Kolkata : The deadlock over the transfer of power from East Bengal club to its investors finally opened on Thursday (October 8). The new stakeholders promises to give their best for the club’s maiden Indian Super League (ISL) entry, thus not withstanding the late entry.
Within a month of East Bengal’s tie up with Shree Cement as it’s major investor, the organisers of ISL, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) officially announced the club’s entry in India’s top football league.
This season ISL is all set to start behind closed doors from November in Goa due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Fatorda) in Madgaon, Tilak Maidan in Vasco and the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim are the final venues for ISL 2020-21.
“We are delighted to be part of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) from 2020-2021 season,” said Hari Mohan Bangur, managing director of Shree Cement. “I would like to thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee for her continuous support at all times. She is always ready to help in the development of sport in the state of West Bengal and we share the same vision.”
“We would also like to thank Football Sports Development Limited for recognising the legacy of our club and Mrs. Nita Ambani for her constant encouragement.” he added further.
East Bengal made it into the ISL late last month after Shree Cement obtained a majority of 76 per cent in the century old club.
East Bengal have signed 35 players with centre-forward Balwant Singh being the only Indian. The rest of the team comprises of young talents.
“At our club, the aim will always be to develop the game in every way possible. We promise to put our best foot forward and make the fans proud in our first season,” Prashant Bangur, joint managing director at Shree Cement, said. “From the outset, the focus will be on nurturing talent and creating an atmosphere where every player is charged-up to make our first season memorable.
“Player development is important to building a sound ecosystem within the club and we are committed to the cause,” he added.
