Star striker misses training due to illness
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan’s star striker Balwant Singh has made it clear that he has decided to stay with the Mariners for another season because of coach Sanjay Sen. The striker who was at the club ground on Tuesday is still recovering from his illness. He was seen in a casual dress seated at the sidelines of his team’s training session at the club ground.
The club coach Sanjay Sen has asked Balwant to take ample rest and join training after attaining full fitness. Balwant later told the media, “I am still concerned about my prolonged fever although the doctor said not to worry about it. I have been asked to do several pathological tests which I am going through. I hope to recover soon.”
When asked about why he joined Mohun Bagan in spite of offers from East Bengal and Churchill Brothers, Balwant said, “It is primarily because of coach Sanjay Sen. I am here at Mohun Bagan because he always maintains a good dressing room environment and also the good relations I share with the club officials.”
On being asked about facing a stiff competition to make it into the first eleven in the presence of Sony Norde, Jeje, Darell Duffy, Katsumi, the striker replied, “Last year too there was competition and still the team combination was the same. I am not worried about any competition as long it is healthy. Last season I got an early injury in the season. So this time my focus will be to stay fit and running for goals.”
Mohun Bagan Coach Sanjay Sen said, “I feel the team which has a strong reserve bench will be a strong contender for the title, especially for a long tournament like I-League.”
The gaffer was asked to compare between new signing Darryl Duffy and Cornel Glenn, he soon replied, “Glenn had a World Cup playing experience and had good mobility on the field. You cannot write him off but Duffy has to prove himself by scoring goals in place of him and have to take the challenge.”
Mohun Bagan will begin its I-league run on 8th January against Churchill brothers on home turf at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata. Club sources said Coach Sanjoy Sen has requested the club officials to arrange for two days practice facility for the players at the Stadium prior to the first match.