Women's football team ‘enjoying' KEPZ camp

Seven days into their preparations for next March's AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, Afeida Khandokar and her teammates are relishing the opportunity to train in a new, refreshing environment at the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anwara, Chattogram.

Having spent years training at the crowded BFF dormitory, the women's team now enjoys better facilities following their historic qualification for the Women's Asian Cup. The new setting offers fresh air, open space, and home-grown food -- creating an ideal atmosphere for focused preparation.

"The girls are really happy to be in such an environment -- open air, spacious surroundings, fresh food, clean accommodation, and a good practice ground. They were getting bored of staying at the BFF dormitory for so long," assistant coach Mahabubur Rahman Litu told The Daily Star over the phone yesterday.

"It's a wonderful place -- perfect for mental and physical refreshment. The players have been training attentively and are enjoying every bit of it since the camp started on 27 September. Today is their day off, and they're scheduled to visit a mandarin orange garden inside the KEPZ," he added. The team trains twice a day for three consecutive days, followed by a single session on the fourth.

Korea-based Youngone Corporation has generously provided its own facilities after the BFF reached out to around 30 government organisations, including all EPZs and BEPZA, seeking training venues for the women's team.

BFF President Tabith Awal, vice-President Fahad Karim, and other officials visited the KEPZ on Thursday to meet the players and coaching staff and expressed their gratitude to Youngone Corporation's Chairman and CEO, Kihak Sung.

"The girls are thrilled. They told me they never imagined training at such a wonderful place. The food is excellent -- milk, chicken, meat, fish, and vegetables are all grown inside the KEPZ. They said they've never had such fresh meals before. The accommodation is also hygienic, with rooms cleaned twice daily," said Fahad, adding that head coach Peter Butler was initially hesitant about moving outside Dhaka but is now pleased with the facilities.

Bangladesh players and coaching staff pose for a photograph inside the Korean EPZ dormitory in Chattogram. Photo: BFF

Of the 30 organisations contacted by the BFF, only four -- Youngone Corporation, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force, and the Jashore IT Park -- expressed interest in supporting the team's training.

"The Chairman of Youngone told us they represent Bangladesh globally through garments, and the women's football team is also creating a powerful image of the country abroad. That's why they wanted to contribute to this journey," said Fahad.

The team is scheduled to return to Dhaka on 17 October to continue training with the 10 players returning from Bhutan on the same day before departing for Thailand on 21 October, where they will play two friendly matches later in the month.

Fahad also confirmed that Bangladesh will host a tri-nation series in November, featuring Azerbaijan and Vietnam, who have already confirmed their participation