I-League 2017/18: Minerva Punjab FC sign former East Bengal player Bazie Armand

Bazie Armand
Bazie Armand signed for Minerva Punjab FC

What’s the story?

Minerva Punjab FC have signed former East Bengal midfielder Bazie Armand for the remaining part of the I-League season. The announcement was made on the social media profiles of the Punjab-based club.

In case you didn’t know...

Bazie first got a taste of Indian football when he turned out for Rainbow FC in this season’s Calcutta Football League (CFL). Khalid Jamil then went on to sign him for East Bengal before the start of I-League 2017-18.

However, a string of unimpressive outings left the East Bengal management with no choice but to release the foreigner.

The heart of the matter

Minerva Punjab FC, in a bid to add options to their midfield, didn’t waste the opportunity and brought Bazie on board taking advantage of the January transfer window.

Bazie featured in nine matches for East Bengal in the I-League. He was often played alongside Mahmoud al Amna and Katsumi Yusa but failed to match their level.

Minerva have been in great form and are second in the league at this point in time. However, it remains to be seen whether this new signing helps their cause or not.

What’s next?

Minerva Punjab have a tough match at hand as they face Shillong Lajong on Wednesday and then host title contenders East Bengal on January 13. The East Bengal game will be a vital one for both the sides as it will go a long way in determining the next I-League champion.

Author’s take

This season we have seen rejected footballers of one team finding a place in the squads of their competitors. Same was the case with Ansumana Kromah, who was released by Mohun Bagan and later picked by East Bengal.

Bazie didn’t do much to impress the Indian football fans and now it remains to be seen whether he finds his feet in the Minerva squad or not.

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Edited by Argha Bhattacharya