De Kruif praises Academy as Bangladesh U-17 prepare for Asian Cup qualifiers

 
JASHORE, SEPT 27: Bangladesh Under-17 football team are stepping up preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Shams-ul-Huda Football Academy in Jashore, with head coach Lodewijk de Kruif stressing the importance of player development alongside results.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, De Kruif praised the academy's facilities and training environment, saying proper coaching, nutrition and accommodation were essential for the development of young footballers.

He acknowledged that weather conditions had occasionally disrupted outdoor training but said the team's overall preparations were progressing well ahead of the qualifying campaign.

De Kruif said success at youth level should not be measured solely by victories, as improving players' technical ability and overall quality was equally important. However, Bangladesh's immediate objective remains to perform well in the qualifiers and secure a place in the final tournament.

The Dutch coach also expressed satisfaction with the progress of Bangladeshi football in recent years, saying sustained planning, patience and structured training could help the country produce more talented players.

"I am very happy to see the progress Bangladesh football has made over the last 10 years," he said, recalling his connections with several Bangladeshi players, including Mamunul, Zahid, Jamal, Topu and Sohel Rana.

De Kruif also spoke about his departure from Bangladesh, explaining that personal circumstances and the need to look after his family business following his father's death had led him to leave.

He later spent two years in Nigeria, working in scouting and academy development, helping young players pursue opportunities in European leagues.

Shams-ul-Huda Football Academy director (administration) Sheikh Shams-ul-Bari Shimul and former national goalkeeper Masudur Rahman Tony, the academy's joint director, were also present at the media briefing.