The former Indian international, who guided India to win SAFF Championship titles in 1997 in Nepal and the latest edition in 2005 in Pakistan, will officially take over in August and immediately take the side to Nehru Cup to be held in Delhi from August 16-29.

The main task of the wily coach, who hails from Hyderabad, however would be trying to regain Bangladesh's SAFF title when the south Asian regional football competition kicks off in Sri Lanka and Maldives in December.

In charge of local giants Brothers Union in the ongoing B. League, Nayeem began groundwork last week and with help of the local experts, also selected his first national team.

The 25-member squad short-listed from 37 footballers was also announced yesterday for the Nehru Cup with seven freshmen, who had never represented the country even at under-23 or Olympics level.

The new faces are goalkeeper Mamun Khan, defenders Mishu and Rajib, midfielder Liton and Jitu and forwards Rony and GM Mamun. For defender Saikat and midfielder Mamunur Rahman, it was also the first national call after serving the Olympic team earlier his year.

The noted omissions from Bangladesh's last international squad against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifiers are regular fullback Ibnul Siraji, Faisal Mahmud and seniors like Matiur Munna, Parvez Babu, Ariful Kabir Farhad and retired striker Alfaz Ahmed.

"We have emphasised on youth and this is our best possible team," informed National Team Management Committee head and BFF deputy general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu while introducing Nayeemuddin at the BFF Bhaban.

"This team is the result of joint efforts of our new coach, local coaches and ex-players. We expect to make a few changes when we form our team for the SAFF Championship, which is our main target," Malu said adding that they will go into camp as soon as the B. League concludes.

For Nayeemuddin, who possesses a shrewd football brain, work is the key to success.

"It is an honour for me to coach a team like Bangladesh, who are a big name in this region. I am a follower of Jadukar Samad and his work, ethics and practice. To lead and live like champions, we must work day and night.

"I believe that God has created man to work and I will try my best to achieve something for this nation," said the evergreen mentor.

"The selection was difficult in a short time but I think we have not missed any outstanding performer. The players have the physique and technique but they need to be mentally stronger. I always try to look positive and believe we can build a better future," said Nayeem, who ignored players with short stature which led to exclusion of players like Siraji and Zahed Parvez.

BFF president SA Sultan said that the federation was desperately looking for a foreign coach and Nayeem's presence in the country helped them to rope him in.

His past record is bright and I am thankful to him for agreeing to our proposal," Sultan said.

BFF general secretary Anwarul Hoque Helal informed that Nayeem will get Tk one lakh per month as salary in addition of other hospitalities.

"His job starts on August 1 and if we are satisfied, we may consider an extension after December. He did not have any specific demand and we tried to be reasonable within out limitations," said Helal adding that the federation has received another invitation from Malaysia to participate in the Merdeka Cup.

"Both the tournament (Nehru and Merdeka) are for national teams but collide with each other. We will have to decide soon where to send the team but as we've already confirmed playing in India, it is our likely destination."

THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Biplab (Abahani), Zia (Russel), Mamun Khan (Farashganj); defenders: Nazrul, Waly (Abahani), Titu, Rajani (Muktijoddha), Arif (Mohammedan), Jahirul, Mishu (Russel), Saikat (Chittagong Mohammedan), Sony (Rahmatganj), Rajib (Farashganj); midfielders: Ujjal, Abul (Abahani), Arman Aziz (Muktijoddha), Zahid, Sharif (Mohammedan), Mamunul Islam (Brothers), Liton (Farashganj), Jitu (Chittagong Abahani); forwards: Emily (Abahani), Robin (Farashganj), Rony (Mohammedan) and GM Mamun (Khulna Abahani).