Sheffield  United midfielder Hamza Choudhury joined Bangladesh national team last week, to the euphoria of football fans around the coun try. The 27-year-old, who will make his debut for Bangladesh against India in an Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture in Shillong today, has vowed to play for Bangladesh for 'a number of years'.

While Hamza, despite being a player from the world's top football league, cannot single-handedly turn results in Bangladesh's favour, his impact on and off the pitch could be monumental. Bangladesh Football Federation has already roped in a long-term men's team sponsor after a long time, and there is a growing interest among overseas-based footballers of Bangladeshi origin to represent Bangladesh, both at the age-group and senior level.

If the BFF utilises this upsurge in interest from footballers and fans, it could be a game changer for Bangladesh football. But the game's local governing body will have to also ensure that domestic football is not ignored, instead it needs to make domestic football truly professional and make sure that there is a seamless process for youngsters to come through the academies and be represented in our youth teams.