'I'm proud to be their childhood coach'
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Loading... - Faaiz Sultan
- 21 Sep 2022
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Shanti Moni Chakma, the childhood coach of SAFF Women's Championship-winning players like Rupna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Anuching Mogini and Anai Mogini, could not contain his emotions after Bangladesh finished as undefeated champions in Kathmandu on Monday.
"They were very little when they came to learn football. I tried my best to train them, but I never thought they would make it this far. They learned the basics from me and are now bringing laurels to the nation and enhancing the country's image. I can't forget the endless labour I provided for them. I really feel proud to have been their childhood coach. Sometime, I get lost in that joy," Shanti told The Daily Star over phone from Rangamati yesterday.
Goalkeeper Rupna Chakma yesterday phoned Shanti from Kathmandu to inquire what he made of her performance while he himself reached out to Ritu Porna before the final.
"Today [Tuesday] Rupna asked me over the phone, 'Kakai (uncle) how did I perform in the final?'. I replied that she and the others performed well. I also phoned Ritu before the final and advised her to stay confident and play without fear," the 37-year-old said.
It is not that the coach and students only speak during big occasions, those five students regularly phone Shanti on the weekends and whenever they can make time.
Shanti coached the Moghachori Primary School -- with a team featuring the likes of Monika, Anai and Anuching -- to the title of the maiden Bangamata Primary School Gold Cup in 2011. He later coached Rupna and Ritu. Read More...
