Mariners aim to record three wins on the trot at home
Kolkata: Buoyed by their twin victories at home, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan will look to make it three out three when they take on newbies Minerva Punjab FC in a third round I-League encounter at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium here on Tuesday.
The Green and Maroon brigade have won against Churchill Brothers and Shillong Lajong. After tomorrow’s match Mariners will travel to Chennai to play its first away match. They will play Chennai City FC on Jan 21 and their next away outing will be against DSK Shivajians on January 24. On being asked what his target will be for tomorrow’s match, Sanjay Sen said, “Will definitely try and go for a win as it will give us a hundred percent record before we travel to play the two away matches. If we can get full points from the first three matches, we can plan our strategies accordingly.”
The gaffer indicated a few changes to the side tomorrow. In fact he is been forced to make the changes with both Shehnaz Singh and Kingshuk Debnath being ruled out due to injury. Both Kingshuk and Shehnaz injured themselves in the last match. Brazilian Eduardo will make his debut for the Mariners while Pronoy Halder is likely to start proceedings in place of Shehnaz.
“I am not in favour of making too many changes. But yes, if the situation demands, I have to make a few changes. Shehnaz will not be available for tomorrow’s match.”
On being asked about Eduardo, Sanjay Sen said, “We need to give time when a new player joins any side. He has been practicing with us for a few days and will need time to settle down in the team.”
Haitian marksman Sony Norde, who signed on Monday for the Mariners, may also get an opportunity to play. It is likely that the Norde may come in as a substitute since he is not yet fit to play for 90 minutes. He did play the practice match with the first team on Monday.
“Whether he is still fit to play ninety minutes or not we will have to see,” said Sanjay Sen about Norde’s chances to play.
Bagan captain Katsumi Yuasa though commented, “Norde is fit. If he plays in the starting XI, it’s good for us. He is a special player but whether he will play or not will depend on the coach.”
The gaffer was asked whether Norde will feature in the 18 man squad. He said, “I will keep him in the 18 man squad but whether I will play him or not is not decided.”
U’22 players Reiniar Fernandes and Subhasish Bose have both been impressive so far. Either of them might get a start in tomorrow’s match.
Minerva, on the other hand was given direct entry into the I-League along with Chennai City FC. Coached by Surinder Singh, the Punjab side has Nigerians Loveday Enyinnaya and Joel Sunday as their top foreign recruits.
A host of India national team age-group players who all played under youth coach Colm Toal who happens to be the technical director of Minerva form the core of the team.
Toal though is yet to arrive in India from his base in the United States of America and the coach when quizzed about him was left searching for answers.
“We still don’t know the dates. He will come soon,” Surinder told reporters on the eve of the match.
The outfit from Punjab has signed three Nigerians along with a Nepalese right back Palsang Lama. Striker Joel Sunday has plied his trade for Aizawl FC in I League last season. He also played for Tollygunge Agragami in Calcutta League last year. Victor Amobi Ozoanibueze plays in right wing half while Loveday Okechukwu is a key footballer in defense.
Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen said, “I have watched their matches. They have signed a few good players like Joel Sunday. Manandeep is a good striker. They have an attacking right wing half named Amobi, who has been impressive. The central backs are also good. I have seen quite a few of them when I was with the junior India team.”
Minerva will be without first choice goalkeeper Ravi Kumar who is injured. “We have Kamaljit (Singh) and Arshaeep (Singh) in our ranks. We cannot do anything about it.”
Mohun Bagan (Probable XI) : Debjit Majumder, Souvik Ghosh/Subhasish Bose, Eduardo, Anas Edathodika, Pritam Kotal, Kean Lewis/Sony Norde, Pronoy Halder, Reiniar/Bikramjit, Katsumi Yuasa, Jeje Lalpekhlua & Darryl Duffy