Kolkata: Mohun Bagan’s talismanic winger Sony Norde has declared that it will be a fight between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to win the I League this season. Norde, who minces no words openly admitted that arch-rivals East Bengal will give them a run for their money in the I League.
Norde, who will be putting on the arm band this season for the Mariners in the I League is quite excited. On being asked whether it will be an added pressure leading the side, the Haitian said, “Wearing an arm band is a huge honour for me. I have always tried to play my responsibility on the ground. This season also we will try to win the I League.”
He added, “We need to strengthen our defence. We will try not to concede goals.”
The Haitian is slowly getting into the groove, combining with his teammates. Most of the players will be new this season having left the club. According to Norde, “I am trying to cope up with the players who were part of the Kolkata League and Sikkim Governors Gold Cup. I was a bit circumspect at the start of the season as I met them for the first time. But I must admit I am feeling a lot better now after practicing with them for a week now.”
Sony will be accompanying the team as they play two practice matches against ISL teams FC Goa and FC Pune City.
Talking about the hugely successful hosting of the FIFA U17 World Cup, Norde said, “I was amazed to see the craze amongst the fans. It was a huge success for India to host the U17 World Cup.”
Norde, who was present at the Salt Lake Stadium for the final of U17 World Cup was cheering for the Young Lions.
Mariners will be hoping the combination between Dipanda Dicka and Sony Norde will work wonders during the I League this season. It will be the first time the two will be seen in action playing for the same club.
According to Dicka, “It will be a matter of pride to play alongside Sony (Norde). We hope we can create a lot of chances. The fact that we both speak French will work to our advantage.”