well up front and I also have good accuracy with my shots. I am also good at dribbling, but need to improve in one-on-one situations. I also need to improve my heading in front of goal.

DS: What is your ultimate target in football?

MI: My target is to play for the national football team but I think that is still a ways off.