In a move that's sent shockwaves through the Bangladeshi Premier League, Bashundhara Kings have parted ways with their long-serving Spanish manager, Oscar Bruzon. The six-year reign of the popular coach came to an end last week, sparking a frenzy of speculation about his successor.
While the club remains tight-lipped on the matter, whispers in the corridors of power suggest a new gaffer is poised to take the helm. All signs point towards a familiar face in Asian football – the highly-regarded Romanian coach, Valeriu Tita.
An official announcement is expected imminently, but the 58-year-old Tita appears to be the man entrusted with leading the Kings on their next chapter. Tita boasts a wealth of experience across the Asian continent, most recently managing Saudi Arabian second-tier outfit Al Ain.
However, his most impressive feat lies in guiding Syrian club Al Ittihad to AFC Cup glory in 2010, Asia's premier club competition. Tita's resume also includes stints in Iraq, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, along with two separate spells as head coach of the Syrian national team.
The Kings are set to add a new fitness guru to their backroom staff alongside Tita, who holds the prestigious UEFA Pro License. With the new season kicking off on September 14th, pre-season training under the new regime is expected to commence in mid-August.
The upcoming campaign promises further intrigue with the Kings' participation in the inaugural Challenge League, a brand new Asian tournament set for October.
Furthermore, the Bangladeshi champions have confirmed the retention of two key foreign players from last season – the ever-reliable Robson Robinho and defensive stalwart Miguel Figueira. Additionally, Brazilian midfielder Jonathan Fernandes makes a welcome return to the fold.
However, the Kings' transfer dealings aren't over yet, with reports suggesting three more foreign recruits are on the horizon, bolstering their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.
