The popular Dhanmondi outfit yesterday introduced 20 footballers who have signed for the sky-blues to play in the inaugural Professional Football League -- the B. League -- which starts in mid-February 2007.

Abahani have confirmed they will register 17 out of the 20 booters for the B. League as the registration limit is 23 including foreign players.

"We are looking forward to have at least four imported footballers, so we can take maximum 19 locals. We have a few more locals on our sight and as we can register the players till February 14, we will wait to submit the list," told manager Satyajit Das Rupu after the contract signing ceremony at the club tent yesterday.

"Whatever number we register, these 20 booters will be with us," he confirmed.

This is the first time a club introduced footballers officially at the start of a season and Abahani director Harunur Rashid said that they have responded to the new system.

"The transfer excitement used to stay for three-four days but things have changed so we don't need to go to the federation with players," the former football federation general secretary said.

"We have worked hard to build a strong team after recent failures and hope that the players will also give their full effort to hold aloft the club colours," he added.

Abahani director-in-charge Kazi Shahed Ahmed mentioned that binding so many top players together was the result of one year's teamwork. "All we need now is to show discipline and integrity to make it a success.

Club chairman Salman F Rahman said it was a dream-come-true for him.

"In 1989, we made Abahani a limited company because we thought one day football will get into professionalism. Many people are criticising but it will make a great contribution towards the development of the game," hoped Salman.

"We spend huge money but in return get so small gate money that it becomes useless. We have to chase donors and this is not the way football should be run. We need self-generating income and the professional league will mean business for the clubs.

"Our investment will give us some incentive and we hope to spend this money to groom young players. It will take time but when the league is properly run, football will go up.

"Now our target is to win the league and as role models, players have responsibility on their shoulders to do their job," added the Abahani boss.

Although players are supposed to get monthly salaries, most of the players have received big amounts in advance.

"We will pay monthly salaries according to the rules but we have given them advance payments because there has been no league for one year and they needed the money. We will also follow the conventional rules about players' tax paying," said Kazi Shahed in reply to a question.

The Pro League players will not be able to participate in other leagues and when asked whether Abahani would field a team if the Dhaka Premier Football, Harunur Rashid mentioned that they will consider this. "We will participate only if the terms and conditions suit us. Also, if we think we can build a team that will be able to maintain the club prestige, we will try to give something for the fans of the capital."

Arif Khan Joy, who will wear the captain's armband for the second successive season, was confident that Abahani have the motivation to win trophies.

"We came so close last year. This time we have a much better side with plenty of backups for every position. This look pretty good and if it goes like this, we will deliver the first Pro League title to the fans," said Joy who will retire from football after this season to join active politics.

The only worry for Abahani is the injury of national defender Sujan, reportedly the highest paid player who has yet to start training due to a damaged nerve.

Among the 20, only Ruku, Ripon and Anwar are not guaranteed to be registered.

Squad
Goalkeepers: Biplab, Tarek; defenders: Nazrul, Pradeep, Sujan, Siraji, Wali, Obaidur, Ruku, Mintu; midfielders: Joy, Pranotosh, Abul, Zahed Parvez, Abdullah Parvez, Ripon; strikers: Emily, Ujjal, Tipu, Anwar.