There's nothing quite like the prestige and importance of winning a league title in football. And that prestigious league champion trophy in Bangladesh? Bashundhara Kings have well and truly made it their own property! Having been champions since entering the league in 2018, there wasn't much jubilation after securing their fifth consecutive title on Saturday.
While Bashundhara Kings boast several Bangladeshi national team players, the captain's armband adorns the arm of Brazilian Robson Robinho. This high-calibre footballer has been a cornerstone of the team for several seasons now. The captain, however, isn't content with just the league title. "We have another crucial match ahead against Abahani (Federation Cup semi-final)," he declared. "I want to win that match and reach the final, clinching the treble as champions."
The feat of winning three titles in a single season belongs to Sheikh Russell Sports Club in recent times. Under Coach Maruful Haque, Sheikh Russell secured the Federation Cup, Independence Cup, and League in the 2012-13 season. Earlier in 2002, Dhaka Mohammedan achieved the same feat. Kings also had a chance at the treble last season, but their Federation Cup loss to Mohammedan put a stop to that dream. Now, to rectify that shortcoming, they must overcome the Mohammedan hurdle in Mymensingh, who have already booked their place in the final.
Bashundhara Kings have been a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. They've only drawn and lost one match out of fifteen. Oscar's disciples have been victorious in all thirteen remaining matches. While other opponents may not have provided as much competition, Robson begs to differ. "The Bangladesh League has become increasingly competitive every season," he said. "Our club is constantly improving with quality local and foreign players. We always aim to win every match, that's our constant goal."
Captain Robinho himself is no stranger to finding the back of the net. However, his personal goal tally isn't particularly high this season. He holds no regrets about this, though. "Which team are the champions? Kings. That's my achievement, and that's all that matters."
Rakib Hossain, a key player for both the national team and Bashundhara Kings, commented after the title confirmation: "Just like there are semi-finals and finals in tournaments, Mohammedan approached this match as a final." Mohammedan had previously beaten Kings in the first leg at Kings Arena, which fuelled the Kings' footballers with an extra dose of determination to overcome the black and white stripes. "We lost the first match to them, so everyone had a burning desire to win this time. Beating them and becoming champions feels fantastic."
Kings only managed four points at the end of the first leg. Entering the second leg, the champions had three matches in hand. Regarding securing the title so quickly, Rakib said: "This year's league was tougher than last year. In the second leg, opponents dropped points, making things easier for us. Especially after beating Abahani in the previous match, the path to the league title became smoother."
While national team forwards aren't allowed to play alongside foreign players, Rakib has consistently scored against high-quality foreigners at Kings. Speaking about his performance, he said: "This achievement belongs to all my teammates. The foreign players have also supported me."
Pre-independence Dhaka Wanderers hold the distinction of winning the championship five times during the sixties. However, their titles weren't consecutive. Bashundhara Kings are gradually carving out their own unique space in the Dhaka League, which began in 1948. Despite securing their fifth consecutive title, the club didn't celebrate excessively. The players and coaching staff simply held up five fingers while sporting their champions' jerseys. However, they have grand celebrations planned for their home match.
