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Love-lorn Reds

HASAN MASOOD
Despite being one of the most successful clubs in the country Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra still cannot compete with rivals Mohammedan or Abahani in terms of fan numbers.
Still the club to its credit managed to break the long-standing two-team monopoly that existed in domestic football until 1994 by clinching the Federation Cup.
Since their emergence Muktijo-ddha have gone on to add three Fed Cups, lifted the Premier League championship twice and in Septem-ber they ended Mohammedan's reign as National Football League holders.
But in the same month the Reds also became depleted after household names like Rajani, Sujon, Arman, Alfaz, Rakib and Biplab all departed during the inter-club players' transfer. However, they still managed to retain Bangladesh
custodian Aminul following a titanic struggle with Abahani
One wondered if losing so many quality players would affect Shafiqul Islam Manik's charges but it hardly caused but a ripple. Last month they completed the 'double' over Mohammedan with a solitary goal victory in the Federation Cup final.
The title-hungry Muktijoddha have now set their sights on emulating the black and whites' feat of doing a treble by winning the coveted Premier League. And Manik couldn't conceal his side's objective this season.
"The inter-club transfer is held only for the Premier League. So, naturally we are aiming to win the Premier League. It doesn't have anything to do with winning three major titles," said the man, who has been responsible for all that his club has achieved over the years.
"Winning the NFL for the first time was a milestone for us in early September. But then we lost six veteran players and that came as a big setback. But I'm happy the new players have proven they are capa-
ble of winning titles, said Manik referring to the recent Federation Cup success."
"I think every club wants to win the Premier League because that is the 'mother of all competitions'. Keeping that in mind we are preparing to make a serious bid," he added while talking to The Daily Star Sport on Friday.
But Manik was concerned that a spate of injuries might hinder his plans in the coming days.
"Currently five senior players in the squad are sidelined. Among them Moni and Hasan Al-Mamun are doubtful starters for our first match of the league."
On the other hand he was relieved the foreign players were getting used to being placed in new positions.
"Look at Ghansha, he was a defender while playing for Abahani. But I have employed him in the midfield and it is paying off. Liberian Toe is also doing well in the camp," he said.
Muktijoddha captain Matiur Munna also believes the team's combative spirit has helped to overcome the absence of six key players.
"We want to play as a team and not as individuals. I think the spirit is very healthy and we are always trying to emphasis on this aspect," said Munna, one of the gifted midfielders of the country.
"Our aim is simple winning the Premier League this year. We had problems at the back after Rajani and Sujon quit but with the inclusion of Papel, Harry and Ghansha that has been solved," revealed Munna.
MUKTIJODDHA SANGSAD KRIRA CHAKRA SQUAD Goalkeepers: Aminul Islam, Tito and Zia.
Defenders: Hasan Al-Mamun, Papel, Prodeep, Din Mohammad, Belal, Lajuk, Harry and Riadh.
Midfielders: Matiur Munna (captain), Bidyut, Saiful, Tushar, Kabir, Ghansha and Gerald.
Forwards: Moni, Kanchan, Tipu and Toe.
Coach: Shafiqul Islam Manik.