And that wish almost came true after Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra announced their arrival on the Bangladesh football scene by finishing runners-up at the first time of asking in this year's Dhaka Premier Division Football League.

Veteran he may be but there is no doubting his passion for the beautiful game even though he is aged 65. Now Gazi is looking forward to getting another chance to fulfill his ambition in the Fourth National Football League, which kicked off yesterday.

Even before making their debut Russel have already been perceived by rivals as one of the leading contenders in the competition.

"We will prove that our success in the Premier Division was not a fluke. I am confident that my young boys will leave no stone unturned to surpass that success," said confident Gazi, who took over the team last year.

The shrewd tactician who earned a name for himself coaching Muktijoddha to third place in the Dhaka league in 1987 also enjoyed a long stint with Arambagh helping the club to finish fourth several times.

"But I hope to end my coaching career with a championship success. I couldn't achieve it because of some behind the scenes difficulties with my former clubs but the Sheikh Russel's management set up is totally different," said Gazi, who started his coaching career with Rahmatganj MFS in 1980, without elaborating.

He believed that all the Dhaka giants are almost similar when talking about local recruitment except for Brothers Union, which purchased almost all the national stars.

"There is a lack of quality players right at the moment that's why nobody apart from Brothers Union can claim they are superior, so that's why we have a very good chance at the NFL title," explained Gazi.

However, many feel that Russel will face the music in the competition as the organisers cut the foreign players quota considering the Premier Division League but Gazi is not bothered by the fact.

"We couldn't fielded four foreign players at a time in the Dhaka league. I think our two Moroccan Youness (striker) and Burdeep (defender) will be good enough to shape the squad," he said.

Gazi sounded chirpy about his forwards Milon and Bubul. "They are talented and score important goals for the team. In fact I have no problem with any department."

The Russel coach, however, was disappointed with the team's inadequate preparation because of the Chittagong Premier Division which kept many players away.

Sheikh Russell have been pitted in Group A along with Mohammedan Sporting Club, Brothers Union, Jhenidah Mohammedan, Unmochan Club of Bagerhat and Bangladesh Air Force.

SHEIKH RUSSEL KC SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Apel, Biplob, Nayan.

Defenders: Kamal, Narayan, Burdeep, Nurul Islam

Midfielders: Jalal, Asif, Asad, Maruf, Apu.

Forwards: Bulbul, Youness, Milon and Bulbul.