Dooley turns to 6ft 4in US-based goal keeper Saif Kerawala

Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley is assessing US-based goalkeeper Saif Kerawala as a potential solution to the national team’s goalkeeping concerns, with the 29-year-old training with the squad over the past few days.

Standing 6ft 4in, Kerawala was raised in the United States to a Bangladeshi father and American mother. He is hoping to earn a place in the national team and has been giving his best in training to stake his claim for a spot in the squad.

The goalkeeper has also received a warm welcome from captain Jamal Bhuiyan and his teammates. Posting a training photo on social media, Jamal wrote, “A picture with the goalkeepers and our new teammate Saif Kerawala. He has come from Washington. Welcome to the team.”

Meanwhile, Dooley has reiterated his position on UK-based footballer Cuba Mitchell, whose possible return for another trial has sparked debate in Bangladesh’s football circles.

Dooley said Mitchell would have to travel to Bangladesh at his own expense to prove his ability, citing the player’s limited experience at a professional level.

“He plays in the seventh or eighth tier. That is not a professional league. I have nothing against Cuba and no anger towards him. I want him to come here and show what he can do. Is that wrong?” Dooley said.

The coach also pointed to the federation’s financial constraints, saying it could not afford to pay travel expenses for every player called up for trials, particularly those who may play only briefly for the national team.

“Do we have to pay for tickets to bring every player who may play only one or two minutes for the national team? Of course not. We don’t have that budget,” he said, estimating the cost at around $2,000 per player.

Although Mitchell has previously represented Bangladesh, his limited playing time has made Dooley cautious about his selection. However, the coach indicated that the door to the national team remains open for the player if he can demonstrate his ability.