Kolkata : Diamond Harbour FC, a club born on April 15, 2022 came into headlines winning I-League 2 in 2024-25 season, and getting promoted to I-League Premier Division under coach Kibu Vicuna. More to that, they will make their debut in Durand Cup 2025 , after being placed in same group of Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan, BSF.
Diamond Harbour roped in Mikel Kortazar just a week ago ahead of Durand Cup 2025 , strengthening their defense.
In an exclusive chat with Sportslightmedia , former Mohun Bagan great Joseba Beitia rated his former coach Kibu Vicuna and his close friend Mikel Kortazar highly and backed Diamond Harbour to do well in Durand Cup 2025.
Joseba was architect behind Mohun Bagan I-League win in 2019-20. At that time, Kibu Vicuna who’s now the head coach of Diamond Harbour was head coach of Mohun Bagan that clinched the glory. Joseba believes the success that he and Mohun Bagan achieved under Kibu, the same can be achieved by Mikel and Diamond Harbour in Durand Cup 2025. Kibu also guided Diamond Harbour to I-League 2,3 title wins last season, thereby getting I-League promotion.
Joseba Beitia exclusively said to Sportslightmedia, “Just as I got success under coach Kibu Vicuna’s coaching, I believe my brother cum friend Mikel Kortazar will also get success and his team (Diamond Harbour FC) will win matches”.
Mikel Kortazar, former Athletic Bilbao Youth Academy player carries vast experience in Spanish 3rd and 4th Division tournaments. He joined Diamond Harbour for one year deal as free agent recently ahead of Durand Cup 2025.
With over 10 years of experience playing in Spain, Mikel Kortazar gained invaluable exposure to highly tactical and physically demanding leagues.
His experiences in clubs like SD Amorebieta, Tarazona, and Logroñés make him well-versed in various systems and styles, from which Diamond Harbour could certainly benefit in the I-League and Durand Cup 2025.
However, Mikel also stated that he will need atleast 1-2 weeks to accommodate in Indian conditions.
He said, “1-2 weeks because it’s very hot (In India) and it’s new for me, new country, because in Spain I’m very good, but it’s my first experience outside Spain”.
He stated that Joseba, his close friend speaks highly of India and Kolkata, having played for Bengal giant Mohun Bagan before.
He said, “I’m training in Spain with some good friendship with Joseba Beitia, he speaks very good for India, Kolkata, it’s very good experience for me and I’m very excited for this season, Durand Cup is a big tournament and I’m excited to play with my teammates and group and playing first match”.
Diamond Harbour FC is the fourth Bengal club to feature in 134th edition of Durand Cup along with Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan. They’ll start their campaign on 28th July, 2025 against Mohammedan.
