Hamza excited about San Marino challenge

Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury joined the Bangladesh team camp in San Marino on Tuesday night ahead of Thursday’s international friendly against the hosts.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 11:00 pm Bangladesh time at the San Marino Stadium in Serravalle, will mark Bangladesh’s first outing under newly appointed head coach Thomas Dooley.

Bangladesh arrived in San Marino earlier this week and held their first training session on Tuesday. The team was scheduled to complete another session on Wednesday as preparations intensified for the historic fixture.

Speaking after linking up with the squad, Hamza expressed his excitement about reuniting with his teammates and beginning a new chapter under the German-American coach.

“I’m very excited, really excited. It feels great to be able to meet everyone, and naturally I’m looking forward to the match,” said Hamza.

The midfielder acknowledged that adapting to a different style of football and a new coaching setup would take time but insisted he was ready for the challenge.

“It will definitely be a challenge. Playing alongside Jamal and the other senior players is different because it’s a different style of football. They are adapting, and Inshallah I’ll be able to adapt as well. With time, I believe I’ll adjust. We’re excited, we’re ready to work, we’re ready to listen and learn. So yes, I’m really excited.”

Hamza also expects a stern test against San Marino despite the European minnows’ modest standing in world football.

“It certainly won’t be an easy game. They regularly play against bigger nations, so they are accustomed to a very high standard. We’re playing on their ground and we also have a new coach, so everything makes it challenging. But for us, it’s a good challenge.

“It’s our first match in Europe, so we’re excited to show Europe and San Marino how we can play. It will also be good preparation for the SAFF Championship, so we’re really looking forward to it.”