I RESPECT COACH DECISION: QUAZEM

Cut from Thomas Dooley’s primary squad, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmane is taking the tactical reshuffle in stride and targeting a return for the SAFF Championship. The resilient midfielder spoke with the daily sun ’s Kamran Ahmed about two-a-day training sessions, coaching philosophies and crucial family backing.

daily sun : You were in the national team camp and are now resting after being dropped through the coach’s process. Overall, how was the camp, and are you upset about missing the ASEAN Cup?

Quazem: Of course, this camp was mostly like a pre-season, with hard training twice a day. I am disappointed that I am not in the camp now, but as a professional, I have to accept it. I respect the coach’s decision and just have to move forward.

daily sun : You were there during Javier Cabrera’s camp and have now trained under Thomas Dooley. What differences did you see?

Quazem: Both have different ideas. I don’t really want to go into the details because they have their own tactics. But as people, they are both good. I had a good relationship with both. Maybe I was not always in their plans, but I respect them as people.

daily sun : How do you think Bangladesh can perform in the ASEAN Cup?

Quazem: We can do well. We have a good squad, with good players coming in, while the local players are good too. If everything is integrated, preparation is going well, and two sessions a day are boosting fitness. Insha’Allah, it will be good. Our opponents are also very strong, but it is one game at a time. If we get a good result against Malaysia in the first game, we can do well.

daily sun : What did the coach say about the areas you need to improve?

Quazem: I had a talk with the coach about what I need to improve. I respect his opinions. Every coach has their own opinions, so I will work on this and try to improve.

daily sun : Since the ASEAN Cup gone, what is your next target? Will you try to reclaim your spot for the SAFF Championship?

Quazem: My dream is still to play for the national team. Not everything is going my way, but I will never give up. I need to prove myself again, listen to what the coach told me, and improve. Hopefully, when the SAFF Championship comes, Insha’Allah I will be there again.

daily sun : What kind of mental support do you get from your family, especially as your father was also a professional cricketer?

Quazem: My biggest blessing is my family’s support. My parents are not in Bangladesh, but I have two uncles, an aunt, and my wife as a very big support system. My father can relate to my situation because when he played cricket, he may have played well in the league but didn't get the chance to play for the national team. So he sometimes gets more hurt about me. It hurts me too when I have to tell him I am not in the squad, but he slowly boosts me up again. I am grateful for my parents and my family in Bangladesh. That is my biggest blessing, to be honest.