{{Short description|Association football club in Bangladesh}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = Saif SC | image = Saif SC official logo.png | fullname = Saif Sporting Club Limited | nickname = | founded = {{Start date and age|August 2016}} | ground = [[Munshigonj Stadium|Munshigonj District Stadium]] | capacity = 10,000 | owntitle = Owner | owner = Saif Powertec Limited | chrtitle = Managing Director | chairman = | mgrtitle = Head coach | manager = | league = | season = Final season<br>[[2021–22 Bangladesh Premier League (football)|2021–22]] | position = [[Bangladesh Premier League (football)|Bangladesh Premier League]], 3rd of 12 <br>(dissolved) | current = | pattern_la1 = _blackyellowshoulders | pattern_ra1 = _blackyellowshoulders | rightarm2 = FFFFFF | shorts2 = FFFFFF | leftarm1 = 000000 | pattern_b1 = _blackstripes2 | body1 = FFEC00 | rightarm1 = 000000 | shorts1 = 000000 | socks1 = FFEC00 | pattern_la2 = _navyshoulders | pattern_b2 = _thinredvertical | pattern_ra2 = _navyshoulders | pattern_sh2 = _blue stripes | pattern_so2 = | leftarm2 = FFFFFF | body2 = 04044F | pattern_sh1 = _yellow_stripes_adidas | pattern_so1 = | socks2 = FFFFFF | website = | dissolved = {{Start date and age|3 August 2022}}<br>(only football department) }}
'''Saif Sporting Club''' was an [[association football]] club based in [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]]. Founded in 2016, the club competed in the [[Bangladesh Premier League (football)|Bangladesh Premier League]], the top flight of [[Football in Bangladesh|Bangladeshi football]], from 2017 to 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/bangladesh/saif/38212/|title=Bangladesh – Saif Sporting Club – Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news – Soccerway|website=Int.soccerway.com|access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> On 3 August 2022, the club owners announced that the club will temporarily withdraw from professional football due to insufficient commercial returns from it, days after the end of [[2021–22 Bangladesh Premier League (football)|2021–22 Bangladesh Premier League]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 August 2022 |title=Saif SC's hands tied by income disparity |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/top-news/news/saif-scs-hands-tied-income-disparity-3087201 |access-date=25 February 2023 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> They also finished third in the league, which is the best top-tier league result of the club's history.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 2022 |title=Saif SC withdraw from all footballing activities |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/saif-sc-recuse-themselves-all-footballing-activities-3086841 |access-date=25 February 2023 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 August 2022 |title='We are still wondering what just happened' |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/top-news/news/saif-sporting-story-3087011 |access-date=25 February 2023 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref> The club played their homes games at [[Munshiganj Stadium]] in their [[2021–22 Saif Sporting Club season|final season]].
In their inaugural season, the club achieved promotion to top flight as the runners-up of [[2016 Bangladesh Championship League]]. Saif SC played [[2018 AFC Cup qualifying play-offs]] in their only continental campaign of history.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 January 2018 |title=Saif SC confirm AFC Cup |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/saif-sc-confirm-afc-cup-1514011 |access-date=25 February 2023 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref> As the country's first-ever corporate company-owned club, Saif SC gained popularity within a short time for having more [[Professionalism in association football|professionalism]] and [[youth system]] than most other Bangladeshi clubs. Though the club have pulled out of all sorts of footballing activities, it continued its [[Indoor games and sports|indoor games]] departments and stated that it may comeback in football in future under favorable situation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Saif Sporting withdraws from football league |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/177560/saif-sporting-withdraws-from-football-league |access-date=25 February 2023 |work=New Age |language=en}}</ref>
==History== Saif Sporting Club formed officially in August 2016. On 10 September 2016 [[Bangladesh Football Federation]] gave the green signal to the club to participate in [[2016 Bangladesh Championship League]].<ref name="dhakatribune">{{cite news |title=Three new additions in Championship League |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2016/09/10/three-new-additions-championship-league/ |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=11 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="newagebd">{{cite news |title=BCL gets three new teams |url=http://newagebd.net/251102/bcl-gets-three-new-teams/ |newspaper=New Age |access-date=11 September 2016 |archive-date=13 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113055649/http://www.newagebd.net/251102/bcl-gets-three-new-teams/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Three teams inserted into C'ship League |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/three-teams-inserted-cship-league-1283917 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=11 September 2016 |access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=BCL to start Oct 10 |url=http://daily-sun.com/printversion/details/166334/BCL-to-start-Oct-10 |newspaper=Daily Sun |access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref>
===Inaugural season (2015–16)=== The club appointed the Serbian [[Nikola Kavazovic]] as their first head coach in September 2016. He was the first ever foreign coach in [[Bangladesh Championship League]] history, which is the second-tier football league of the country. Riyadul Hasan Rafi was the first ever captain of the club.
Saif Sporting Club played their first official match against [[T&T Club Motijheel|T & T Club]] on 29 October 2016, during [[2016 Bangladesh Championship League]]. Sumon Ali scored the first ever goal for the club in same match where the club was victorious by 3–1 goal margin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/saif-sporting-club-flying-start-1306396|title=Saif Sporting Club off to a flying start |work=The Daily Star |date=30 October 2016}}</ref> They finished the league as runners-up and got promoted to [[Bangladesh Premier League (football)|Bangladesh Football Premier League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/197072/Saif-SC-promoted-to-Premier-League|title=Saif SC promoted to Premier League |work=Daily Sun}}</ref> They were unbeaten through the season with six wins and eight draws. [[Motin Mia]] scored 5 goals from 12 matches for the club and won the player of the tournament award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.prothom-alo.com/sports/news/147159/From-dye-worker-to-professional-footballer|title=From dye worker to professional footballer|work=Prothom Alo|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913035221/http://en.prothom-alo.com/sports/news/147159/From-dye-worker-to-professional-footballer|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Top flight and Asia (2017–18)=== The club went to [[Kolkata]] for their preseason conditioning camp in March 2017. They are the first ever Bangladeshi club to go abroad for preseason camp.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/arcprint/details/87460/2017-03-29|title=Saif SC want to make debut on high note |work=The Independent |location=Dhaka}}</ref> On 22 March 2017, they played their first friendly against [[I-League 2|I-League 2nd Division]] side [[Southern Samity]], where the match ended with a 2–2 scoreline. On 28 March they beat [[East Bengal F.C.]] youth team by 1–0.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/article/1123331/%e0%a6%87%e0%a6%b8%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%9f%e0%a6%ac%e0%a7%87%e0%a6%99%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%97%e0%a6%b2-%e0%a6%af%e0%a7%81%e0%a6%ac%e0%a6%a6%e0%a6%b2%e0%a6%95%e0%a7%87-%e0%a6%b9%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%b0%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%b2-%e0%a6%b8%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%87%e0%a6%ab-%e0%a6%b8%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%aa%e0%a7%8b%e0%a6%b0%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%9f%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%82|script-title=bn:ইস্টবেঙ্গল যুবদলকে হারাল সাইফ স্পোর্টিং|work=Prothom Alo |date=28 March 2017 |language=bn}}</ref> On 10 April 2017, they played another friendly against [[East Bengal F.C.]] youth team and the match ended with 1–1 scoreline.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/news/250057|script-title=bn:সাইফ স্পোর্টিংয়ের মতিন মিয়াকে চায় ইস্টবেঙ্গল|work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> Serbian coach [[Nikola Kavazovic]] was sacked from the club during this pre season camp. The ex-Ghana striker [[Kim Grant (footballer)|Kim Grant]] was appointed as new head coach for the club in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobile.ghanasoccernet.com/exclusive-kim-grant-appointed-head-coach-of-saif-sporting-club-in-bangladesh|title=Exclusive: Kim Grant appointed head coach of Saif Sporting Club in Bangladesh|website=Mobile.ghanasoccernet.com|date=14 April 2017|access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> On 27 April 2017, the club officially announced [[Ryan Northmore]] as their assistant coach for upcoming season.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/news/260548|script-title=bn:সাইফ স্পোর্টিংয়ে আরেকজন বিদেশি কোচ |work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> [[File:Jamal Bhuyan in 2021.jpg|left|thumb|174px|[[Jamal Bhuyan]] was named Saif's captain in 2019|alt=Jamal Bhuyan in 2021]] On 29 April the club completed their player registration for upcoming season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newagebd.net/print/article/14595|title=Saif form formidable squad |work=New Age |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> The club submitted a list of 27 registered players to BFF, including three foreign footballers. The club also provided seven of their local players – Sazzad, Kabir, Shadin, Saddam, Rafi, Likhon and Rahim – four-year contracts. Pinning down such number of players to long-term contracts is an unusual scene in the country's domestic football scenario. Saif later named [[Jamal Bhuyan]] as the captain. Jamal, the expatriate footballer, signed a 14-month contract with the option of extending the deal. The club also signed national booters Shakil Ahmed, [[Hemanta Vincent Biswas]], [[Jewel Rana]], [[Mohammed Ariful Islam (footballer)|Ariful Islam]] and [[Topu Barman]], who was paid the highest. They also recruited [[Chittagong Abahani]] youngster and winger Mohammad Ibrahim and Rahmatganj defender Shawkat Russel. Saif Sporting's foreign signings include forwards Hember Valencia, [[Alvi Fokou Fopa]] and midfielder [[Deiner Córdoba]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2017/04/29/bpl-2016-17-season-players-transfer-saif-sporting-announce-grand-ambition/|title=BPL 2016–17 season players' transfer: Saif Sporting announce grand ambition |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref>
Saif SC started their [[2017 Bangladesh Federation Cup]] journey with 1–1 goal draw against defending champion [[Dhaka Abahani]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/sports/news/270106|script-title=bn:আবাহনীকে রুখে দিয়েছে নবাগত সাইফ |work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> Mohammad Ibrahim scored that only goal for the club. However they lost their next game against [[Muktijoddha Sangsad KS]] by 1–0 and were out of the tournament. On 28 July 2017, Saif Sporting Club played their first professional league game against Dhaka Abahani where they lost the match by a 3–2 margin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://dailyasianage.com/news/76850/abahani-beat-saif-sc-in-opener|title=Abahani beat Saif SC in opener |work=The Asian Age |location=Bangladesh}}</ref> On 5 August 2017, the club won their first professional league game against [[Arambagh KS]] by 1–0 scoreline. [[Motin Mia]] scored the winning goal for the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://greenwatchbd.com/bpl-saif-sc-taste-maiden-victory-beating-arambagh-ks-1-0/|title=BPL: Saif SC taste maiden victory beating Arambagh KS 1–0|website=Greenwatchbd.com|access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/m/sports/football/318754|script-title=bn:মতিন মিয়ার গোলে সাইফের ঐতিহাসিক জয় |work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> On 26 August 2017, Colombian forward Hember Valencia scored the club's first ever hat-trick, as Saif trashed [[Brothers Union]] 5–0 during [[2017 Bangladesh Football Premier League|2017 Bangladesh Premier League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2017/08/27/hember-treble-inspires-saif-sporting-rout/|title=Hember treble inspires Saif Sporting rout |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref>
[[Kim Grant (footballer)|Kim Grant]] was sacked from the club after the first leg of 2017 Bangladesh Football Premier League. Assistant coach [[Ryan Northmore]] replaced him as the new head coach of the club. During mid-season transfer window the club released Colombian Deiner Cordoba and signed [[Charlie Sheringham]] (son of former English forward [[Teddy Sheringham]]) for the second leg of 2017 Bangladesh Football Premier League.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/sheringhams-son-town-1484518|title=Sheringham's son in town|date=1 November 2017|work=The Daily Star|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.banglatribune.com/sport/news/261993/%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E2%80%99 |script-title=bn:'বাংলাদেশের মানুষের মন জয় করতে এসেছি' |work=Bangla Tribune |language=bn}}</ref> Saif Sporting Club played their first match against [[Dhaka Abahani]] on 13 November 2017 under the guidance of their new head coach Ryan Northmore and were victorious by 2–1 margin.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.banglatribune.com/sport/news/262363/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%AB-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%82%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A7%E2%80%99|script-title=bn:আবাহনীকে হারিয়ে সাইফ স্পোর্টিংয়ের ‘প্রতিশোধ’ |work=Bangla Tribune |language=bn}}</ref> New foreign recruit [[Wedson Anselme]] and Charlie Sheringham both of them scored one goal each in this match for the club on their debut.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2017/11/13/sheringham-wastes-little-time-making-impact-bangladesh/|title=Sheringham wastes little time making impact in Bangladesh|date=13 November 2017|work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.dailynayadiganta.com/?/detail/news/268166|script-title=bn:ওয়েডসন শেরিংহামে সাইফের রেসে ফেরা - daily nayadiganta|work=The Daily Nayadiganta|language=bn|access-date=12 November 2018|archive-date=12 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112223723/http://m.dailynayadiganta.com/?/detail/news/268166|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 2 January 2018, history was created as Saif Sporting Club beat [[Sheikh Russel KC]] 2–1 to qualify for the [[2018 AFC Cup]] playoffs after confirming at least a fourth-place finish in the Bangladesh Premier League and they did it on their professional debut and in just two seasons of emergence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/saif-sc-confirm-afc-cup-1514011|title=Saif SC confirm AFC Cup|date=3 January 2018|work=The Daily Star|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> Saif signed Uzbek midfielder Ahror Umarjonov as an Asian foreigner recruit for AFC cup.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/article/1377801/%E0%A7%AF%E0%A7%A8-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AD|script-title=bn:৯২-তে রহিমভের পর উমারজনোভ!|work=Prothom Alo |date=December 2017 |language=bn}}</ref> On 23 January 2018, Saif made their continental cup debut against Maldivian side [[TC Sports Club]] at [[Bangabandhu National Stadium]] in 2018 AFC Cup. They lost the match by 0–1 margin. But they were bit unlucky as the whole game was dominated by them and their fours attempts were denied by woodwork.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newagebd.net/article/33258/index.php|title=Woodwork deny Saif against TC|work=New Age |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> They lost the second leg by 1–3 goals (On aggregate : 1–4) & were out of the tournament. The club also say goodbye [[2017–18 Independence Cup (Bangladesh)|2017–18 Independence Cup]] from group stage. Due to poor performance in both domestic and continental circuit Head Coach Ryan Northmore was sacked from the club at end of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sarabangla.net/post/sb-29951/|script-title=bn:সাইফের কোচ নর্থমোরেকে বরখাস্ত|date=5 February 2018|website=Sarabangla.net|language=bn|access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref>
===Stagnation (2018–present)=== On 25 February 2018, The club announced the name of [[Stewart Hall (football coach)|Stewart Hall]] as their new head coach for 2018–19 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/m/sports/football/411972|script-title=bn:সাইফের নতুন কোচ ইংল্যান্ডের স্টুয়ার্ট হল |work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> On 15 April 2018, the club officially introduced Stewart Hall as their new head coach to the fans.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/m/sports/football/421656|script-title=bn:ব্রিটিশ কোচের সঙ্গে এক মৌসুমের চুক্তি সাইফের|work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> On the same day, it was also revealed that Tanzanian Dennis Kitambi will join the club as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/dennis-kitambi-afc-leopards-players-are-disappointed-with-my/1ntzrond3k4o1ov5l7pmtx798|title=Dennis Kitambi: AFC Leopards players' 'are disappointed' with my exit - Goal.com|website=Goal.com|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> On 1 August 2018, club signed South Korean forward [[Park Seung-il]] as their first ever Asian visa foreigner for upcoming league.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnewsbangladesh.com/%e0%a6%b8%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%87%e0%a6%ab-%e0%a6%b8%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%aa%e0%a7%8b%e0%a6%b0%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%9f%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%82-%e0%a6%95%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%b2%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%ac%e0%a7%87%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%96/|script-title=bn:সাইফ স্পোর্টিং ক্লাবের খেলোয়াড় চুক্তিবদ্ধকরন|date=1 August 2018|language=bn|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402104336/https://www.sportsnewsbangladesh.com/%e0%a6%b8%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%87%e0%a6%ab-%e0%a6%b8%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%aa%e0%a7%8b%e0%a6%b0%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%9f%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%82-%e0%a6%95%e0%a7%8d%e0%a6%b2%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%ac%e0%a7%87%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%96/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 23 September 2018, Saif SC clinched the Bodousa Cup title with a 2–0 win over ISL side [[Jamshedpur FC Reserves]] in the final at Katchujan Field, Tinsukia. Russian playmaker [[Denis Bolshakov]] opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Korean striker [[Park Seung-il]] doubled the lead from the penalty spot five minutes from the final whistle and confirm the first ever international silverware for his club.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2018/09/23/saif-sporting-clinch-bodousa-cup-in-india|title=Saif Sporting clinch Bodousa Cup in India|date=23 September 2018|work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> By 14 October, the club completed their player registration for upcoming season. The club submitted a list of 32 registered players to BFF, including four foreign footballers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2018/10/14/saif-sporting-eye-titles-sheikh-russel-consistency|title=Saif Sporting eye titles, Sheikh Russel consistency|date=14 October 2018|work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> Saif SC started their [[2018 Bangladesh Federation Cup]] journey with a 3–1 goal victory over [[Team BJMC]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/m/sports/football/459889|script-title=bn:বিজেএমসিকে হারিয়ে শুরু সাইফ স্পোর্টিংয়ের|work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> After managing about only two matches as head coach of the club, Stewart Hall left the club with mutual understanding. On 7 November 2018, it was revealed that [[Johnny McKinstry]] is the new head coach of the club and he is likely to be seen at the dugout during Saif's [[2018 Bangladesh Federation Cup]] quarterfinal match against [[Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2018/11/07/former-sierra-leone-coach-joins-saif-sporting-club|title=Former Sierra Leone coach joins Saif Sporting Club|date=7 November 2018|work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> Eventually they lost the game by 2-1 goals and were out of the tournament with McKinstry watching from the stands as Assistant Coach Dennis Kitambi was placed in charge of the team on an interim basis. Later British coach Alex McCarthy joined as an assistant of McKinstry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishfootballcoaches.com/post/alex-mccarthy-adventures-in-the-bangladesh-top-tier|title = Alex McCarthy - Adventures in the Bangladesh Top Tier|date = 9 January 2019}}</ref> Another British Scott Bowen served as goalkeeping coach of the club during the season.
Jamal Bhuyan's spectacular late free-kick earned Saif SC a hard-fought 1–0 win over [[Team BJMC]] in McKinstry's first match in charge and the inaugural match of [[2018 Independence Cup (Bangladesh)|2018 Independence Cup]], on 1 December 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2018/12/01/sk-jamal-s-late-free-kick-gives-saif-sporting-winning-start|title=Jamal's late free-kick gives Saif Sporting winning start|date=1 December 2018 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> Saif lost the quarter-final against [[Dhaka Abahani]] by a solitary goal from [[Kervens Belfort]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2018/12/13/belfort-guides-abahani-to-semis|title=Belfort guides Abahani to semis|date=13 December 2018 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> On 19 January 2019, Saif Sporting Club were off to a winning start in the Bangladesh Premier League 2018–19 season as they handed [[Rahmatganj MFS]] a 2–1 defeat at Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2019/01/19/saif-sporting-make-winning-start|title=Saif Sporting make winning start|date=19 January 2019 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> On 6 April 2019, Saif Sporting Club defeated [[NoFeL SC]] 1–0 in the Bangladesh Premier League 2018–19 with a goal from [[Park Seung-il]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Sports/premier-football-saif-sc-beat-nofel-sc-1-0/15982|title=Premier Football: Saif SC beat NoFeL SC 1-0 |work=UNB |access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> This victory saw McKinstry become the Head Coach with the greatest number of competitive victories in the club's history, overtaking both Kavazović and Grant.
On 3 August 2019, Saif appointed former [[Real Kashmir F.C.]] physio Shariq Ahmed as their new head of physiotherapist. On 25 September 2019, Swiss coach Silvio Coray joined the club as a new assistant coach. On 7 November, Saif Sporting appointed Maldivian [[Mohamed Nizam]] as the new head coach ahead of the upcoming football season 2019–20.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/2019/11/07/saif-appoint-nizam-as-head-coach|title=Saif appoint Nizam as head coach|date=7 November 2019|work=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> On 2 January 2020, [[Mohamed Nizam]] was sacked from the club due to poor results in [[2019–20 Bangladesh Federation Cup]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2020/01/02/saif-sporting-sack-nizam|title = Saif Sporting sack Nizam|date = 2 January 2020|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> On 5 January 2020, [[Drago Mamić]] named as the new head coach of the club.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/article/1632877/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9A-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%96%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87|script-title=bn:আবাহনীর সাবেক ক্রোয়াট কোচ এখন সাইফেc |work=Prothom Alo |date=7 January 2020 |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/2020/01/06/saif-appoint-mamic-mintu|title = Saif appoint Mamic, Mintu|date = 6 January 2020|work=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> However, on 17 May 2020, the league was declared cancelled by the [[Bangladesh Football Federation|BFF]] executive committee.<ref>{{cite web|title=All League Suspended |url=https://sarabangla.net/post/sb-405751/|date=16 March 2020 }}</ref> On 27 October 2020, [[Paul Put]] named as the new head coach of the club.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/sports/football/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%87-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9A-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%AB-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%82|script-title=bn:বিতর্কিত অতীত জেনেই নতুন কোচ আনছে সাইফ স্পোর্টিংc |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref> Saif reached their first-ever Federation Cup final on 6 January 2021, thrashing former finalist [[Chittagong Abahani]] by 3-0 goals.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Sports/fed-cup-football-saif-sporting-make-first-ever-final-berth/62937|title=Saif Sporting make first-ever final berth |work=UNB}}</ref> Saif finished the [[2020–21 Bangladesh Premier League (football)|2020–21 Bangladesh Premier League]] season at a disappointing fourth place.
[[File:Elhaz_training_with_Saif.jpg|thumb|173px|Saif players during training in 2021]] On 23 November 2021, Saif hired former Bangladesh national team manager [[Andrés Cruciani]] as their head-coach.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/153908/saif-hire-former-bangladesh-coach-cruciani|title=Saif hire former Bangladesh coach Cruciani|work=New Age}}</ref> On 7 February 2022, Saif signed Bangladeshi expatriate player Samuel Elhaz Hudson from [[Silsden A.F.C.|Silsden FC]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bangladesh Origin football player will come to Bangladesh|url=https://www.newsbangla24.com/sports/175473/Another-expatriate-footballer-is-coming-to-Bangladesh}}</ref> On 24 March 2022, the clubs Managing Director Nasiruddin Chowdhury and General Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Sumon announced their resignation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/sport/2022/03/24/1131965|script-title=bn:সাইফ থেকে দুই কর্মকর্তার পদত্যাগ | কালের কণ্ঠ|date=24 March 2022|work=Kaler Kantho |language=bn}}</ref>
==Shirt sponsors== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:center" |- !Period !Kit manufacturer !Shirt sponsor |- | 2016–2017 |rowspan=2| ''Unknown'' | SAIF Powertec Limited |- | 2017–2022 | SAIF Power Battery |}
==Stadium== [[Mymensingh Stadium|Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium]], [[Mymensingh]] was the home venue of the club in [[2018–19 Bangladesh Premier League (football)|2018–19]] and [[2019–20 Bangladesh Premier League (football)|2019-20]] season. The club used [[Banganbandhu National Stadium]] as their home venue in first two seasons of their football journey. In their [[2021–22 Saif Sporting Club season|final season]], the held home matches at [[Munshiganj Stadium]].
==Players== The squad given here is made up of the players registered to Saif Sporting Club for 2021–22 season, the final season of the club's senior football team's existence. {{updated|6 January 2022}} {{Fs start}} {{Fs player|no=1|nat=Bangladesh|pos=GK|name=[[Pappu Hossain]]}} {{Fs player|no=2|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=[[Nasirul Islam Nasir]]}} {{Fs player|no=3|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=Saddam Anny}} {{Fs player|no=4|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=[[Monjurur Rahman Manik]]}} {{Fs player|no=5|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=[[Riyadul Hasan Rafi]]}} {{Fs player|no=7|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=Rahim Uddin}} {{Fs player|no=8|nat=Rwanda|pos=DF|name=[[Emery Bayisenge]]}} {{Fs player|no=10|nat=Nigeria|pos=FW|name=[[Emeka Ogbugh]]}} {{Fs player|no=11|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=Jamir Uddin}} {{Fs player|no=12|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=[[Sazzad Hossain]]}} {{Fs player|no=14|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=Samuel Elhaz Hudson}} {{Fs player|no=15|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=[[Nazmul Islam Rasel]]}} {{Fs player|no=17|nat=Bangladesh|pos=FW|name=[[Foysal Ahmed Fahim]]}} {{Fs player|no=18|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=[[Md Taj Uddin]]}} {{Fs player|no=19|nat=Bangladesh|pos=FW|name=Kawser Ali Rabbi}} {{fs mid}} {{Fs player|no=20|nat=Bangladesh|pos=FW|name=[[Maraz Hossain Opi]]}} {{Fs player|no=21|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=Imran Hasan Rimon}} {{Fs player|no=22|nat=Bangladesh|pos=GK|name=Shanto Kumar Ray}} {{Fs player|no=26|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=MD Ganto}} {{Fs player|no=27|nat=Bangladesh|pos=GK|name=Monirul Islam}} {{Fs player|no=28|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=MD Sayde}} {{Fs player|no=31|nat=Bangladesh|pos=GK|name=Mitul Hossain}} {{Fs player|no=33|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=Abid Ahmed}} {{Fs player|no=34|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=[[Jayed Ahmed]]}} {{Fs player|no=41|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=[[Tanvir Hossain]]}} {{Fs player|no=44|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=[[Sabuz Hossain]]}} {{Fs player|no=55|nat=Bangladesh|pos=DF|name=Sobug Chandra Das}} {{Fs player|no=77|nat=Uzbekistan|pos=MF|name=[[Asror Gafurov]]}} {{Fs player|no=88|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=Nayan Miah}} {{Fs player|no=99|nat=Bangladesh|pos=MF|name=[[Nihat Jaman Ucchash]]}}
{{Fs end}}
==Coaching staff== ===Coaches=== [[File:Nikola Kavazovic.jpg|thumb|right|Nikola Kavazovic was the club's first ever head coach|alt=Nikola Kavazovic.jpg]] *{{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Nikola Kavazovic]] (September 2016 – March 2017) *{{flagicon|England}}{{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Kim Grant (footballer)|Kim Grant]] (April 2017 – October 2017) *{{flagicon|England}} [[Ryan Northmore]] (November 2017 – January 2018) *{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Stewart Hall (football coach)|Stewart Hall]] (April 2018 – November 2018) *{{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} [[Johnny McKinstry]] (November 2018 – September 2019) *{{flagicon|MDV}} [[Mohamed Nizam]] (October 2019 – January 2020) *{{flagicon|Croatia}} [[Drago Mamić]] (January 2020 – September 2020) *{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Paul Put]] (October 2020 – February 2021) *{{flagicon|BAN}} [[Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu]] (Interim) (February 2021 – March 2021) *{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Stewart Hall (football coach)|Stewart Hall]] (March 2021 – July 2021) *{{flagicon|BAN}} [[Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu]] (August 2021 – September 2021) * {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Andres Cruciani]] (October 2021 – August 2022)
===Head coach's statistics=== This chronological list comprises all those who have held the position of [[coach (sport)|manager]] of the first team of Saif Sporting Club from 2016, when the first professional manager was appointed, to the present day. Each manager's entry includes his dates of tenure and the club's overall competitive record (in terms of matches won, drawn and lost), honours won and significant achievements while under his care. [[Caretaker manager]]s are included, where known. As of the start of the 2016–17 Saif Sporting Club have had 11 full-time managers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/m/sports/news/260548|date=27 April 2017|script-title=bn:সাইফ স্পোর্টিংয়ে একজন বিদেশি কোচ |work=Jago News 24 |language=bn |access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive1.ittefaq.com.bd/print-edition/sports-news/2017/08/04/213646.html|date=4 August 2017|script-title=bn:এবার স্প্যানিশ কোচ আনলো সাইফ স্পোর্টিং ক্লাব |work=Daily Ittefaq|language=bn|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/sports/football/50773|date=2 August 2021|script-title=bn:হলের সাইফ অধ্যায় সমাপ্ত (In Bengali)|work=Daily Dhaka Post|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:কোচ মামিচের বিকল্প খুঁজছে সাইফ স্পোর্টিং |url=https://www.banglatribune.com/sport/news/648796/%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9A-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%81%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%AB-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%82|work=Bangla Tribune|language=bn|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:বেশির ভাগ ক্লাবেই পুরনো কোচ|url=https://www.dailynayadiganta.com/sports/537436/বেশির-ভাগ-ক্লাবেই-পুরনো-কোচ|work=Daily Naya Diganta|language=bn|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://unb.com.bd/m/category/Sports/croatian-drago-mamic-named-as-new-head-coach-of-saif-sc/40386|date=5 January 2021|title= Croatian Drago Mamic named as new head coach of Saif SC|work=United News of Bangladesh|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/saif-sc-part-ways-nizam-1848649|date=3 January 2020|title=Saif SC part ways with Nizam|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://footballsierraleone.net/2018/11/08/ex-sierra-leone-coach-johnathan-mckinstry-hired-by-saif-sporting-club/|date=8 November 2018|title=Ex-Sierra Leone coach Jonanthan Mckinstry hired by Saif Sporting Club|work=Football Sierra Leone|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://en.prothomalo.com/sports/football/saif-sporting-reach-fed-cup-football-final|title=Saif Sporting reach fed cup football final|work=Daily Prothom Alo English|access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/ryan-northmore-the-english-coach-in-bangladesh-striving-for-afc-champions-league-success/|date=5 October 2017|title= The English coach in Bangladesh targeting AFC Champions League glory|work=Planet Football|access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref>
The first full-time manager for Saif Sporting Club was [[Nikola Kavazovic]]. He was signed by club general secretary Nasiruddin Chowdhury on 7 September 2016.{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}
The most successful Saif Sporting Club manager in term of won trophies [[Nikola Kavazovic]] who won [[Bangladesh Championship League]] trophy. In his coaching period Saif Sporting Club promoted to [[Bangladesh Premier League (football)|Bangladesh Premier League]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/197072/Saif-SC-promoted-to-Premier-League|date=9 January 2017|title=Saif SC promoted to Premier League|work=Daily Sun|access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref>
''As of 31 July 2022'' {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- !Coach !class="unsortable"|From !class="unsortable"|To !abbr="1"|P !abbr="1"|W !abbr="0"|D !abbr="1"|L !abbr="2"|GS !abbr="4"|GA !abbr="50"|%W |- |align=left|{{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Nikola Kavazovic]] |align=left|September 2016 |align=left|March 2017 {{WDL|14|6|8|0|for=19|against=10}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|England}}{{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Kim Grant (footballer)|Kim Grant]] |align=left|April 2017 |align=left|October 2017 {{WDL|13|6|5|2|for=17|against=8}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|England}} [[Ryan Northmore]] |align=left|November 2017 |align=left|January 2018 {{WDL|15|5|6|4|for=16|against=15}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Stewart Hall (football coach)|Stewart Hall]] |align=left|April 2018 |align=left|November 2018 {{WDL|2|2|0|0|for=8|against=1}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} [[Johnny McKinstry]] |align=left|November 2018 |align=left|September 2019 {{WDL|27|15|5|7|for=42|against=28}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|MDV}} [[Mohamed Nizam]] |align=left|October 2019 |align=left|January 2020 {{WDL|3|1|1|1|for=4|against=4}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|Croatia}} [[Drago Mamić]] |align=left|January 2020 |align=left|September 2020 {{WDL|6|3|2|1|for=8|against=5}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Paul Put]] |align=left|October 2020 |align=left|February 2021 {{WDL|16|10|1|5|for=30|against=19}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|BAN}} [[Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu]] (Interim) |align=left|February 2021 |align=left|March 2021 {{WDL|2|2|0|0|for=8|against=1}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Stewart Hall (football coach)|Stewart Hall]] |align=left|March 2021 |align=left|31 July 2021 {{WDL|6|2|1|3|for=12|against=13}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|BAN}} [[Zulfiker Mahmud Mintu]] |align=left|2 August 2021 |align=left|14 September 2021 {{WDL|6|5|0|1|for=13|against=8}} |- |align=left|{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Andrés Cruciani]] |align=left|16 October 2021 |align=left|August 2022 {{WDL|31|16|6|9|for=74|against=48}} |} {{small|'''P''' – Total of played matches '''W''' – Won matches '''D''' – Drawn matches '''L''' – Lost matches '''GS''' – Goal scored '''GA''' – Goals against<br/> '''%W''' – Percentage of matches won}}
==Youth system== {{main|Saif Sporting Club Youth Team}}
==Honours== ===Domestic=== *'''[[Bangladesh Championship League]]''' **'''Runners-up (1):''' [[2016 Bangladesh Championship League|2016]]
===Invitational=== *{{flagicon|India}} '''[[Bodousa Cup]]''' **'''Champions (1):''' 2018<ref>{{cite web|title=11th Bodousa Cup: Durand Cup Winners Gokulam Kerala FC Beat Former I-League Champions Minerva Punjab In Nerve-Wrecking Final|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/sports-news-11th-bodousa-cup-durand-cup-winners-gokulam-kerala-fc-beat-former-i-league-champions-minerva-punjab-in-nerve-wrecking-/340007|website=outlookindia.com|publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook India]]|date=4 October 2019|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024084840/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/sports-news-11th-bodousa-cup-durand-cup-winners-gokulam-kerala-fc-beat-former-i-league-champions-minerva-punjab-in-nerve-wrecking-/340007|archive-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
===Performance in AFC competitions=== {{main|Bangladeshi clubs in the AFC Cup}} * '''[[AFC Cup]]: 1 Appearance''' ** [[2018 AFC Cup|2018]]: Preliminary Round
==Notable players== Players below, had Senior international caps for their respective countries whilst playing for Saif SC. {{col-begin}} {{col-5}} '''Africa''' *{{flagicon|Rwanda}} [[Emery Bayisenge]] (2018–2020) *{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Emmanuel Ariwachukwu]] (2020–2021)<ref>{{cite web|last=Strack-Zimmermann|first=Benjamin|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/68977/Emmanuel_Ariwachukwu.html|title=NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Ariwachukwu, Emmanuel|publisher=National Football Teams|access-date=18 May 2018|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224195903/http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/68977/Emmanuel_Ariwachukwu.html|website=national-football-teams.com}}</ref> {{col-5}} '''Asia''' *{{flagicon|TJK}} [[Jahongir Ergashev]] (2019–2020) *{{flagicon|KGZ}} [[Murolimzhon Akhmedov]] (2019–2020) {{col-end}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [https://mycujoo.tv/team/saif-sporting-club-ltd-cjrn5ptmo00190iufyrxhkvjm Saif Sporting Club] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604175914/https://mycujoo.tv/team/saif-sporting-club-ltd-cjrn5ptmo00190iufyrxhkvjm |date=4 June 2019 }} on [[Mycujoo]] * [https://www.facebook.com/SaifSportingClubltd/ Saif Sporting Club] on [[Facebook]]
{{Saif Sporting Club}} {{Bangladesh Football Premier League}}
[[Category:Saif Sporting Club]] [[Category:Association football clubs established in 2016]] [[Category:Football clubs in Bangladesh]] [[Category:2016 establishments in Bangladesh]]