A quartet of Bangladesh’s top women footballers have departed for Bhutan on Monday, where they will make history by competing in the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League (WCL). Captain Sabina Khatun, together with Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, and Ritu Porna Chakma, have signed a three-week deal with Royal Thimphu College (RTC) FC.
Despite no Bangladeshi club qualifying for the tournament, these four talented athletes have secured a unique opportunity to represent their country. They have signed a three-week contract with Royal Thimphu College (RTC) FC, a Bhutanese club participating in the WCL..
RTC FC has been drawn into Group D of the tournament's first phase, where they will face formidable opponents in Iran's Bam Khatun Football Club on August 25th and Hong Kong's Kitchee Sports Club on August 28th. All matches will be held at RTC FC's home stadium in Thimphu.
This groundbreaking venture is seen as a potential springboard for more Bangladeshi women footballers to secure professional contracts abroad. Captain Sabina Khatun, who boasts previous international club experience in the Maldives and India, brings valuable expertise to the team.
As the players departed for Bhutan, they expressed their enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to excel in the tournament. Sabina extended her gratitude to RTC FC for providing this extraordinary opportunity and emphasized the immense pride of representing Bangladesh on the international stage.
The four footballers are determined to not only showcase their skills but also inspire young Bangladeshi girls to pursue their dreams in football. Their participation in the AFC Women's Champions League is a significant milestone for women's sports in Bangladesh and promises to leave a lasting impact.
