Zakaria Pintoo, captain of Shadhin Bangla football team, dies at 81

After the Liberation War, he returned to Bangladesh and took over as the captain of the national team

Zakaria Pintoo, who captained the Shadhin Bangla football team that inspired millions during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, has died at the age of 81.

Pintoo had been admitted to a hospital in Dhaka on Sunday due to complications from heart disease. The Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed the death of the legendary footballer on Monday.

Saidur Rahman Patel, the organiser of the Shadhin Bangla football team, passed away on Aug 8 after a long battle with cancer.

In 1971, a group of brave, pro-independence footballers formed a team and played 16 matches across India with the aim of garnering public support and raising funds for the Liberation War. The money from these matches were used to support freedom fighters. Pintoo led the team.

After the war, he returned to Bangladesh and took over as the captain of the national team. Under his leadership, Bangladesh took part in the 1973 Merdeka Cup in Malaysia.

After hanging up his boots, he joined the Mohammedan Sporting Club as a football organiser.

Three years ago, BFF organised an event to honour the Swadhin Bangla Football Team. During the ceremony, Zakaria reminisced about the Liberation War and shared some of his lingering regrets.

"I feel lucky to be here with everyone today. I’ve had such good fortune on many occasions throughout my life. I want to thank Kazi Salahuddin [former BFF president] for arranging this event," he said.

"Over the years, I've met many players, though there are some I haven't seen in a long time. As the captain, I did my best to fulfil my responsibilities. This was the first time the football federation measured us for blazers, which was very pleasing. Many people have forgotten us."

YUNUS LEADS TRIBUTES TO LEGENDARY FOOTBALLER

Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government, has expressed his condolences at Pintoo’s passing.

“The Shadhin Bangla Football Team's legendary captain Zakaria Pintoo travelled across India in 1971 to raise money and vital support for the wartime government. When he was not playing on the field, he encouraged our freedom fighters. He emerged as one of the faces of our freedom struggle,” Yunus said in a statement.

“The legendary player played as a centre back and was an outstanding defender in the red and green jersey. After finishing his career of two decades, he also played an important role in organising the sports sector of the country. He was a complete sportsman until his death.”

Yunus sent his prayers for Pintoo’s departed soul and his condolences to the bereaved family and all those in the sporting world.