Winning trophies, delighting fans a priority, says Mohun Bagan dev team coach Deggie Cardozo
PANAJI:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
are proving to be in a league of their own and have shown it in good measure, particularly this season when the senior side won a double in the
Indian Super League
(ISL). The Kolkata giants not just retained their league Shield but also topped it with the trophy.
The future is in safe hands too. Their developmental side, headed by coach
Deggie Cardozo
from Goa, won the
Reliance Football Development League
(RFDL), a first for the club.
'It was a really challenging season, especially being new to the club and the environment,' said Deggie. 'In Kolkata, the pressure was immense, from the fans to the club management and players.'
The 37-year-old, who earlier coached ATK, returned to Kolkata after a three-year stint with FC Goa at the beginning of the season. They had a tough start to the season, struggling in the Calcutta Football League as the coach had to integrate new players and understand their mindsets. It took time to finalise the team he wanted, and when he did, things started to click.
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'At Mohun Bagan, we pride ourselves on developing talented players and fostering a strong winning mentality. That's the mindset I've installed in our team. I'm pleased to say the players have responded exceptionally well,' said Deggie.
Mohun Bagan were scheduled to take part in the Premier League Next Gen Cup in Mumbai from Monday, but the tournament has been put on hold for this year amid tensions between India and Pakistan. Bagan were clubbed in group B alongside English youth teams Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest and FC Goa. The other group comprised AFC Bournemouth, Kaizer Chief FC, Muthoot FA and Jamshedpur FC.
The sixth edition of the tournament with teams from the Premier League, India and South Africa taking part would have been a good opportunity for Deggie and his team.
Not just Deggie, it would have been helpful for two of the Goan players too with Leewan Castanha and Sahil Inamdar eager to prove themselves on the bigger stage.
'Training under coach Deggie at Mohun Bagan has been an incredible experience,' said Leewan. 'His knowledge of the game, attention to detail, and ability to bring out the best in each player has helped me grow tremendously.'
The defender was previously with FC Goa's reserve side and never came close to winning the RFDL in three attempts. His dream finally came true, and as soon as he won the title, he called his family.
'Seeing their (families) joy when I showed them the medal and the trophy made the victory even more meaningful. It's a memory I'll cherish for the rest of my life,' said Leewan.
Meanwhile, centre-back Sahil, who played an instrumental role for Geno FC in the Goa Professional League, proved his worth and is now looking to break into the first team. 'I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With Mohun Bagan's rich history and coach Deggie's guidance, I'm confident that I'll continue to grow as a player.'
Deggie's key goal for next season will be to develop players for the first team.
'Of course, winning trophies for the club and delighting our passionate fans remains a top priority,' said Deggie.
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