Kolkata: Once among Kolkata’s holy-trinity alongside both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, but now plying their grade in the Second division I-League Mohammedan Sporting Club has signed Trinidad and Tobago national striker Willis Plaza, the club confirmed on Friday.
Delighted with the newest addition to the squad General Secretary Mr. Ghazal uz Zafar said, “I am extremely happy to have secured the services of Plaza. He is a proven talent and he has plenty of top-level experience. I am confident that he will be an asset to the squad in the upcoming season. I wish him all the very best for the season.”
A former East Bengal player, who joined the Red and Golds earlier this season as a free agent after being released by San Juan Jabloteh, Plaza however failed to live upto expectations managing just 2 goals in 10 matches and that added with the matches he played in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) makes it a staggering 14 goals in a staggering 24 matches.
He was often guilty of missing sitters at crucial junctures of the match and his faltering performance despite the backing of head coach Khalid Jamil, culminated with his release after a disappointing outing in the 0-2 defeat to Mohun Bagan at the Kolkata derby.
The 30 year-old though not just became Mohammedan SC’s first foreign import for the 2017-18 2nd division I-League, but also will be the first North American to don the traditional black and white jersey for the Black Panthers.
Plaza, who was close to signing for Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Chennaiyin FC until things turned uphill, was overwhelmed by Mohammedan Sporting Club’s interest in him and said that he agreed to join, no sooner after he had received a call from them.
“I have heard a lot about Mohammedan Sporting Club. It’s an honour to be a part of such a big club. I can’t wait to join my teammates and begin training,” added the Trinidadian strike, capped 23 times for his country with seven goals to his name.