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[caption id="attachment_55627" align="aligncenter" width="580"] East Bengal players during their first practice session ahead of the I-League. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption] Kolkata: Practice matches are the need of the hour for East Bengal Coach Khalid Jamil ahead of the I League. The Kolkata League Champion winning coach started preparations after the break (for Durga Puja) for the I League at the Howrah Corporation Stadium from Tuesday.  With arch rivals Mohun Bagan already going to play in the Sikkim Governors Gold Club, East Bengal coach too is keen on having a few practice matches before the I League. “I have requested the club officials to organise a few practice matches ahead of the I League. It can be playing a tournament as well. The practice matches will help us find the weak links in the team and help us to combine well as a team,” said Khalid to the reporters at teh sidelines of the Howrah Stadium. New Brazilian recruit Charles D’Souza, who arrived in the city on Sunday started training with the Red and Gold footballers. Another foreigner Yao Kouassi Bernard (Baji) was also called for trials. Baji, a defensive midfielder also has another identity of himself. He is the brother of Mohun Bagan striker Kamo Stephane Bayi. Both Baji and Charles were tried together during the match situation practice by Khalid. The Brazilian was tried as a withdrawal striker behind Willis Plaza at the training session today. According to Khalid, “He (Charles) will take some time to settle down. It is only his first day at practice. The more they practice together, the better for them to combine.” While Charles has already been signed by the club, Baji will be on trials for the next few days. East Bengal has already confirmed the services of Al Amna, Katsumi Yuasa, Willis Plaza, Carlisle Mitchell and Charles D’Souza. The club can still sign another foreigner. Baji’s brother Kamo is linked with having talks with the club. The Ivory Coast striker is likely to be released by Mohun Bagan. The East Bengal footballers will train at the Howrah Stadium till October 06 before shifting to the Barasat Stadium. https://youtu.be/8k3nIgLcy2U