Manna da no more

A very bad morning here in Kolkata today – our beloved Manna-da, the great Sailen Manna passed away at 1:55am.

  His body had been taken to his home in the morning. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and other club officials visited his residence. Sports Minister, Ex-sports Minister and other political leaders were also there. Ex-players like Compton Dutta, Sibaji Banerjee were there as well.

His body will be taken to his residence at Howrah firsat and then to Rabindra Sadan. His body will be kept at Rabindra Sadan from 1pm to 4pm today and would not be taken to any club tent in Maidan. His body will be taken to the Keoratala burning ghat this evening.

Upon asking about the same – Debasish Dutta exclaimed that Manna-da never had any difference with the institution and particularly he had a strong 60 years relationship with the club, but his family’ s sentiment will be honoured.

mohunbaganclub.com has learnt that Subrata Bhattacharya was upset upon hearing that Manna-da’s body won’t be taken to the club tent and exclaimed how that can be possible. He believed that Manna-da’s body will be taken to the club premises where the club members, officials and ex-players will show their last respect.

Odafa Magic Again @ Salt Lake: 2-1 win for MB

Yes. The deadly goal machine has done it again as the Mariners snatched 3 points from vibrant Mumbai FC and placed themselves in the 2nd position in iLeague table. Odafa scored twice in 2nd half to help the Mariners crossed the victory lap ahead of opponent coming from one goal down.

The proverb – ‘Morning shows the day’ have proved to be wrong yet again today. With most of the top players are out either for critical injury or for suspension, it was real headache for the Mohun Bagan team management to decide first XI against an opponent who has been known for creating upset. The gamble to place Mohanraj, who has been out for quite long time for sustained injury, into first XI almost back fired as he had to be replaced by debutant Deepak Kumar, who has been registered for senior team only a day back. However, as a promising young blood from Mohun Bagan- SAIL academy, Dipak has been able to acclimatize quickly in vulnerable left back position.The proverb – ‘Morning shows the day’ have proved to be wrong yet again today. With most of the top players are out either for critical injury or for suspension, it was real headache for the Mohun Bagan team management to decide first XI against an opponent who has been known for creating upset. The gamble to place Mohanraj, who has been out for quite long time for sustained injury, into first XI almost back fired as he had to be replaced by debutant Deepak Kumar, who has been registered for senior team only a day back. However, as a promising young blood from Mohun Bagan- SAIL academy, Dipak has been able to acclimatize quickly in vulnerable left back position.

Going by the flow of the match, it was a subdued first half for the Mariners with frequent fumbles at mid-fields and defense as the supply line for Odafa-Ashim combo were dried. Opponent took the advantage of the situation and opened the score card making the stadium stunned. The situation didn’t change till the veteran TD of the Mohun Bagan made his first tactical change by bringing NP Pradeep in place of Zelany early in the second half. Started as more of a holding medio role, Pradeep started much needed O2 to the supply line. Another master stroke by injecting fresh blood of Manish Bhargav in place of jaded Ashim proved to be too spicy to handle for the opposition to held the their leader in slender margin. Odafa first equalized from the penalty as the opponent defender tripped Manish when he was about to finish the brilliant back heel inside Mumbai FC penalty box. Immediately after the equalizer, Odafa found the net again as Mumbai FC custodian fumbled.

 All went good for the Mariners today as they could able to overcome mighty resistance without many of the star studded team members. This should provide much needed confidence to the Team Members as well as the young squad members for the remaining encounters, which are surly going for do or die for clinching much awaited iLeague for this season .
 
Mohun Bagan: Sangram Mukherjee, Surkumar Singh, Kingshuk Debnath, Anwar, N. Mohonraj (Deepak Kumar), Jewel Raja, Daniel Zeleni (N.P. Pradeep), Rakesh Masih, Snehasis Chakraborty, Ashim Biswas (Manish Bhargav), Odafa Okolie.

 

Mohun Bagan is close to my heart: Barreto

Jose Barreto joined team practice today at Mohun Bagan Ground. He told to the press that he has no problem so far with the officials and coaches in the team. His main aim to win I League this year as it is quite wide open to the teams. He also told that whichever problem raised after derby, that has been solved and there is no problem at all in the team. He added that Mohun Bagan is close to his heart. Finance Secretary Debasis Dutta told that Barreto has to take rest up to 4 weeks for his injury. So there is no place for speculation.