Kolkata: East Bengal’s towering Haitian striker, Wedson Anselme made a surprise visit to Mohun Bagan club on Monday, barely a week ahead of the April 9 derby at Siliguri’s Kanchenjunga Stadium. Given the deep rooted rivalry the two clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan share, it was rather strange to see the striker in the ground that belongs to his club’s arch nemesis.
With further inquiry it was learnt that the Haitian international visited the Mohun Bagan ground to meet his friend and fellow countryman Sony Norde who was at that point of time training with the rest of the Mohun Bagan squad.
Clad in a black T-shirt, the East Bengal striker walked straight into the Mohun Bagan tent, after parking his car outside the club. He was supposed to pick his friend Norde after the practice session.
The news of Wedson visiting the Mohun Bagan tent spread like wildfire and the green and maroon fans who were watching their favourite team practice rushed to see Wedson, in the club lawn started clicking pictures of the Haiti footballer.
Realising his goof-up, Wedson did not waste a moment, as he rushed out of the main gate of Mohun Bagan club. Wedson is expected to play a pivotal role in the Kolkata derby but he is in a race against time to be fit for the game that is supposed to be held on April 9.
While surprise leaders Aizawl FC hold pole position in this years title challenge Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal still have a chance of clinching the I-league trophy this season and thus the derby game this time around will have a lot more riding on it than just attaining bragging rights over their city rivals.
Sony Norde, too was aware of his friends visit to the Mohun Bagan club and somewhat jokingly he said, “I know he was here. May be he wants to play in Mohun Bagan next year.”
(With inputs from Xtratime)