Two master tacticians will be pitted against each other when Muktijoddha Sangsad begin the last chapter in defence of their National League title against debutants Brothers Union in the final of the 4th Nitol-Tata National Football League today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.
Bangladesh Television will telecast the final live from 4:10 pm. After a grueling seven-week journey, Shafiqul Islam Manik's Muktijoddha and Syed Naimuddin's Brothers are the last teams standing having eliminated local heavyweights Mohammedan and Abahani.
Former Indian national team coach Naimuddin, who has all the necessary experience to guide a team at this level, did not even need any foreign player to see the Gopibagh outfit through to the final undefeated. The wily veteran will be eager to add another feather to his cap after delivering the Premier League trophy earlier in the season.
Brothers' 2-1 comeback victory over an inspired Abahani in the semifinal will definitely give them extra confidence but Naimuddin has told his players to treat the final as a totally new ball game.
"I have told the boys that it's a new day and they can not take anything for granted. They have to forget whatever has happened in the whole season and will have to work hard to lay their hands on the trophy," said Naimuddin yesterday during the team's training session at the club's ground.
Brothers boast as many as 11 current national players and have plenty of decisive booters but Naimuddin thinks that they will face a team that is technically very sound.
"As opponents, Muktijoddha are difficult as they stick to a plan. That can be dangerous. But I feel that our players will be on top, especially
after the moral boosting win against Abahani two days ago. I think it will keep them focused on completing a double. It will be a great achievement if we can win tomorrow," he added.
When asked about Brothers' 4-2 victory against the Reds in a Super Six match earlier in the tournament, Naimuddin said it will have no bearing in the final. "They did not have key players that day and it will be a different game."
Manik, the long serving Muktijoddha coach also thinks that the loss against Brothers, which was their only defeat in the campaign so far, is already forgotten.
"We have recovered from that. With top local players, Brothers are the best team and there is no doubt they will be inspired to finish this tournament as number one. But we are looking forward to the final too because we are the defending champions," said Manik.
A strong defence and the coun-
try's best goalkeeper Aminul under the bar gives Muktijoddha the right tools to stymie Brothers' attacking flair but Manik said that a win could become a difficult proposition if his players took time to settle down as a team.
The former Bangladesh fullback also said that it will be a personal challenge also.
"Naimuddin has had vast exposure and has top level experience. If I can outwit him, it will be very pleasing for me."
Manik's main concerns are an inadequate reserve bench and the absence of inform marksmen to partner striker Saifur Rahman Moni who is jointly leading the score sheet with seven goals.
On the other hand, Brothers' main striker and captain Alfaz is fast approaching his lethal best. Topu, Abul, Monwar and Arman all have been among the goals also.