The Bangladesh women’s national football team will leave for Thailand on Thursday for a 15-day intensive training camp as part of their preparation for the SAFF Women’s Championship, scheduled to be held from May 25 to June 6 in Goa, India.

During the training camp, Bangladesh will play two practice matches against local top-tier clubs, Kasem Bundit FC on May 10 and Bangkok Sports School Club FC on May 17. The team is scheduled to leave for India on May 21, following the completion of the camp.
Speaking at a pre-departure press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Bhaban, women’s wing chairman Mahfuza Akter Kiron said the team is being prepared comprehensively for the tournament.

“Our team is being prepared in all aspects-physically, technically and tactically-for the final phase of preparation,” she said, adding that such overseas training opportunities were not always available in the past.

Kiron expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s chances, noting that the team is back-to-back champions and have a strong opportunity to secure a hat-trick title.

Head coach Peter James Butler said the team had already completed a 10-day preparation camp in Chattogram and is now ready for the next challenge. “There is great opportunity as new players are coming into the squad. We are aiming to build on our previous success,” he added.

Team captain Afeida Khandakar said the squad has developed good understanding and combination among players. “We have been training for a long time and are confident of doing well in the upcoming tournament,” she said.

Bangladesh will face hosts Maldives on May 28 and India on May 31 in their group-stage matches.

The squad includes Rupna Chakma, Mile Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal, Halima Akter, Sheuli Azim, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Surma Jannat, Kohati Kisku, Surovi Akter, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Unnoti Khatun, Arpita Biswas, Momita Khatun, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Ritu Porna Chakma, Umehla Marma, Sagarika, Tohura Khatun, Anika Rania Siddique, Sauravi Akanda Prity and Shamsunnahar (Jr.).