Morsalin calls Abahani move a ‘lucky opportunity’

National team midfielder Sheikh Morsalin and forward Al Amin began their journey with Abahani Limited on a warm note, greeted with name chants, flowers, and cake by loyal supporters on their first day of pre-season training at the club ground on Thursday.

The six-time league champions began preparations ahead of their AFC Challenge League clash against Kyrgyzstan's FC Muras United on August 12 at the National Stadium.

Morsalin, who left Bashundhara Kings in search of more game time, said the welcome made his move all the more special.

"It has really been a good feeling to be surrounded by the real fans of Abahani, which is a club supported by my grandfather once," Morsalin said after the team training session, which was attended by the entire squad -- comprising three new signings and 14 old ones.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"In rural areas, people know only Abahani and Mohammedan [Sporting Club] and I am lucky to get the opportunity to play for Abahani."

Morsalin, though a regular in the national football team, often struggled to secure a place in the playing eleven for Bashundhara Kings and frequently came off the bench in the past.

"I came here to get more match time and I will be trying to give my best. It is of course a challenge for me and my initial aim is to secure places in the starting eleven and give my level best to the team," added the 20-year-old attacking midfielder who has a knack for scoring from distance.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

On the other hand, promising forward Al Amin left Bangladesh Police FC to join Abahani in order to prove himself further under the guidance of AKM Maruful Haque. Al Amin came into the limelight last season by scoring consistently for Police, and his goal-scoring ability also earned him a debut for the national football team last season.

"Before joining Bangladesh Police FC last season, I had to suffer a lot to get a club. However, I had a good season last year. Like other players I also had a dream to play for a big club as well as dreamt to wear the Abahani's jersey," said Al Amin.

"Although I joined Abahani, I think I have a lot of things to prove and I want to prove myself in the training and secure places in the playing eleven of Abahani, thus continuing to score more goals than last season."

Maruful, who holds a UEFA A licence, said both players are familiar faces from the national team and domestic league.

"[Morsalin and Al Amin] They're with me for the first time, but I've followed their performances closely. With a bit of fine-tuning, they can improve even further."