A ‘tight’ league, ‘amazing’ fans, and love for Kolkata – Jamal-Komron bid adieu to Hero I-League
KOLKATA: With the international window coming up, two of the biggest Asian exponents of the Hero I-League – Komron Tursunov of TRAU FC and Jamal Bhuyian of Mohammedan Sporting – have now said their goodbyes to their respective club teammates and fans.
Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan is set to join his national side, which will play a Tri-National tournament against Nepal and the Kyrgyz Republic U-23 Team from March 23-29. Meanwhile, Komron Tursunov is set to join the Tajikistan team for their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F Qualifier against Mongolia on March 25.
Jamal Bhuyan, who was on national team duty in Qatar before the start of the Hero I-League, said, “It was not an easy start by any means for me. I had to be in isolation for almost one month if you count my time in both Qatar and in India. But I think once that phase got over, I started to relax a bit more, and regain my power. So overall, it has been a good comeback for me after that.”
For TRAU forward Komron Tursunov, who had won the Hero I-League title with Mohun Bagan last season, it was more a matter of proving the doubters wrong.
“I became champions with Mohun Bagan last season, but nobody believed in TRAU’s capability at the start of this campaign,” said Tursunov. “But, we showed everyone that if you work hard enough, and do what your coach says, you will be a strong side.”
“Now that we are at the top of the table, more people believe in TRAU than they did at the start of the season. I’d like to wish my team all the very best. Although I would not be able to play the last two matches, I hope they win the title,” he continued.
Both Tursunov and Bhuyan played crucial roles in their respective final matches in the Hero I-League, putting their teams in a much better position on the points table. While the Tajik international scored the only goal in TRAU’s 1-0 victory over RoundGlass Punjab FC, the Bangladesh skipper walked out as the captain for Mohammedan SC, and provided two assists in a 4-1 victory over title contenders Churchill Brothers FC Goa.
However, it was not an easy start to the campaign by any means, for either of these two international stars. The Bangladesh skipper, who was playing in the Hero I-League for the first time, felt that it has been a difficult campaign, one where the results have been quite unpredictable.
“This league has been very tight. You never know who is going to win on the day, and that’s a very good sign. One day you can win against the top side, and the next day you can lose against the number 10 team,” he stated.
However, with Mohammedan Sporting having a long history and a large fan-base, such losses have drawn some criticism.
“The fans here are amazing. If you win a game, you will be praised. But if you lose, you will surely hear about it from them,” smiled Jamal. “It has to be like that. If you lose, you have to pay for it, and I find it beautiful. For me, it doesn’t bother me if somebody says something bad to me, or the other way round. I just enjoy the moment, and thanks to the fans for always watching Mohammedan.”
Despite the ups and the downs, Jamal’s season culminated in donning the captain’s armband for Mohammedan on his last matchday, something that the Bangladesh skipper will cherish.
“Mohammedan have a beautiful history. Wearing the captain’s band was a proud moment for me. I’m sure I am going to remember this day forever. You come from a small country like Bangladesh, and you come to India, become a captain for Mohammedan, it’s a special feeling,” said Jamal.
TRAU forward Komron has played a crucial role for his side this season, amassing six goals – one of which made the history books as being the fastest goal in the Hero I-League. The Tajikistan International believes that Kolkata has now become a second home for him.
“I love this city, Kolkata. This is like my second home,” beamed Komron. “I’ve had some very good memories here, winning the championship last season, and I hope my teammates can produce the results in the last two games and win another championship for me.”
Although the 26-year-old said his goodbyes to his teammates, and to India for now, Komron kept the door open for a return in the future. “I’ve played my last game this season, and said my goodbyes to my teammates and to India for now. Maybe I could come back next season. We shall see,” he signed off.
VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/ZqS8pMr_PWw
CREDITS: AIFF MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Arrows have been understanding the responsibilities and deserve full points, says Mahesh Gawali
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
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…
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…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
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…
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…