MUMBAI, January 28: Mohun Bagan captain Aloke Das and striker Abdul Khalique have signed a contract with Bengal Mumbai Football Club (BMFC), informed Wali Mohammed, one of the executive directors of Mumbai's first professional football club.``Khalique wanted to return to his home state as he is from Nagpur. He was approached by BMFC and he accepted the offer,'' added Wali.Ex-Tata Football Academy trainee and former India captain Aloke wanted to move out of Bengal as his terms with the Bagan officials and coach were not amiable, added Wali. Aloke has been playing for Mohun Bagan since he passed out of TFA.
``Coach Jamshed Nassiri has also signed five current Iranian internationals and the process of their transfer is going on,'' Wali added. The players are expected to join the team in March.
Coach Nassiri, along with club officials, is travelling all over the country to scout talent. ``All top-level players from big teams have been approached,'' disclosed Wali, secretary, Western India FootballAssociation (WIFA). So far, 18 players from all over the country except Maharashtra, have been chosen by the Iranian coach. All are expected to join the team in March. The club has also sought boys from Shyam Thapa's football academy as well.
``We do not mean any harm to Mumbai teams, especially Air-India and Mahindras. But if their boys are interested in leaving these sides, we do not mind approaching them,'' Wali said.
WIFA vice-president Alex Fernandes said, ``BMFC has been given entry into WIFA Super Division. They are ready to fulfil the conditions put forward by the WIFA executive committee.'' ``One of the criteria laid down by WIFA, to have four international players in a team, has been fulfiled,'' added Wali, but refused to disclose the names of the other two players.
The team will be staying in new Mumbai as the club officials have purchased flats there and hired a ground. The officials have also bought a piece of land worth Rs 30 crores in the suburbs.
The team will play some exhibitionmatches against a leading club from England in March and April at Delhi, Calcutta, Goa and Mumbai. Based on these performances, the team is planning to approach the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for a direct entry to the National Football League next year.
The team will also play in all leading tournaments, including Rovers Cup, IFA Shield, DCM and Durand Cup.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
