Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar Jr., two prominent figures and prolific goal-scorers for the Bangladesh national women's football team, have embarked on their first overseas club experience, heading to Bhutan. The duo departed Dhaka yesterday morning (Monday) to join Royal Thimphu College, a club competing in the Bhutanese league.
Royal Thimphu College notably participated in the AFC Women's Champions League last year and is set to feature in the AFC tournament again this season. This offers Tohura and Shamsunnahar the exciting prospect of gaining valuable international club experience at the continental level. It's worth recalling that last year, Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun was unable to play for the same club due to registration complexities.
Their move further swells the ranks of Bangladeshi women footballers in the Bhutanese league. Several other star players have already made the switch: Sabina Khatun, Rituporna Chakma, Monika Chakma, and Matsushima Sumaiya are currently playing for Paro FC. Following them, Maria Manda, Sanjida Khatun, Masura Parvin, Rupna Chakma, and Shamsunnahar Sr. joined Transport and Thimphu FC.
With Tohura and Shamsunnahar Jr.'s arrival today, the total number of Bangladeshi women footballers in the Bhutanese league now stands at 12, a clear indication of the growing international recognition and demand for Bangladeshi talent in women's football.
Looking ahead, the Bangladesh national team is scheduled to participate in the Asian Cup in March next year. Meanwhile, the Bhutanese women's league will run until November, and a SAFF Women's Club Tournament is also expected to take place thereafter. The busy schedule across domestic and international club commitments raises questions about how the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will manage the national team's preparations. While such a packed calendar can certainly aid players in maintaining fitness and match tempo, organising national team camps amidst these club engagements could pose a significant challenge for the BFF.
