Hamza inspiration drives Mahe's bid for Bangladesh senior breakthrough

 
At 18, Mohammed Mahe Khan has already been handed a tantalising glimpse of senior international football. Now the England-based forward wants to turn that opportunity into a place in Bangladesh's final squad for the SAFF Championship.

Mahe is the youngest member of Bangladesh's 28-man preliminary squad and joined the national team's training camp on Monday, as Thomas Dooley began preparations for the tournament on home soil. The Moulton FC striker has made a striking start to the season, scoring nine goals in seven appearances in England's United Counties League Premier Division South.

"I am extremely proud and happy. Being called up to the senior national-team camp at just 18 is a huge achievement," Mahe said.

The teenager, who has already represented Bangladesh at under-20 level, is eager to translate his club form to the international stage. He also believes his experience against Uzbekistan, Syria and India at U20 level will help him negotiate the step up.

Yet the prospect that excites him most is sharing a dressing room with Hamza Dewan Choudhury, the Sheffield United midfielder who has become one of Bangladesh's most prominent overseas-based players.

"I have watched Hamza since I was a child. To have the chance to play in the same team is a huge honour," Mahe said. 

He added, "I can learn so much from his experience."

That wait, however, will extend into the tournament. Hamza and Farhaan Ali Wahid are expected to join on 9 November and will miss Bangladesh's opening Group A match against Bhutan on 5 November. They should be available for the Sri Lanka match on 11 November.

With the hosts seeking their first SAFF title since 2003, Dooley must now blend youthful ambition with overseas experience, and Mahe is hoping to force his way into that equation.