Bakaa will get chance – Drago

May 06, 2014 - 04:32:58 | Shimaz Ali
Drago Mamic has said that he will give chance to Mohamed Arif from the final squad.

Male’, MALDIVES – Maldives national team coach Drago Mamic has said that he will respect Mohamed Arif (Bakaa)’s decision to stay with his father during a very difficult time and he will have the chance to be in the squad.

Bakaa did not travel with the team to Bangkok for the training camp.

Speaking at a press conference held at FAM House today, Drago said he has decided to include Bakaa in the final squad of the AFC Challenge Cup.

“I have already decided that he will be here with us during the tournament. He has played very competitive games for Maziya in the AFC Cup and I have talked to him to have a special program to stay fit.”

Drago also said that even though there are people who are not happy to have him in the squad for not travelling with the team to the training camp in Thailand.

“I know there are some people who are talking about stupid things about his inclusion in the squad while he was not with us during the training camp.”

“He is one of the best players in the national team at the moment and he had good matches for Maziya during AFC Cup.”

“I do respect his decision to stay with his father during a very difficult time and we all gave our full support for him on that.”

Drago also said that he will finalize the final 23 players tomorrow.

“I will finalize the final 23 players by tomorrow.”

Drago also reiterated his satisfaction with the 10 days training camp in Thailand and the matches they played during that time.

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Fan on May 06
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If there are people talking ill of bakaa's inclusion in the 23-men squad and are trying to cause a rift in the team they should do well to remember bakaa did not take part in the camp to go to a wedding or something stupid. It was attending his sick father. There is no emergency more important that. Anything to do with parents takes precedence over everything else. This is one of the few instances where rules can be bend for the good of the team. Coach has done the right thing, if there is slimmest chance of bakaa's inclusion in the squad, he should be included. He is defensive midfielder maldives cannot bear to lose.
footballmad on May 07
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Total support for the coach's decision and this comment. Also my utmost respect for Bakaa's honourable love for his father. Hope the team does well in the tournament
Ahan on May 07
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Its really frustrating when MS publish only the comments in which we prise the NT,FAM and coach. ::: Anyway i would say this again, I do not want to hear coach saying "i am happy/ satisfied with the camp/time/squad/facilities/friendly/fitness". What i want to hear is that "Yes, we have prepared enough to win the Challenge Cup".

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