I-League 2012-13: Kolkata Preview (Take 2, Mohun Bagan).
Jewel Raja in action for Mohun Bagan
Their last trophy won by Mohan Bagan was the Kolkata League in 2009-10. Then Mariners have failed to win since. Before the start of the season, fans were quite hopeful about their favorite club. But Mohan Bagan’s horrible Federation Cup performance and opening match defeat in the I-League against Shillong Lajong are a matter of concern for supporters.
Fights between Tolgay and Odafa, and coach Santosh are also affecting the team.
Now is the time for Mohun Bagan to prove that they are not finished yet. After their horrible exit from the group stages of the Federation Cup, Mohun Bagan officials and captain Odafa Okoli have made promises to the supporters of coming back strongly. A huge task is lies in front of the Mariners.
Mohun Bagan:
Nick Name—The Mariners.
Coach—Santosh Kashyap.
Recent Success—Their last success was in 2009-10, when they won the Kolkata League.
Strengths—The team has one of the deadliest forward lines in today’s India. The Tolgay-Odafa pair is the main strength of Mohun Bagan. Syed Rahim Nabi will be another key player. With the ability to play in any position of the field, Nabi can score goals, as well as can help out in defense. Young starlets Jewel Raja and Manish Bhargav might play a big role if Mohun Bagan achieve success in this season.
Weaknesses—Mohun Bagan do not have a set defense and midfield. In spite of having a strong forward line, they are conceding goals on the counter-attack because of a lack of defense and misunderstanding between their defenders. They also lack a holding midfielder who can mop up in midfield and pass it to Tolgay and Odafa.
Prediction—4th-6th.
Subrata Bhattacharya—
“For me they will finish the I-league in 6th-7th position…This team can go a long way if they get a perfect man for monitoring. They need to work on their defense and mid-field.”
Jose Ramirez Barreto—
“They will finish in between 4th-6th…lack of defence and mid-field players…players have to get back their confidence.”