Mohammedan Sporting, the new entrants to the ISL by virtue of winning the I-League, have started preparations for the new season.
While retaining by and large most of the Indian players, Mohammedan Sporting are scouting for foreign reinforcements. It has been learnt that they are looking for an Argentine striker who can seamlessly link-up with compatriot and forward Alexis Nauhel Gomez.
“The idea is to have an Argentine player so that he can forge an understanding with Gomez,” football secretary Dipendu Biswas said on Wednesday.
“We, after discussions with our investor Bunkerhill Private Limited, have shortlisted four players who suit our bill,” he added. Mohammedan Sporting have already decided to retain the services of Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov. However, their top goal-scorer David Lalhlansanga has decided to leave and is likely to join an ISL club. Lalhlansanga netted 34 goals in all competitions this season.
Mohammedan Sporting have also given Salt Lake Stadium as their ‘home’ ground to the ISL organisers, Reliance-owned Football Sports Development Limited.
“Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are already playing their home matches at the stadium. We are not sure FSDL will want a third club to use Salt Lake Stadium as the home venue. In that case, we are thinking of using the Santoshpur stadium as our home,” club official Dr Taha Ahmed said.
The Santoshpur stadium, however, may not fulfil the ISL criteria since it does not have bucket seats and a proper media box. The stadium did host the Durand Cup and local league matches but to get the green light from the ISL organisers, the stadium will need a major face-lift. “Let’s see how it goes,” Ahmed added.
Till last year, the Calcutta Football League was an important tournament for Mohammedan Sporting. “This year onwards we will field under-21 and under-23 players. The focus obviously will be on the ISL,” Ahmed informed.
Mohammedan Sporting won the league three years in a row from 2021. In 2021, the 14-time champions had ended their 40-year wait for the Calcutta Football League title.
