Former national team captain Zahid Hasan Emily has been appointed as the manager of the Bangladesh Under-17 squad, tasked with leading the team through the upcoming AFC U-17 tournament qualifiers in Cambodia.
Emily, who received the offer from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) just three days ago, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. "Having represented my country for over a decade, including as captain, I'm thrilled to share my experience with these young footballers," he said. "This new role presents a unique challenge, and I'm eager to contribute to their development."
Emily's illustrious career as a striker spanned from 2005 to 2015, during which he netted numerous goals for Bangladesh. Beyond his playing days, he has remained actively involved in football and now embarks on his first managerial role. The Bangladesh U-17 team is currently competing in the SAFF U-17 tournament in Bhutan. Upon their return, preparations will commence for the AFC qualifiers, with Emily officially assuming his duties on October 1. The recent flurry of managerial changes in Bangladesh football has raised eyebrows. In addition to Emily, Khandaker Rakibul Islam managed the SAFF U-20 champions, while Shahidul Islam Swapan was appointed to oversee the AFC U-20 tournament selection process. The frequent shifts in leadership have prompted questions, with national team coach Maruful Haque attributing the impact of these changes to a mere 5% and emphasizing the significance of player turnover.
Despite the managerial changes, the U-20 team has retained experienced national team players. Kamrul Islam Hilton, a prominent figure in the sport, has been named manager for the SAFF U-17 tournament. His appointment has sparked speculation among footballers, who believe it may be linked to his political aspirations.
