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Wednesday | November 11, 2026 | Dhaka

Hamza agrees to become Captain

 Sports Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 11 November 2026

“If the Coach wants me to be the Captain, then I will be the Captain.” Hamza Choudhury had to say regarding the Captaincy of the Bangladesh football team.

He is in no rush to take on the leadership role; the midfielder places the importance on team unity and the atmosphere in the dressing room.

The Bangladesh team are training at ABG Sports City on Tuesday, the day before facing Sri Lanka. Before the training, Hamza said, “There are players in the squad with more experience than me.

I have played fewer than 15 matches for Bangladesh so far. For me, the most important thing is that everyone in the team moves forward with a shared mindset.

The atmosphere in our dressing room is much like that of a family-that is what matters most. Ultimately, I will accept whatever decision the coach makes.”

There has been uncertainty surrounding the Captaincy of the Bangladesh team. Jamal Bhuyan served as Captain for a long period. The Captain’s armband has occasionally passed to others such as Topu Barman or Sohel Rana in his absence (Jamal).

This pattern has continued into the current SAFF Championship, while Jamal was initially expected to lead the side, the Captaincy was ultimately entrusted to Topu. But Topu was unable to play in the opening match against Bhutan due to an injury; Jamal stepped in to lead the team.

While there has been discussion regarding the Captaincy, But his entire focus for now is on the SAFF title. Bangladesh have not won the South Asian championship since 2003. Hamza aims to end that 23-year wait this time around. He also sees an opportunity to secure his first-ever international trophy.

“Bangladesh hasn’t won the SAFF title for 23 years. Insha’Allah, this time we will be able to bring the trophy home. I think Bangladesh are the favourite.

At least, that’s what I’d like to believe,” Hamza said.
Bangladesh has already secured a spot in the SAFF Championship semi-finals.

Today, at 8:00 PM at the National Stadium, the host will play their second and final group-stage match against Sri Lanka. A victory in this match would see Bangladesh advance to the semi-finals as the group winners.