The Dempo coach has set his eyes on Souvik Mondal, the 20-year-old custodian who has been playing with the junior national team since 2004.

Mondal was with Hindustan Aeronotics Limited (HAL) last season before being forced to join Peerless Club following his father’s sudden demise. Importantly, Mondal earned appreciation from former chief national British coach Stephen Constantine through his impresive showing under the bars in the 2004 Under-20 AFC Cup Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

He was also a member of the Indian colts for the U-20 AFC Cup in 2007 where he had an excellent showing against South Korea in the group league match.

Asked about Mondal, Dempo’s experienced coach Armando Colaco told The Indian Express: “Yes, I have heard about Mondal. I also have his bio-data with me. I am going to call him for selection trials in the first week of May. At the same time, I will also watch three more Goan goalkeepers, all U-17s, in the selection trials. If Mondal can prove his mettle, then he will be recruited.”

Incidentally, Abhijit Mondal, the custodian from Bengal who has spent consecutive six years with the Goan outfit, is also going to continue with the team for another season, according to Armando Colaco. And along with other experienced custodian Satish Minz, Colaco wants to test Souvik Mondal before deciding to recruit him.