Kolkata: Mohammedan Sporting went to the finals of the Durand Cup after a gap of 8 years however, they were unable to go one step further as they lost 1-0 to FC Goa at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday(October 3).
The Black Panthers in front of around 35 thousand crowd started the played quite well with Faisal Ali being thick of the things however, the fans had to return home heartbroken as Edu Bedia sealed the game for the visitors.
Despite the defeat, the Black Panthers’ journey to the Durand Cup final has been one such inspirational. However, according the fans, behind this resurgence, team manager Dipendu Biswas played a key role.
“Its very important to have him in the camp, given the fact he knows the club quite well and it helps the side to have that mentality and professionalism the dressing room for a such a huge tournament”, said Sk Shahrukh, an avid Black Panthers fan who made the trip to the Salt Lake stadium all the way from the Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
The 21 year old lad expressed his sheer emotions, being the sole reason to make a trip by train on a Sunday afternoon.
“I came here because I love the club from the core of my heart, I love watching them in every single game ” he said in front of the entrance gates.”
Meanwhile, Dipendu, the manager was a former player for the Mohammedan side having played for this club several seasons and is a father figure amongst the younger players. Fans opened up how he influenced people to come to Kolkata from the outskirts of the capital city to show supports.
“His presence indeed played a huge role in the journey to the final, “He also gave away tickets so that, the fans can come to stadium supporting the club in numbers” said Salauddin, a 52 old veteran who came with his 11 year-old son.
“Being from West Bengal, it helps the home grown players to to develop themselves having someone who played for the club and rode on the same path of career”, he further added.
