Kolkata: East Bengal is all set to face Railway FC in a Calcutta Football League clash tomorrow. They will miss the service of their two star Trinidad & Tobago footballers Willis Plaza and Carlyle Mitchell as they have returned to their country for national duties. In the absence of Plaza, Jobby Justin might take his place in the team and later Surabuddin Mollick may come as a substitute. On the other hand Mehtab Singh will replace Carlyle Mitchell in the defence.
East Bengal has won four matches on the trot and they are holding the top spot of the league. According to Coach Khalid Jamil, his side won’t face any problem in the absence of two foreigners.” I will give chances to other players in the absence of Plaza and Mitchell. The team will give their best to win against Railway,” said Jamil.
The Red & Gold gaffer is cautious ahead of facing Railway FC tomorrow and he has warned his side not to take their opponent lightly.” They are a good side and I have said to all the players that never underestimate anybody. Railway has a few experienced players in their side and it won’t be a cake walk against them.”
Khalid knows that winning the league for the eighth consecutive times won’t be an easy task as their arch rival Mohun Bagan is just behind them with 9 points in 3 matches. Mohammedan Sporting club too are not far behind.” The League will be getting tough day by day and we won’t take any side lightly,” said Khalid.
The IFA have announced the date of first Kolkata derby of the season on September 24. On being asked whether he is thinking about derby, the East Bengal coach added,” We are only thinking about our next match against Railway FC. I have told everybody to take one game at a time,”.
Teenager from Ashoknagar, Prakash Sarkar has made his debut for East Bengal against Peerless in the ongoing Calcutta Football League. He has taken the position of former East Bengal midfield maestro Mehtab Hossain. Prakash has already played two matches for the Red & Gold Brigade where he has played quite well as a new comer.
“I know am playing on Mehtab Da’s position and it’s a huge honour for me. Just ahead of the season I had a chat with him and his tips will help me to play well here,” said Prakash.
He is thankful to Khalid Jamil that he has kept his faith on him.” Khalid sir has given me the chance to prove my worth in the team. I always practice hard to get a chance in the playing XI.”
Prakash looked excited about the Kolkata derby. It would be his first derby for the senior team.” I have played the U-18 derby, I know that there will be a lot of pressure in the first Kolkata derby too. I am only concentrating on tomorrow’s game against Railway FC and it’s my dream that I would play well for my side in the Kolkata derby.”