Kolkata : Haiti International Sony Norde arrived in the city today to play for Mohun Bagan . Norde accompanied by his new girlfriend reached the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport during the wee hours on Monday . Claded in a black T’shirt and military jeans , Norde was visibly tired after a long flight from Cuba . He had to come via Cuba , to get her girlfirend’s visa as there was no Indian High Commission in Haiti .
Bagan officials maintained a top secrecy about Norde’s arrival to India . It also puts an end to the speculation making rounds about him . Norde will be presented tomorrow to the fans and media at the club tent .
With January 20 being the last day for registration for ACL Qualifying Round Play Offs , Bagan officials ensured both he and his girlfriend gets their visa on time for their arrival in India .
Bagan coach Sanjay Sen will feel a lot relieved to have his star winger joining the squad .Norde was instrumental in Mohun Bagan winning the I League last season . But according to Sanjay Sen ,“ I will take a call on Norde only after assessing his fitness , whether to play him in the derby or not .”
It is very unlikely that Norde will miss the derby , only if something dramatic happens .
East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya did not seemed concerned about Norde joining Bagan, “ Look , he is not any stranger for us . Having played against us ,we know him well and accordingly will plan our strategy to stop him in the derby .”
While Norde arrived in Kolkata , it is still not sure whether Bernard Mendy will be available for East Bengal or not for the derby . The Frenchman continues to be uncertain for Saturday’s I-League Derby versus Mohun Bagan.
East Bengal officials, though, prefer to think positive and thus remain hopeful of his availability for the all-important game. The main hindrance appears to be his visa, which Mendy hasn’t got yet. “He will be applying for his visa today as the embassy was closed on Saturday and Sunday . As soon as he gets it, he will get ready to join us,” East Bengal football secretary Santosh Bhattacharya said on Monday.
“Now whether he will be able to play the Derby is difficult to say at this stage. But we are certainly not ruling him out,” he added.
Another top official, however, claimed that the former France international would arrive earliest by Friday. “Given the present situation, it seems he won’t be here before Friday. So, if circumstances don’t change, it will be really difficult to include him in our scheme of things for the Derby,” the official said.
According to coach Biswajit Bhattacharya, Mendy should reach the city by Thursday . Commenting on whether he will be part of the squad for the derby , “Look, I can only take a decision after he joins practice. But how can I keep him in the squad if he is not fit? He has to clear the fitness test first. Only then he can be inducted into the squad for Saturday,” Biswajit commented after he reached the city from Mumbai.
Mendy’s inclusion will no doubt boost the morale of East Bengal not just because of his credentials, but also because the Red and Golds were held to a goalless draw by Mumbai FC .