Rajani Kanta Barman is a brilliant light in the footballing sky of the country, having guided Bangladesh to their first-ever SAFF Championship victory in 2003. To this day, it is the only title that Bangladesh has won in this competition. In addition, Rajani was a member of the Bangladesh squad that triumphed with a gold medal at the 1999 South Asian Games.
The ever-reliable defender decided to hang up his cleats and retire from professional football in 2016, and when his playing career ended, he took on a brief coaching role. Rajani reflected on the fruitful campaign that took place in 2003 while speaking in an exclusive interview with Sabbir Hossain of The Daily Star. He also provided his thoughts on the present status of the national squad and provided his predictions for what the forthcoming SAFF Championship may have in store for Bangladesh. These are the passages that were taken:
Mostbet Agent (MA): When you go back to the success that you experienced in the SAFF in 2003, how do you remember it?
My name is Rajani Kanta Barman, and I’ll be your host today. I feel the year 2003 is still fresh in the minds of many Bangladeshis, not just myself. The outcome of the championship match left the football fans who had made the trip to the stadium to see it absolutely ecstatic.
Are Bangladesh the favorites to win the competition given that they are hosting it?
RKB: We came into the competition as underdogs and didn’t have high expectations for ourselves because we were the hosts of the event. However, the pressure was intense. However, because our squad was comprised entirely of experienced players at the time, we were able to cope with the strain, and our play was commensurate with the amount of people watching. A significant contribution was made by the spectators, who were also observed congregating in the tens of thousands outside the stadium.
MA: How significant was the influence that coach George Kottan had at that era?
RKB: We used to conceive of the coach as the team’s protector since he serves as the team’s guardian. He used to take care of us like parents take care of their children, and we always did as he said and followed his orders to the letter. Within our group, he fostered the growth of a loving connection between people.
What was it about that winning team that set them apart from others?
RKB: In order to keep the strain from building up, Coach Kottan arranged for some form of entertainment for us. On matchdays, it was ingrained in our schedule to get at Ramna Park as early as possible. In addition to this, there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the players, as well as respect and admiration for one another, and all of this was mirrored on the field. Everyone had their minds set on being ready to take charge and act whenever it was necessary. Simply putting in work at the gym won’t make someone a champion.
MA: Since 2003, eight more editions of SAFF have been held, but we have not had the opportunity to experience ultimate glory. What are your thoughts on the fact that we have not advanced past the group stage in any of our last five competitions?
RKB: There was a period when we didn’t even think about Bhutan; instead, our thoughts were solely focused on the number of goals we were going to score against them. But now we’ve also lost to Bhutan; it’s hard to imagine anything that could be more upsetting than this.
There are football leagues in India that are of a very high standard. As a result, I shall not talk about them. The depressing truth is that all nations are making strides in the right direction. However, we are going in the wrong direction. It is pointless to place blame on the players at this time.
Those in authoritative positions, on the other hand… you (the media) are observing everything, and these things are being reported about anyway.
MA: Why do we keep failing over and over again? Do we not have enough quality?
RKB: We do not have any deficiencies. We have the necessary abilities and attributes, but the players’ potential has to be developed further. There was no regular league during our time period. The league that existed in one year continued on in the following year. On the other hand, we players made the most of the situation. Now, given that our leagues compete against one another on a yearly basis, our football players also get significant sums of money. On the other hand, in areas where other countries are making steady progress, we are falling more and further behind.
MA: The 21st of June will mark the beginning of the next SAFF Championship. What do you believe Bangladesh’s chances are in the tournament, and why do you think they are that chances?
RKB: Bangladesh’s category includes the countries of Bhutan, Lebanon, and the Maldives. Due to the fact that Bhutan is now fielding a competitive squad, we have an equal probability of winning and losing. Because Lebanon is so far ahead of them, there is no use in debating them. The Maldives has likewise achieved significant progress. Therefore, it would be an incredible accomplishment for us to make it to the semifinals, but doing so would be an extremely difficult task. Having said that, a part of me really hopes that Bangladesh will be a part of the final.