AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: Unlike most other teams in the Hero I-League, Mohammedan SC began their pre-season way back in July in preparation for the Durand Cup and the Calcutta Football League. With new head coach Andrey Chernyshov and new signings, both foreign and Indian, the Black Panthers are aiming to mount a serious challenge for their first-ever Hero I-League title win.

Mohammedan have had a successful year so far with a CFL trophy and a Durand Cup final to their name. Russian coach Chernyshov admitted that with matches coming thick and fast, maintaining a decent squad depth will be key. With an entirely new foreign contingent and some popular domestic names, the Black Panthers have left no stone unturned as they attempt to assemble a huge and highly competitive squad.

 

Here’s a list of some of Mohammedan’s most significant signings who will be looking to end the Hero I-League title jinx this season:

Marcus Joseph: With a proven track record in Indian football, Joseph brings a whole new dimension to the Mohammedan attack this season. The Trinidad and Tobago international netted 25 times in two seasons for Gokulam Kerala between 2018 and 2020. The striker was the Durand Cup top-scorer for Mohammedan in September with five goals. A highly prolific forward, Joseph is sure to guarantee goals for the Blank Panthers.

Brandon Vanlalremdika: Now a seasoned campaigner in the Hero I-League with five seasons worth of experience and a title, Brandon has jumped ship from Aizawl to sign for Mohammedan this year. A pacy winger renowned for his mazy runs, he is truly a threat on the wing and would be an asset to any team he signs for. The Black Panthers have significantly reinforced their flanks with the Mizo’s signing.

Andjelo Rudović: The Montenegrin midfielder is one of the latest foreign recruits for Mohammedan. A former Montenegro youth international, Rudović also has the experience of over 100 matches in his country’s top division. The 25-year-old is an attacking midfielder known for his chance creation and could provide the spark the Kolkata-based side needs in the final third.

Ismar Tandir: The six-foot-five Bosnian forward was Mohammedan’s fifth foreign signing, snapped up only a few days before the start of the season. The German-born Tandir has experience of top-flight football in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Serbia. The striker could play the role of a targetman with his tall stature and aerial prowess.

 

Nikola Stojanović: The 26-year-old Serbian was inspirational in the club’s CFL win earlier this year. He was mostly deployed in midfield, but can also play on the wings due to his versatility. Stojanović is all set to be coach Chernyshov’s key cog in the middle of the park and will wear the captain’s armband for Mohammedan.

Mithun Samanta: The 29-year-old goalkeeper’s career has been on the rise in recent seasons. Samanta has guarded the goals of a variety of clubs in India including East Bengal, TRAU, Hindustan and Peerless. Last season, the custodian kept four clean sheets for Real Kashmir in the Hero I-League. Returning to a Kolkata-based club is special for him and he will hope to do well between the sticks.

Shaher Shaheen: With his extremely tall figure. hefty clearances and strong physique, the 31-year-old Syrian is set to spearhead the Black Panthers’ defence this season. A former Syrian U-20 international, Shaheen has also featured for a number of clubs in Syria, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He is also not shy going forward during set-pieces where his six-foot-four figure certainly hands him an advantage.

Milan Singh: Highly-experienced midfielder Milan Singh is an amazing signing for Mohammedan. His CV boasts of appearances for high-profile Indian clubs like East Bengal, Shillong Lajong, DSK Shivajians, NorthEast United, Delhi Dynamos and Kerala Blasters. An extremely dynamic player, the 29-year-old is famous for his long-range shots and defence-splitting passes.

Phrangki Buam: An immensely talented and skilful forward, the 21-year-old Buam is on loan from FC Goa for the season. The Meghalayan burst into the scene in the 2018/19 Hero I-League where he netted six goals for Shillong Lajong. He later joined FC Bengaluru United before making his debut for Goa in the AFC Champions League. The young gun will hope to mark his return to the I-League with mesmerising performances for Mohammedan.