Kolkata: Mohammedan Sporting Club, once a part of the ‘Trinity’ that ruled Indian football for many years, has slowly declined as the years have passed by. Now in a bid to revive the fortunes, they have undergone a complete revamp of their squad and has also appointed former footballer Dipendu Biswas who returned to the team with Mohammedan Sporting Football club as the chairman of it’s Football Committee.
Dipendu, who happens to be the MLA of Basirhat constituency, was recently accused by the locals for his role in the communal riot that took place in the area, for instructing the police to arrest the youths of a particular community during the riot.
In an interaction with SportsCrunch, Biswas who is also an MLA from Basirhat Dakshin constituency, opened up about the turbulence that terrorised his constituency. He said, “Everything has been sorted out and no more problems exists. The NIA has begun an investigation on the issue. Also the honourable Chief Minister of the state Mamata Banerjee, has began an judicial enquiry. I have my firm believe that once the judicial enquiry is out, the truth will be known.”
One of the few players to have played for all the three Kolkata clubs, Dipendu also gave an insight into the current team roster.
Calling it the “best team in the last 15 years at the club”, he continued, ” we have signed as many as eight players from the Bengal team that won the recently concluded Santosh Trophy.
Young players like Manandeep, Manvir, Pranit are all upcoming stars. We have also signed last season’s top scorer in the I-League Dipanda Dicka, who has signed a three month contract with us for the Calcutta Football League.”
With this year’s second division league,reportedly set to undergo a drastic change, with no foreigners included, it will be an added advantage for the team with a strong bunch of Indian stars. He said, adding more fuel to the rumors.
In a press conference held at the club tent in the Maidan on Thursday, where the complete squad of the Mohammedan Sporting club was unveiled, the former Mohammedan and Mohun Bagan striker, also thanked the club for his added responsibility. Calling the club as his “second home”, the now relieved man said, the club has always stood by his side during times of trouble.
It will be indeed a great responsibility for the former Indian International, as he looks to help the club regain their status as one of the top teams in Indian domestic football.