Sanjida Akhter, a figure synonymous with the rise of Bangladesh women's football, is now meticulously laying the groundwork for a career beyond her playing days. Having recently returned from her club duties in Bhutan, the accomplished winger has embarked on a coaching course, signalling a clear and deliberate pivot towards a future in football management.
This week, Sanjida commenced her AFC B Licence course at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) House. She is undertaking this crucial step alongside Sheuli Azim, a recent member of the history-making Asian Cup Qualifiers squad, and three other female footballers. This collective pursuit underscores a growing desire among women in the sport to transition into leadership and developmental roles once their playing careers conclude.
Sanjida, whose captivating dribbling skills once enchanted a nation as Bangladesh began its ascent in South Asian women's age-group football a decade ago, articulated her motivations with a clear vision. "I completed my grassroots course in 2020 and my C Licence course in 2021," she recounted. "I was a footballer then, and I remain one now. My desire is to stay perpetually connected to football, which is precisely why I am pursuing the B Licence. I recognise that my time as a player is finite, so these courses will equip me to remain deeply involved with the game upon my retirement."
The initial phase of the AFC B Licence course, attended by 24 participants, is slated to conclude on July 16th, with the subsequent phase scheduled for August. Sanjida has secured leave from her Bhutanese club, Thimphu City, and will rejoin them after the course. Interestingly, her team is set to face Paro FC, a side that notably boasts fellow Bangladeshi stars Sabina and Ritu Porna.
Sanjida's proactive embrace of a coaching pathway follows her conspicuous absence from the national squad that recently secured Bangladesh's historic Asian Cup qualification. She was among a group of 18 footballers who had previously voiced grievances against head coach Peter Butler. While some of her peers from that dispute, including Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, and Rupna Chakma, were subsequently recalled for the Asian Cup Qualifiers, Sanjida, along with senior stalwarts Sabina Khatun and Krishna Rani Sarkar, found themselves overlooked. The coach cited "lack of form and fitness" as the reasons for their exclusion.
Despite the personal sting of missing out on such a monumental achievement, the 24-year-old displayed a commendable magnanimity, expressing genuine delight at witnessing the national team's progress on the continental stage. "Our long-held aspiration was to excel at the Asian level after becoming South Asian champions," she affirmed. "Now the team has accomplished that, and we are all genuinely pleased."
Reflecting on her omission with a philosophical perspective, Sanjida offered a mature insight: "One cannot acquire everything. Sometimes, one must simply let go of certain things and accept them as they are." Her pragmatic outlook highlights a clear-eyed understanding of her professional trajectory and a resolute determination to continue contributing to Bangladeshi football in a new and meaningful capacity.
