The defending SAFF champions, who are without a coach since their triumph in the regional football tournament in January 2002 at home, are expected to begin their camp in mid September under Argentine coach Diego Andres Cruciani.

After a lot of confusion over the employment of an Argentine coaching staff, it looks certain that Cruciani and fellow Argentine trainer Victor Ariel Colman will arrive in Dhaka on August 2 to join the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

"We have already sent them the schedules. When they confirm their departure, we will send the tickets. They are due here on August 2," BFF general secretary Anwarul Hoque Helal told yesterday.

"They will take charge of the national team and later and also work with the under-23 team for the South Asian Games," he said.

Cruciani, an associate of legendary Argentine World Cup winning coach Cesar Luis Menotti, and the trainer will receive 4,000 and 2,000 dollars respectively as their monthly salary.

The BFF will provide 1,000 dollars from its own fund while the NSC and the National Team Management Committee will arrange the rest.

"We want them here early so that they can watch the Premier League matches to assess the strength and weaknesses of the players," said Helal. He was optimistic of starting the national camp by September 10 with the Premier League expected to finish on August 28.

The BFF has also decided not to let the members of the final squad play in this year's National Football League.

"National interest should come first and we don't want the clubs to interrupt our preparations like the past. If we think it would be helpful for our preparation, we can release the players on condition. I think three months is enough time to prepare the team properly to defend the title."

It was also learned that the coaches' agent Victor Yacullo wanted to visit Dhaka to be a part of the contract signing. The Argentine agent, who will receive 3,600 dollars as his share for a one-year contract, wanted the BFF to pay his passage but the Helal has turned down the request.

"He would get his money automatically but we don't need him here. It is an expensive trip, so we don't want to pay for it."

Helal also said that he would use the coach and the trainer to assist the age-group teams but will not give them full charge.

Meanwhile, the national team will use green shirt and white shorts as their first choice jersey and red and white as the alternative for the future. The decision was taken by the BFF after the body was criticised for using blue shirt during the last SAFF Championship, which is no part of our national colours.