Mohammedan’s Hero I-League promotion a ‘monumental achievement’, declare club legends
On Friday (October 17, 2020), Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting Club marked their return to the Hero I-League for the first time since the 2013-14 season and according to club legend Moidul Islam, the achievement is a ‘monumental’ one.
“It’s definitely a monumental achievement for Mohammedan Sporting to win the Hero I-League Qualifiers. The club has so many fans all across the country that it is really right up there at the top in terms of fan support,” Islam told the AIFF Media.
Moidul Islam, who along with Subrata Bhattacharya and Manoranjan Bhattacharya, was one of the three defensive heavyweights at the Kolkata Maidan between the 1970s and 1980s, felt the happiness and the relief of all the Mohammedan supporters across India while stressing on the fact that the club ‘keeps moving forward’ from here.
“This victory, getting back into the Hero I-League is definitely a big step for the club and its fans. The main thing for the club right now is to make sure that it keeps moving forward,” stated the former defender.
The Black Panthers earned their spot in the Hero I-League with a 2-0 victory over Bhawanipore, which enabled them to secure top spot in the Hero I-League Qualifier 2020, with one match remaining.
The 67-year-old Islam went on to explain how the once glorious past of Mohammedan SC had helped build its massive fan base. However, he is a firm believer in the fact that the fans will only keep coming back if the team keeps delivering the results on the pitch.
“Mohammedan Sporting used to win so many trophies back in the 70s and 80s, and that is what really helped build the fanbase. If you keep winning, the fans will keep coming back too,” explained Moidul.
“Now the club needs to build on this and keep moving forward. This is just the first step. The Hero I-League is a different level, so they need to start preparing for that,” he added.
According to Shabbir Ali, another celebrated figure amongst the Mohammedan Sporting fans, it was ‘crucial’ for the club to get into the Hero I-League. Having both played for the club and coached it later on, Ali enjoys a special connection with the Black Panthers faithful.
“Mohammedan Sporting will be a big addition to the Hero I-League, with the huge fanbase that it has. These fans have been deprived of top footballing action for so long, that it was almost a sigh of relief when they finally qualified. It is a crucial achievement for them,” he said.
He continued, “It has been a long time since the club has set foot in the Hero I-League, and you can almost feel the angst that has been building up amongst the fans. I was there at the club when we earned a promotion to the Hero I-League back in 2013, and I was there when we got relegated a year later too, so I know what the fans went through that time.”Ali added that the club must now make sure that it stays in the Hero I-League and put its best foot forward in terms of performances.
“The players and the management have to put up a good show for the fans now. Everything will come from the performances,” he averred.
CREDITS: I-League Media
Also Read: Young Rijal scores two on debut as Mohammedan cruise to a 4-1 victory
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…