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Mohun Bagan have been one of the most consistent I-League clubs in the last few years, having won the trophy in 2014-15 and finished runners-up in the next two seasons. However, the upcoming edition promises to be challenging for the Mariners as the core part of the team has been lost to ISL franchises.
The Bagan officials tried to play their part by getting on board some of the promising Indian talents and a few foreigners who performed brilliantly in the last I-League season.
The Green and Maroon brigade had an underwhelming pre-season but the following factors can help them to regain the I-League crown:
#1 Sony Norde’s presence
The Haitian is quite easily one of the most high-profile names who would be taking part in the upcoming edition of the I-League. Much to everyone’s surprise, Norde decided against taking the ISL plunge and the Mariners can’t thank him enough for that.
Norde has the skill to orchestrate play from the midfield as well as enter the penalty box to fire in those lethal strikes. His ability to find the back of the net from dead ball situations are also quite impressive.
He is surely going to be coach - Sanjoy Sen’s main man who would form his team’s attack around Norde and let the experienced campaigner roam free.
#2 Sanjoy Sen’s sound tactics
Mohun Bagan have a man at the helm who has already won them the I-League. The modest gaffer, who likes to stay away from the limelight and push his team from behind, is one of their main weapons and surely knows the tricks which can help his squad cease early advantage in the league.
Sen’s task at hand would be to establish an understanding amongst this new group of players, but the policy of not being overdependent on stars will hold him in good stead.
The Mariners have always played attacking football under Sen’s guidance and as they have hired some quality strikers for the current season, the coach’s philosophy is most likely to be reciprocated on the pitch to break down some stubborn defensive units.
#3 Dipanda Dicka’s goal-scoring prowess
Mohun Bagan have done well to hire last season’s top scorer, Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka, who found the back of the net for Shillong Lajong FC on 11 occasions in 2016-17. He then scored 12 goals for Mohammedan SC in the Calcutta Football League before switching over to their rival club.
The fact that the Cameroonian has already proven himself in this league, means he will not face major problems while settling down in the Bagan line-up. Moreover, he will have attackers like Norde and Ansumana Kromah working around him in tandem, which would help him to add to this goal tally.
#4 Promising home-grown talents
Azharuddin Mallick and Chesterpaul Lyngdoh are the two Indians who can make a name for themselves this season. While Mallick has been in the Bagan ranks for a few years and has proved his mettle upfront, Lyngdoh, a midfielder, was bought from Churchill Brothers mainly because of his goal-scoring knack.
It will be a huge task to fill the shoes of Balwant Singh but Mallick has the potential to make his presence felt in front of goal. Lyngdoh, on the other hand will be given the role which he successfully played in Goa - man the midfield and provide enough goal-scoring passes to the forwards.
#5 Experienced Indians have stayed put
At a time when most of the well-known Indian footballers have shifted to ISL, defender, Kingshuk Debnath and goal-keeper, Shilton Paul have decided to continue their association with the century old club in the I-League. These men have enough game time behind them to restore calm in front of Bagan’s goal.
Debnath is predominantly a full back but he can easily play the role of a central defender, forging a solid partnership with new recruit, Kingsley Obumneme. Whereas Paul, who until recently was playing second fiddle to Debjit Majumder, will get back his spot underneath the sticks and try to make his experience count.
