Rakib earns BPL’s top honour after stellar season

Bashundhara Kings forward Rakib Hossain has been adjudged the best player of last season's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), as Bangladesh Football Federation yesterday handed over the individual trophies to the respective players and the champion trophies to the teams.

Rakib tallied 10 goals and assisted two goals in 18 BPL matches, contributing to Kings clinching their fifth successive trophy in the professional league. The 26-year-old national forward also helped Kings win the Independence Cup, scoring one of two goals against Mohammedan Sporting Club.

"I just heard the news that I became the best player of the BPL and I feel really good because it will encourage me to play even better in the coming season," Rakib told The Daily Star over the phone.

Moreover, Ahsan Habib Bipu of Bangladesh Police was named the best goalkeeper, while Bangladesh Police FC's Romanian coach, Aristica Cioaba, was named the best coach of the 2023-24 season.

Rakib also suggested that the local game's governing body continue this initiative so that other players are inspired to perform better.

"Usually, we don't see the authorities concerned naming the best player or goalkeeper each season, so if recognising the players continues in the future, it will inspire other players to perform in the league," he said.