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MAY NEWS - 2008 India Team led by Baichung Bhutia in SAFF Cup 31.05.2008:Indian Sr. Football team will led by Bhaichung Bhutia to compete in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup tournament being jointly hosted by Maldives and Sri Lanka from June 3-14. Defending champions India will play their starting match against Nepal Tuesday. India are in Group A with Maldives, Pakistan and Nepal, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan are in Group B. The final will be played in Colombo .India will play all their group matches in Maldives. THE INDIA TEAM Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Subhashish Roy Chowdhary. Defenders: Mahesh Gawli, Gouramangi Singh, Deepak Mondal, N.S. Manju, Anwar, Sameer Naik. Midfielders: Steven Dias, Climax Lawrence, N.P. Pradeep, Bungo Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Renedy Singh and Kattimani Forwards: Baichung Bhutia, Sunil Chetri, Manjit Singh, Abhishek Yadav, Sushil Singh Chief coach: Bob Houghton Goalkeeping coach: Marcus Pacheco Assistant coaches: Savio Medeira and Stanley Rozario Manager: Pradeep Chowdhary FIXTURE and RESULTS OF SAFF CUP - 2008 Group A No. Date Team Vs Team 1 2008-06-03 India (IND) Vs Nepal (NEP) 2 2008-06-03 Maldives (MDV) Vs Pakistan (PAK) 5 2008-06-05 Pakistan (PAK) Vs India (IND) 6 2008-06-05 Maldives (MDV) Vs Nepal (NEP) 9 2008-06-07 Pakistan (PAK) Vs Nepal (NEP) 10 2008-06-07 India (IND) Vs Maldives (MDV) Group B No. Date Team Vs Team 3 2008-06-04 Bangladesh (BAN) Vs Bhutan (BHU) 4 2008-06-04 Sri Lanka (SRI) Vs Afghanistan (AFG) 7 2008-06-06 Afghanistan (AFG) Vs Bangladesh (BAN) 8 2008-06-06 Sri Lanka (SRI) Vs Bhutan (BHU) 11 2008-06-08 Afghanistan (AFG) Vs Bhutan (BHU) 12 2008-06-08 Sri Lanka (SRI) Vs Bangladesh (BAN) Semi Final No. Date Team Vs Team 13 2008-06-11 Winner Grp A Vs Runners Up Grp B 14 2008-06-11 Winner Grp B Vs Runners Up Grp A F I N A L No. Date Team Vs Team 15 2008-06-14 Winner Semi 1 Vs Winner Semi 2 SANTOSH TROPHY : BENGAL AIMING FOR PERFECT 30 31.05.2008:Saurabh Rai:Bengal football team is hard at practice these days at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to participate in the prestigious 62nd edition of Santosh Trophy, which is currently underway in Kashmir. The team will be entering the tournament from the quarterfinal stage. The players know that if they win the Santosh Trophy this year it will be for the 30th time which is motivating them in this sweltering summer heat of Kokata to train everyday. Bengal’s record in this National tournament is indeed unrivalled. No other team is close to Bengal in the number of trophies won(29th Time out of 61st Edetion). But in the last eight years Bengal has not claimed the title. Its because other states have also improved their standards and football has spread to different centers across the country. But the head coach Krisnendu Roy seemed satisfied with the preparations this year. He said that the team is in good shape and it will be further strengthen when Tarif Ahmed and Syed Rahim Nabi join after the National Camp. In the last edition of Santosh Trophy, Bengal finished Runners Up to Punjab. This time around Bengal is trying to better their last years performance and that means winning the title for the 30th time. Senior Footballers like Habibur Rehman Mondal and Jayanta Sen have to shoulder lots of responsibility and they seemed confident that they will perform well. Habibur said that this year’s squad is better than the last editions and if everything goes well Bengal can return hope with the trophy. The team will leave for Srinagar in a few days time and play their first match on the 6th of June. So it has to be seen whether these bunch of players will return home with the Santosh Trophy this year. They seem to be a balanced team but in the Knockout format it has to be your day and sometimes luck factor also comes into play and to top it all up the team will be playing away from home. In the next 20 days the story will unfold. Can “The heaven on earth” Kashmir give Bengal the 30TH Santosh Trophy title. THE SELECTED BENGAL SQUAD FOR 2008 Goal::Abhra Mondol(East Bengal),Somnath Khara(Chirag United),Chirodeep Chatterjee(TFA/Mohun Bagan) Defender:Kinshuk Debnath(Chirag United), Arnab Mondol(Mohammedan A.C),Sk. Azim(Mohammedan S.C),Manas Das(Mahindra United),Habibur Rahaman Mondol(Mohun Bagan),Bijoy Bansfore(Mohun Bagan),Debabrata Roy(East Bengal) Midfilders:Jayanta Sen (East Bengal - Captain),Snehasish Chakrabarty(East Bengal),Gouranga Dutta(Chirag United),Lalkamal Bhowmick(Mohun Bagan),Mehtaab Hossain(East Bengal),Tapan Maity(Mohun Bagan) Forwards:Asim Das Jr.(Chirag United),Shankar Oraw(Chirag United),S.Rahim Nabi(East Bengal),Tarif Ahmed(ONGC) Coach:Krisnendu Roy :: Gk-Coach - Tarun Bose Manager : Dipankar Hazra :: Asst. Manager: Zakir Hussain Mollah Bagan played well without any foreigners :: Abhra Mondol (GK-East Bengal) 31.05.2008 : Abhishek Bhattacharyya :: In 2002 Fifa World Cup, Germany Captain Oliver Kahn was the cream of the crop.King Kahn then has inspired many Goalkeepers around the world.One of them was Current EastBengal Goalkeeper Abhra Mondal. Abhra Mondal started his career from Lake Town Football Coaching Camp from there he was selected for Mithun Chakroborty’s Football Academy - Bengal Football Academy(BFA) .In the years that followed his performances bore fruit as he played for Clubs like Tollygunge Agragami of Kolkata Football League,,HAL F.C of Bangalore & now is one of the promising goalkeepers of Red-Yellow Brigade of Kolkata Premier Football League. We caught up with this talented Goalkeeper and capture his thoughts on Bayern Match,Oliver Kahn & his future plans. · On Bayern-Bagan Match ABHRA :It was great to catch a big team like Bayern Munich playing in Kolkata. Critics have said in the past that Football has died here in Kolkata.But those 120,000 people in the stadium that day has proved them wrong.I personally believe our Football can go places if our administrators take care of our infrastructure & market our football in right manner. · His Goalkeeping Idols ABHRA:Well I have never idolized anyone like that.But yes I like Oliver Kahn,Petr Cech and Edwin Van Der Sar.They are like guardian angels for their team and most importantly best in their business. · On Oliver Kahn and did he learned anything from Oli by seeing him play. ABHRA:It was a great honor for anyone to see Oli Kahn play.I was there in the Salt Lake Stadium from 4 o Clock to catch his warm up & practice but sadly he arrived late in the stadium that day and didn’t practice that much and also didn’t had much to do in the match. · On Mohun Bagan’s Performance ABHRA:They played this match without their fringe players but still they have given a good performance.Especially the youngstars from TFA has done a commendable job.It was inevitable to avoid defeat against the Bavarians but they kept on trying and that was more important. Bagan played well without any foreigners. · On his future plans ABHRA:I have been selected to play Santosh Trophy for Bengal this season and I hope to give a good performance there and help my team win the trophy.I am contracted with East Bengal and I also hope to serve them well this season. · A messege for young Goalkeepers ABHRA:Practise hard and always be confident coz for me this is the mantra of success. F.C.Bayern Muenchen in Kolkata :Some comments and news paper article's from Germany 29.05.2008 : From Germany:“Bild- Zeitung” a most circulate news paper in Europe from Germany writes :- Titan and his last match :Cheering for Khan,but Breno got craroazed Bayern in Kolkata against Mohanbagan.35 degree warm,95% humidity.The game was organised to the farewell honour of Captain Oliver Khan,coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. However, when Bayern was already wining by 3-0 goals, the sportsman sprit of Breno suddenly got .... and brutally attacked opponent player Cardozo. The referee showed the red card both of the player. Breno :”His (Cardozo) temperament was extreamly hot and this was the reason of my quick reaction.for which i feel sorry.” It was the ugliest part of the “bye-bye party”,accoding to Bild-Zeitung. Titan Kahn to Bild: ”It was strange, I had to play my last match thousands Kilometers away from home behind the unbeliveable scense.To digest all this I need few weeks.” Comments and observetions from Germany 1. Olaf Thon :( Ex-German national player and expert commentator of n-tv): It is the result which matters.Bayern München has won the match, however the high temperature and humidity had hindered their potential. ...... This game was indeed very interesting and had offered everything. Emotions often run high in football matches and this ended up in an unpleasant situation., where the red card had to be shown.......... Oliver Kahn would have preferred to be more active at the goal in order to demonstrate his skills. 2. Robin Dutt:(Trainer of FC Freiburg - 2nd Divn Bundesliga): It is not always the result , but the quality of the game that counts in such an Exhibition match.Mohun Bagan has indeed one or two players who could find a place in the second Division of the German football League (2. Bundes Liga) 3. Dibyendu Choudhuri(Honorary reporter for Kick-Off from Germany ) Mohun Bagan had indeed played better than expected and may be the performance would have been still better with its full strength.Indian football should be more motivated and build up on this performance. 4.Arup Banerjee: As an Indian I was proud to know that Oliver Kahn had chosen Calcutta for his farewell match. But it was very dissapointing to watch that he was almost heckled on all sides by officials , as a result of which he was unable to express his feelings and show his emotions. Afterall this was his farewell match and we had expected something more. 5. Andy Müller: After watching the entire game I feel sorry for the Indian spectators at Salt Lake Stadium, because they did not get to see the power, speed and skill of Bayern München. It was more of a relaxed exhibition match ,and not a proper game with Bayern´s full potential.Indeed there is enough reason for the Indian spectators to be dissapointed with Bayern´s performance. 6. Mahua Ghosh : I was ashamed as an Indian to watch the behaviour of the club officials at the present giving ceremony to Oliver Kahn.The ceremony lacked decency. The officials , instead of handing over the presents to Oliver Kahn, themselves grabbed the presents and held it aloft. This demonstrates the lack of etiquette on the part of the club management. My appeal - the club officials need to undergo intensive training in behavioural pattern and international ettiquette, so that the next time they put up a better show. Bavarian delight in Bengal 28.05.2008 :Abhishek Bhattacharyya & Sudipta Sur :Cries of “Danke Oli” (Thank You Oli), “Oli Kahn, der Titan” (Oli Kahn, the Titan) and “Bayern Munchen” are common chants accompanying FC Bayern Munchen wherever the German giants ply their trade. But on the evening of 27th May, 2008 these chants had an altogether different impact coming from a different set of people. Far away from the illuminated rubber dinghy, that is, the Allianz Arena in Munich, a certain section of the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata was transformed into a supporter base for FC Hollywood! Thanks to The Goethe Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkata, the Bavarians found a home away from home. In a truly noble gesture Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkata, organised a grand reception for their German friends. Led by Dr Reimar Volker (Director), Axel Rahmlow, Sonjoy Bose and others, students of the institute, both present and former, were imparted training a few days before D-Day. When the moment actually arrived the practice bore fruit. A 50 member contingent was at the venue carrying out their duties admirably. While a few students were at the ground others were at the gallery just behind one of the goalposts strutting out colourful banners which read “Danke Oli” and “Oli Kahn, der Titan” along with the “Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan” banner. Those inside the ground were all attention to Axel Rahmlow, who was coordinating the entire event with admirable finesse. After performing a few rehearsals the moment of reckoning ultimately arrived! With the Bayern players coming out of the tunnel vociferous cries of “Oli Kahn, der Titan” accompanied by drum beats reverberated around the Stadium! The cries grew louder by the moment with FC Bayern TV, Zee Sports and a few other television channels covering it live. When the players were through with their practice it was time once again for the boys and girls from MMB, dressed in smart looking t-shirts (which had “Danke Oli” in front and “…und Auf Wiederseehen” – “and goodbye” at the back) to roar at the top of their voices. For many it was a dream taking the shape of reality when Kahn, on his way back to the tunnel, waved his hands with a smiling look at the contingent! Many others such as Ottmar Hitzfeld, Uli Hoeness and company nodded approvingly at the over enthusiastic team. The party atmosphere continued even after the kick-off. With Bayern dominating proceedings in the match, the entire MMB team who were seated in Block D, just behind Oliver Kahn’s goal, turned into raptures everytime a member of the Munich team touched the ball. Axel Rahmlow egged on all the students to continue their vociferous stuff, while he himself was the master at work with his drum. The beats of the drum accompanied by the chants proved to be music to the ears for all fans (irrespective of which side they were supporting)! The half-time break was the moment everyone was awaiting with bated breath. Oliver Kahn, in his farewell match, was given a rousing reception by the capacity crowd at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The legendary goalkeeper was felicitated by notable dignitaries. The “Champion” was moved by the entire programme and thanked one and all – “Thank you very much for this great night.” “Thank you very much indeed, Oli” and “Thanks a ton” to all the members of Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkata who made this dream become a reality! Football fanatics live for days like these and we’re all grateful to the staff of MMB for this glorious opportunity bestowed upon us. Sometimes during moments of sheer ecstasy, it’s really difficult to express feelings in words; much is the same case with us. But, one thing is for sure, all of us, who were part of this grand programme, can safely conclude that 27th May, 2008 would always remain a “Red Letter Day” for times immemorial! Thanks and kudos to all associated with Max Mueller Bhavan for making this dream come true. Due to space constraints we are only able to record the experiences of the following: Sonjoy Bose (Teacher at Max Mueller Bhavan ): “It was definitely a matter of great pride to be a part of such a historic event. I couldn’t have imagined that 1.20 lakh people would be present to bid farewell to Oliver Kahn. So, I didn’t feel that only MMB, Kolkata was happy about the match, the whole of Kolkata was.” Axel Rahmlow (Trainee at Max Mueller Bhavan ):”I guess being on the field during a match is a dream come true for every football fan, especially when players like Oliver Kahn stand 10 meters in front of you. When I was a volunteer during the World Cup 2006, I felt so excited being a little part of that big event. When Bayern played in Kolkata, that feeling came back, only this time, there were 120,000 people in the background that was just amazingly intense... and loud.Plus this time, I did not only watch, I was able to perform together with the students of Max Mueller Bhavan. The muscles in my arms got sore from hitting the drums and I know that some students lost their voices screaming. But it was well worth it, because the main reason why we were there, Oli Kahn, the titan, looked at us and waved when he passed us. That was a moment not to forget.” MILAN WINS THE BID OF 2009 HOMELESS WORLD CUP 29.05.2008:29 May 2008, Milan, Italy has won the bid to host the 2009 Homeless World Cup, the world-class, annual, international football tournament using football to energise people who are homeless to change their own lives. 64 nations, 700 players will be united in the heart of the Italian football capital, Sempione Park, in September 2009. The successful bid was awarded to a collaboration of Milan City Council, Milan Provincial Council, Italian Football Federation, Inter FC, Politecnico and Bocconi Universities, Terre di Mezzo street paper plus not for profit Organisations, professional fundraisers, social entrepreneurs and sportspeople, in a strong demonstration that the passion of Italy married with the power of football can change lives, can change the world. Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup announcing the decision to award Milan the 2009 Homeless World Cup said: Passion and heart shone through the Italian bid: passion to resolve homelessness; passion for football; passion to host the best ever Homeless World Cup. To end homeless in the world, yes we need strategy, yes we need policy, but at the end of the day people must have the passion to end homelessness for it to happen. Massimo Acanfora, President, Milano, Myland thanking the Homeless World Cup said: Milano, Myland means Milan, everybody city. In 2009 Milan will be the European Capital of Sport. The Homeless World Cup is much more than a sport tournament. With this Milan also has a chance to be the capital of tolerance, the capital of welcome, the capital of social care. Italy won the Homeless World Cup in Gothenburg 2004 and Edinburgh 2005. Italy is represented by Nuova Multietnica, a football team born in a Romany camp on the periphery of Milan and now composed of a multiethnic group, lead by Bogdan Kwappik, a Polish trainer. The Homeless World Cup is a world-class annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. It has triggered and supports grass roots football projects in over 60 nations working with over 30,000 homeless and excluded people throughout the year. Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur, Mel Young, the first tournament took place in Graz 2003 uniting 18 national teams and at the 6th Homeless World Cup in Melbourne 1-7 December 2008 at least 48 nations, 500 players will be united. It is supported by UEFA, Nike, UN, Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand. The impact of the Homeless World Cup is consistently significant year on year with 73% of players changing their lives for the better by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams. Inauguration of Souvenir Shop of Mohun Bagan A.C 28.5.2008 :The Souvenir Shop of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club was inaugurated today in the evening by three legendary footballers; all of whom are Padma Shrees; namely, Sailen Manna, PK Banerjee and Chuni Goswami in presence of the President and Hony. General Secretary of the Club. The Members of the Executive Committee, the Team, Members and Fans were also present on this occasion. Mohun Bagan is the first club in India to have a full-fledged merchandising of various products as varied from School Bag to Coffee Mug and these were being sold from the Office since the last four months. This was the formal opening of the Shop. During the event, PK Banerjee was his usual candid self as he recalled incidents of how fans abroad especially in Europe express their feelings for their Club by associating with merchandise items like jersey, tie, scarves etc. England club to develop football in India 29.05.2008:Punjab oriented I-League Football Team JCT Mills has signed an agreement with Wolverhampton Football Club of England to promote the sport in the state. JCT Football Club's President Mr. Sameer Thapar told that this long time deal with England Team would help in raising the standard of football in Punjab.He told the Wolverhampton football club will help train the Indian players by imparting coaching to them and organizing friendly matches. One of the JCT Footballers Daljit Singh is very happy with this deal.He told that, JCT will benefit from practicing with English Team's and will get more advantage. Jet Moxi, CEO, Wolverhampton Football Club has a great respect for Indian football. He thinks that potential of Indian football is just enormous and he is of opinion that it simply needs a little help. Wolverhampton intends to start the campaign of extending the necessary help to Indian football by developing the JCT club. On this Jet Moxi comments,"If we can play a small part in helping JCT develop their club, then we will be helping this great nation in developing its game perhaps to a height which is equal to world standard." The spectators of Kolkata are more emotional " Mark Van Bommel 27.05.208:Mohun Bagan team looked quite strong and good.I think the team is better than the team we played in Jakarta which we won 5 - 1. Mohun Bagan played a compact game," Hizfeld told in a press meet after his team gave Bagan a 3-0 drubbing today at Salt Lake Stadium - Kolkata in front of 123000 strong crowed. Asked whether 3-0 was not a low score for a superior team like Bayern, he said it was a good score for an international match. "We are happy with this score. " Hizfeld, who is now moving to be the national coach of Switzerland, had a word of praise also for the spectators who had filled the 1.20-lakh capacity at Salt Lake Stadium, saying, "It was great to have a farewell like the one we had." Dutch international Mark van Bommel, said, "I have played in Barcelona, but the spectators here are more emotional. The condition was hot and humid. But we played a good game in such a condition." Kolkata goes wild as Kahn calls it a day 27.05.2008 : Suman Saha: It was Pele’s cosmos in 1977 and Mohun Bagan drew 2 all and after 31 years with King Khan with his Knight Riders flooding the city the goalie of the decade comes to rule. The city of joy witnessed as Oliver Kahn, the last word of goalkeeping transferred the duty of securing the last line of defense to his deputy Mark Rensing. The mast head of all news papers for the last seven day was a single name Oliver Kahn, the champion’s league winning goalkeeper playing his last match against Bagan. After a long time the Slat lake Stadium roared with its full capacity of 1 lakh 30 thousand as the man of the moment came out for the last time onto the field. The spirit of football lovers of the city with lots of colors were on a high as Kahn accepted thee greetings for the last time. The school children also came to see their hero for the last time in action. The number of female supporter’s was an important thing to notice as football is a language for all. Apart from being called the city of joy another adjective may be used, Kolkata may also be called as the privileged city as to host the fairwell match of a world cup finalist goalie is not a thing which happens by fluke. Apart from the excitement, another concern was moving around in the city was the margin by which Bagan will be demolished by the Germans. But unexpectedly the Bagan team started off speedily with lalwampuia missing the target from a hand shaking distance. The speed of bagan was truly admirable at that point of time. But the first goal was scored by in the 17th minute as a lob was miscleared by a bagan defender and the score waiting for it pounced on the opportunity. The match was still on a even bet as bagan pressed for the equalizer. But the fight ended with a stunning free kick goal be Ze Robreto which resulted from a foul by Sangram outside the box. A cool finish from the striker also finished any chance of a miracle. The first half ended with two in bag for Bayern. During the lemon break Kahn and Subrata Sarkar the FIFA referee who was conducting his last match was felicitated by the Bengal Peerless group, AIFF(By Subrata Dutta - Vice President), IFA (by Utpal Ganguly - Secretary)and MOHUN Bagan Athletic club(By Anjan Mitra - Secretary). The crowd was absolutely gone crazy seeing the world cupper in front of their eyes. The sound of clapping flooded the mammoth crowd. Mohun Bagan honored Kahn with the life membership of their club. With the resume of the match, the Bayern team scored the third and virtually put the match beyond doubt. This time also the bagan defense may be spotted as the villain with taking the opportunity. On the 9th minute of the 2nd half and the 54th min of the match the most emotional moment was acted out as Oliver Kahn for the last time left the field while getting substituted by his deputy Mark Rensing. The whole of the stadium was applauding for their hero for the last time. As the match progressed, Lalkamal Bhowmick,s long ranger kissed the upside of the bar and went over. With seven minutes from time, a unwanted event happened as Breno of Bayern and Branco of Bagan tusseled with other giving the referee with no other option left in his hand other than to give marching orders to both of them. The match ended with Bayern 3 nil up. But it was Khan who took the limelight and Kolkata should be thankful as the man chose this city as his final venue of action. It was all over for a career spanning over 20 years. The most colorful character of the football field will now be watching the most beautiful game from outside the field. With scars of world cup in 2002 and the pride of champion’s league, Oliver Kahn bid Farwell to the game and the whole of the city of joy did the same to him and of course with tears in the eyes. RESULT :(Salt Lake :::: Attendence : 1,23,000 +): Bayern Munich (Schlaudraff 18',50', Roberto 38') 3 - 0 Mohun Bagan RED CARD :: Breno (Bayern) and Branco (Mohun Bagan) MOHUN BAGAN AC: 1-Sangram Mukherjee (21-Chirodeep Chattopadhyay); 17-Rahul Kumar, 20-Rakesh Masih, 29-Anand Vasim, 5-Habibur Rehman Mondal (2-S Naveen Kumar); 7-Lal Kamal Bhowmick, 6-Sielphaw Henry Gangte, 25-Saglosem James Singh, 16-James Lukram Singh; 11-Ishfaq Ahmed, 9-Pachau Lalam Puia (12-Branco Vincent Cardozo). FC BAYERN MUNICH: 1-Oliver Kahn (22-Michael Rensing); 30-Christian Lell, 16-Andreas Ottl, 35-Breno, 43-Uwe Schlottner; 17-Mark van Bommel, 15-Ze Roberto (Taygun Kuru); 44-Viktor Bopp (47-Gianluca Simari), 39-Toni Kroos (40-Dominik Rohracker), 20-Jose Ernesto Sosa (Diego Contento); 19-Jan Schlaudraff. 26.05.2008 : Subhransu Roy :Oliver surely was remembering his kindergarden days as he was playing with the boys in rain. The occasion was Adidas , Bayern Munchen Talent hunt event, Venue- CC&FC ground here in Kolkata. After giving goalkeepers a short practice sessions when he was about to move to other side of the ground our correspondent Subharnsu Roy caught up with him. At the end of the camp six boys namely Youhan Confectioner,Joel Fernandez,Suraj Dhopi,Bidhan Jaiswal,Zian Ali and Subham Sarkar have been selected to attend the Bayern Munich training camp in Germany. The selected boys had contested with 48 other hopefuls. Kahn took five minutes to walk off for his destination, the exclusive interview was on. Q: How you are enjoying your Kolkata trip till today? KAHN: Oh! Its a nice experience. For last few days I'm hearing a lot about the football craziness of this city. We got a warm welcome yesterday in airport and other places, specially I wouldn't have forgot last evening's experience. We enjoyed a lot. You see, these young kids they are as talented as our boys, but they need proper training & infrastructure. If they are given that, who knows one day they can shine in international football. Q: So you think Indians have talent but what they require is proper scientific training & good infrastructure? KAHN: Oh yes. Without proper scientific training & good infrastructure , no one can progress now-a-days. Q: The international football is changing. Fifa is looking for more goals, offside rules are more flexible, Football producing companies are making balls which are not so friendly for goalkeepers. Do you think that football authorities are making the game tougher for goalkeepers? KAHN: Who cares. I agree that these young goalkeepers have tougher games in their hand for future, but you know the good goalkeeping will remain forever. and great goalkeepers will born in ages to come. Q: Now your biography 'No.1' is in stalls now. Will you mention yours Kolkata experience playing in front of 1,20,000 strong crowd, in the next edition? KAHN: Surely (With smile on his face). If my publisher permits. Thank you... Thank you Kahn on behalf of www.kolkatafootball.com “AMI OLIVER KAHN UDBODHON KORCHI” - Kahn spoke Bengali 25.05.2008: Abhishek Bhattacharyya:The Kolkata Police Friendship Cup 2008 kicked off today in the Alipore Bodyguard’s Ground. The competition features 540 para teams over 1000 matches spread over 45 days with non-stop footballing action.Espn StarSports is the sponsor of this tournament. As the UEFA Euro 2008 is knocking at the door the sponsors are promoting this event by calling it “The Euro Cup of Para Football”. FC Bayern Munich team was the guest of honour and the tournament was inaugurated by Oliver Kahn.The Bavarian team arrived in the city today & the kolkata crowd present in the Alipore bodyguard’s ground were ecstatic to have them in this auspicious occasion. The team alongwith its Team Manager Uli Hoeness,Martin Heagle, Coach Ottomar Hitzfeld & Captain Oliver Kahn was felicitated by Nirupam Sen,MIC, Commerce & Industry & Goutom Mohan Chakroborty,Commissoner of Police. Kolkata may forget this Bayern team but they will never forget Oliver Kahn for that one line that he said today in the opening ceremony of this competition in BENGALI Language.He said:”Ami Oliver Kahn Udbhodhon Korchi”.We all had to stand up and say Danke!Oli & we hope to catch more of his exploits in Salt Lake Stadium on May,27th. The kick-off time of Bayern - Mohun match may be 6:15 instead of 6:30 25.05.2008 :Subhransu Roy :“Due to pact schedule and other reasons the FC Bayern official requested us to reschedule the kick off time of the match and considering all aspects we have decided to commence the game at 6:15 pm instead of 6:30”- This is the most important announcement made by Mr. Kumar Shankar Bagchi, MD, Bengal peerless group in press conference here in ITC Sonar Bangla Conference room. It was first official press meet of FC Bayern Munchen team after their arrival in the city at Sunday noon. Oliver Kahn the main attraction of the game, along with his team-mates and officials arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport about 12 past 10. At 12:35 Kahn and his fellow members came outside from airports cargo gate a pin drop silence was visible. When dressed in Black blazer and white sports shirt the legendary ,personality of modern football, Kahn just waved his hand the airport was full of noise ‘Kahn’ ‘Kahn’ everywhere. Bayern Munchen team members were greeted by boys of local Santoshpur based Ali S.K. Memorial Children Society .In press meet Oliver Kahn said” Although I have no idea about Indian football, I have great expectation from Kolkata.I heard that a huge number of people are tuning up to watch the match. Indeed its always a great pleasure playing in front of 1’20’000 people.” According to Kahn, Holland can be dark horse in forthcoming Euro 08. As far his post retirement plan Kahn yet to make his mind. After resting for a while he may join in TV as expert commentator. The conference was also attended by FC Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfield , for whom incidentally FC Bayern’s Kolkata match was really farewell match. Soon he is leaving his job in Beyern and taking responsibility Swedish national team. IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly , Exec. Director Bayern Minchen Uli Hoenb were other dignitaries present in the meet . After the conclusion of press meet Oliver Kahn and other FC Bayern officials rushed to Alipore Body Guard line to inaugurate the KOLKATA FIENDSHIP CUP organised by Kolkata police club. Report : Subhransu Roy : President of Valerian Soccer Foundation - Kolkata WELCOME BAYERN - Mohammedan S.C online Fans Club 25.05.2008:Its a party time for football lovers of Kolkata as the "Mecca of Indian Football" is all ready to witness the grand match between Mohun Bagan, India's oldest club and Bayern Munich, Germany's best club, and arguably one of the best succesful club in the arena of International Football. Its a matter of pride for football lovers of Kolkata , as the legendary German goal- keeper Oliver Kahn decides to hang his boots after this very match. We will witness one of the finest goalkeepers "Swan Song",i.e, Oliver Kahn's last match on the turf of Yuva Bharati Kriyangan. In short "King Kahn" is energetic, flamboyant, capricious, shrewd, swift handed G.K . He has almost all the good qualities of a genius G.K and he is arguably the best G.K after legendary Lev Yasin ( U.S.S.R) and and Dino Joff ( Italy). So the match will be our life time experience to remember. It will be a great moment for Kahn also, when the 1,20,000 spectators from the stand will give him standing ovation! As for Mohun Bagan who has the opportunity to show their skills and try to restore India's pride on the field. We will expect M.B players too will leave their mark on the visitors and make the match an enjoyable and memorable one.For us, its a win-win position, whoever wins ,we will return with a valuable remembrance which we all will cherish the rest of lives.So we have no other options left but to take the way to the Yuva Bharati Kriyanagan after the twilight descends on 27 th of May'2008. Written By :Zia Ur Rahaman (Nitu) : Secretary of Mohammedan S.C Orkut Online Fans Club Dempo to face Home United in AFC Cup Qr. Final 24.05.2008: Bahrain league champions Muharraq face a tricky assignment in the quarter-finals of this year’s AFC Cup after being drawn against Malaysian treble winners Kedah. The knockout stage draw, held at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, produced East-West meetings in three of the four quarter-finals with Malaysia’s other representatives, Perak, facing Lebanese side Safa. Singapore are also represented by two teams with double winners Singapore Armed Forces meeting Oman’s Al Nahda while Home United take on Indian champions Dempo. The first legs of the quarter-finals will be played on Tuesday, September 16 with the return matches held a week later on September 23. Saturday’s draw also determined the semi-final match-ups and raised the possibility of either an all-Singaporean or all-Malaysian final. The winner of the Muharraq-Kedah tie will face the winner of the SAF-Al Nahda match in one semi-final while the winner of the Perak-Safa clash will take on either Dempo or Home United match in the other last four match. The semi-final matches will take place on October 7 and 21 with the two legs of the final slated for October 31 and November 7. These teams are qualified for next round : Home United (Singapore) Singapore Armed Force(Sinagapore) Perak (Malaysia) Kedah (Malaysia) Al-Nahda (Oman) Dempo (India) Safa (Lebanon) Al-Muharraq (Bahrin) Match days: Quarter-finals: September 16, September 23 QUARTERFINAL DRAW : (16.09.2008 1st Leg & 23.09.2008 2nd Leg)Perak (Malaysia) vs Safa (Lebanon) (16.09.2008 1st Leg & 23.09.2008 2nd Leg)Armed Forces (Singapore) vs Al Nahda (Oman) (16.09.2008 1st Leg & 23.09.2008 2nd Leg)Dempo (India) vs Home United (Singapore) (16.09.2008 1st Leg & 23.09.2008 2nd Leg)Muharraq (Bahrain) vs Kedah (Malaysia) Semi finals: October 7, October 21 Finals: October 31, November 7 India beat Chinese Taipei 3 - 0 24.05.2008:In the first warm up match against Chinese Taipei at Goa Nehru Stadium today, Indian Senior Football Team beat Chinese Taipei 3 - 0.India's preparations for SAFF Championship in Maldives and Sri Lanka next month got a boost In the first half the result was goal less, but in the 2nd half Indian Boys scored all the three goals through N P Pradeep (61st) and Sunil Chhetri (77th and 89th). India could have won by a bigger margin but Tapipei Goalkeeper saved at least three positive chances off Sunil Chhetri, Bhaichung Bhutia and Climax Lawrence. The home team took the lead in the 61st minute when a move from the right by Surkumar Singh who sent a cross into the box for Pradeep whose header found the far corner of the net ( 1 - 0). India increased the lead in the 77th minute through a solo effort of Sunil Chhetri (2 - 0) and Sunil has completed his brace one minute before the final whistle with a measured ground pass by substitute Sushil Kumar ( 3 - 0). India now move on to Chennai to play their second match on May 27 before they leave for Male on May 29 to play in the SAFF tournament. India coach Bob Houghton was satisfied with his team's performance. FC Bayern Schedule in Kolkata 23.05.2008 7.45 PM IST: Abhishek Bhattacharyya :: Today during a Press Conference IFA secretary Mr.Utpal Kumar Ganguly released FC Bayern’s schedule in Kolkata. Here are the following schedule of the Bavarian Team 25th May 12:00 Pm : FC Bayern will arrive in Kolkata Airport. 2:00 Pm : Press Conference in ITC SONAR BANGLA. Manager Uli Hoeness,Martin Heagle will be there in this Press meet. 3:00 Pm : Oliver Kahn will inaugrate the Kolkata Friendship Cup.Team Manager Uli Hoeness will also be present in this meet. 4:00 Pm : Players will go to the Lufthansa Party in Cruise (River The Ganges) 6:00 Pm : Lufthansa will host a dinner party in Hotel ITC Sonar Bangla 26th May 10:00 Am :Team officials Heagle,Hervick will leave for Burdhwan. Nirupam Sen,MIC,Govt.of WB will show them the area of proposed Football Academy.Players will leave for playing Golf. 3:00 Pm : FC Bayern sponsor Lufthansa & Addidas will host a Football Clinic for young footballers in CCFC.Manager Ottomar Hitzfeld & Henke will be present in CCFC. 7:00 Pm :Bengal Peerless will host a Banquet for the team. 27th May 10:00 Am : Players will go to Peerless Hospital.Bayern T.V will cover this thing. 4:00 Pm : Players will leave for Salt Lake Stadium. 6:00 Pm :Programs including a drill as a part of celebration 6:30 Pm :Match starts between Bayern & Mohun Bagan 8:30 Pm :Players will be back in hotel 9:00 Pm : Team Dinner in ITC Hotel 11:45 Pm : Players will leave for Germany Note :1)Karl-Heinz Rummenigge will not be present in Kolkata because of the transfer period in Bundesliga. 2) Players with the likes of Lucio & Daniel Van Buyten will not be coming to kolkata as they are nursing an injury.Martin Demechelis is away on National Duty. 3)Four Coaching staff’s & 2 Physio will be there with the Bayern Team. 4) Broadcaster for the match - FC Bayern T.V(Germany) N-T.V (Worldwide) Zee Sports (India) BAYERN MUNICH TIES UP WITH KOLKATA POLICE 22.05.2008 :Saurabh Rai : Bayern Munich, fever is slowly gripping the city of joy. The champion club from Germany is slated to play an exhibition match with the Kolkata giants, Mohun Bagan on the 27th of this month. But days before that Kolkata Police have entered into an agreement with the Europeon powerhouse. The members of the Bayern Munich Football Club will inaugurate Kolkata Police Friendship Cup, an initiative of the Kolkata Police to have friendly relations with the youth of Kolkata and keep them away from crime, on the 25th of this month. T-shirts bearing the logos of both the Bayern Munich Football Club and Kolkata Police was also unveiled during the function. This was a gesture by the Kolkata Police to honor the proposed visit of the recently crowned Bundesliga Champions to the city. The Kolkata Police is looking forward to a long-term relationship with Bayern Munich but the details are still to be worked out. The Friendship Cup is dubbed as the biggest football tournament in India. It has entered Limca book of records as well. This year 450 teams will compete for the title. They have been divided into 27 clusters. The top two teams from all the clusters, 54 in all, will qualify for the division level. Top two teams from each division-10 of them, will then reach the final round. The association of Bayern Munich with the event, this year will definitely increase the media’s and people’s interest will surely increase which is give a boost to the tournament and encouragement to the participants. India National Team will face Chinese Taipe tomorrow 23.05.2008: Chinese Taipei team arrived Goa on Thursday to play an international friendly football match with India on May 24 at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa . . Chinese Taipei will play their second friendly on May 27 in Chennai . India are playing the two friendlies against the Chinese Taipei in preparation for SAFF Cup 2008,Maldives & Srilanka to be held from 3rd Jun 2008. Chinese Taipei : Lu - Kun Chi (GK - 1) , Ming-feng Tu (Def) , Lin Kuei-pin(Mid 8) , Chun-yi Kuo (Def) , Chehao Hsu (Mid ), Chien-wei Liang (Mid) , Han Chang Fwd , Po-liang Chen Fwd , Wei-lun Chuang Fwd, Shih-lu Chiang (Fwd 18), Meng-hsuan Hsieh (Def), HThe sien-chung Yeh (GK), Ming-han Chiang (Def), Hsiang-yu Hsu (Def), Hao-chieh Kao (Def), Wu-yeh Chang (Def), Shih-Cheng Hung (Mid), Yi-Wei Chen (Mid) ,Meng-Hsien Chen (DIF 23), Shan-Fu Chen(Def) . Coach : Po-Houng Lee. Asst Coach : Mu-tsai Chiang , Kuei-jen Chen . Last Match (2.4.2008) :AFC Challenge Cup - Lost To Pakistan 1 - 2 Last Match (4.4.2008) :AFC Challenge Cup - Won against Guam Pakistan 4 - 1 Courtesy : www.the-aiff.com Bayern Munich beat Indonesia National Team 5 - 1 today 20.05.2008 : 22.30 PM IST:In their ASIA tour's first friendy match German Giant and Bundesliga Winner Bayern Munchen hammered Indonesia National Football Team 5 - 1 in a friendly soccer match held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in fron of 70,000 spectators. The Gernam side dominated the first half, taking a 3 - 0 lead within 32 minutes of the match before the break.The first goal came through a powerful header of Breno off a free kick taken by Ze Roberto just near the right corner flag. Indonesia reduced the lead to 3-1 and controlled the second half, but losted so many positive goalscoring chances. Bayern extended their lead to 4 - 1 and 5 - 1 during the last 10 minutes of the game. The club brings goalkeeper as well as captain of the team Oliver Kahn, Mark van Bommel, Daniel van Buyten, Jose Robertoda Silva Junior, Andreas Ottl, Jan Sclaudraff and Jose Ernesto Sosa,Kroos,Pizzaro,Rohracker,Kuru etc in their Indonesia Tour. Other stars of Bayern Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Italian Luca Toni and Frenchman Franck Ribery, are not in the team for the Euro Cup 2008,to be held in Austria and Switzerland in June. Brazilian Lucio and Argentinean Martin Demichelis are now playing with their own national teams for the World Cup 2010 qualifying rounds. FC Bayern Munich :: Kahn (46' Rensing) - Schlottner, Ottl, Breno Borges, Contento , Ze Roberto, (90' Kuru) Van Bommel , Sosa (78' Simari), Toni Kroos, Bopp (90' Pizarro), Schlaudraff (90' Rohracker) Goals: Breno (21'), Schlaudraff (23',34',83') Kroos (88'.) INDONESIA Bambang Pamungkas (61'), After relaxing in Indonesia's resort island of Bali for two days, the German team will travel to Kolkata for an another friendly match against Indian National Football Team Mohun Bagan A.C at Salt Lake Stadium - Kolkata on 27th May . AFC Media Release 20.05.2008: A new dawn for professionalism in Asian football, the AFC Pro- League Ad-Hoc Committee recommended to the AFC Executive Committee the first list of eleven (11) countries, who will be eligible to field their teams in the new AFC Champions League 2009. The AFC Pro-League Committee has included India as participants along with other 10 Countries like Japan, Korea Republic, Australia, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Iran in the 2009 AFC Champions League, which would be Asia's richest meet for Club Competition. So, I-League 2008 - 2009 edition Champion may play in this Competition against Japan and Australian Clubs. The AFC Pro-League Ad-Hoc Committee employed four grades ‘A’ (meet all criteria), ‘B’ (assured to meet criteria by 1 October 2008), ‘C’ (not assured to meet criteria by 1 October 2008) and ‘D’ (do not meet the criteria) to assess the suitability of 21 Member Associations for next year’s AFC Champions League. It is a B for India from the AFC Pro-League Ad-Hoc Committee after an intensive assessment visit spread over two phases in which the South Asian country returned 13 Bs and 50 As. India have a chance of being considered for the new AFC Champions League if they turn the B’ into As by 1 October, 2008, and for this they need to ensure that: 1) The number of International Referees in the association is increased to the minimum of six 2) The number of International Assistant Referees in the association is increased to the minimum of eight 3) The number of attendance per match is measured and announced in accurately counted figures 4) The league governing body is a legal entity governed by its football association 5) The league governing body has a management structure which controls competition, marketing, media and finance 6) Club representatives, ii) representatives of football association and iii) representatives from the leagues top management are members of the highest decision making body (executive committee) of the league 7) The position of CEO is full-time 8) The league has an audited Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet 9) The league has an auditor 10) The league has centralised marketing system of the elements such as media rights, certain sponsorships and merchandise 11) All the clubs are commercial entities under its national law 12) All clubs head coaches possess AFC Professional License Diploma or an equivalent licence approved by AFC 13) All clubs conduct activities contributing to the local community of the hometowns Courtesy:www.the-aiff.com India Under 14 Football team in the AFC Festival 19.05.2008:India Under 14 Football team won four Matches out of Five in the AFC Festival of Football being held in Tehran,IR Iran in Format I. Results INDIA 5 - 1 Maldives :: Scorers : Nirvail Singh - Hattrick,Brandon Fernandes 2 Goals INDIA 1 - 0 Afghanistan ::Scorer :Shahsank Rawat. INDIA 3 - 1 Bhutan :: Scorers : Nirvail Singh Both Goals INDIA 4 - 0 Srilanka :: Scorers : Anzari 2 ,Umakanta & Raja Jamatia INDIA 0 - 1 Pakistan :: Uzair Qadir Eight countries — Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and host Iran — are participating in the event. First 24 matches will be of 30 minutes each (Format I) and last 12 will have 60-minute duration (Format II). The wins or losses will not be counted as there will be no trophy for the winners in the Festival but the players will be awarded with green cards to promote fair play. Indonesia ready to welcome Bayern on 21st May 18.05.2008::The Indonesian national team are intensifying their training programme under coach Benny Dollo as they prepare to German giants Bayern Munich on 21 May 2008 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium at Central D'jakarta.The Stadium capasity is 88,000. The match will start from 17.30 PM of Indonesian Time. Former Persita Tangerang coach Benny Dollo replacing Bulgarian Ivan Kolev at the helm of the Indonesian national team told that, Ponaryo Astaman will be captain of Indonesian side and they will have to play to their strength . Bayern trounces Hartha Berlin 4 - 1 in the last match 18.05.2008 : Abhisek Bhattacharyya: It was the final match of both Oliver Kahn and Ottmar Hitzfeld. In the beginning Hitz and Germany referee Merk were presented with flowers. Hitz shed a few tears. Hitzfeld won the Champions League with Bayern in 2001 and Borussia Dortmund in 1997. Kahn has played 14 seasons with Bayern, won 86 caps for Germany and has has played 557th Bundesliga appearances. Kahn helped Bayern seal the record for fewest conceded goals. Before he’s completely finished with Bayern, he and Hitzfeld will set off with the squad on a promotional tour in Asia. At 87 minutes Kahn left the field and was replaced by Michael Rensing. He took to the bench and spent some time cheearing with his teammates. Kahn switched shirts with Merk and promptly put the shirt on Italian Striker of Bayern Luca Toni scored got his hat trick. The other goal came from Franck Ribery. At the half the score was 3-0 in favour of Bayern. Ottomar “the general” Hitzfeld returned as manager in Season 2007 after the clubs dismal performance previous season under Felix Magath who was sacked. They fielded a destructive team with the likes of Captain Oliver Kahn,Luca Toni, Franck Ribery,Miroslav Klose,Philip Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger,Lukas Podolski,Willy Sagnol, Daniel Van Buyten, Lucio,Ze Roberto, Martin Demechelis, Hamit Altintop,Sosa, Andreas Ottl,Mark Van Bommel,Christian Lell & others. They gave a commanding performance throughout the season winning the German Cup,German Bundesliga but missed out a chance to score the treble when they lost to Dick Advocaat’s Zenit St.Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Semi-Final. The season marked the end of team’s goalkeeper & Captain Oliver Kahn & also for manager Ottomar Hitzfeld who will be leaving the club at the end of the season and will become the manager of Switzerland from July,2008.He will replaced by the former player of the club & the former manager of German National side Juergen Klinsmaan. John Abraham signs Brand Ambassador of EURO 2008 16.05.2008:Bollywood Film Star John Abraham has been selected brand ambassador of promotional campaign 'Bach Ke Kahan Jaoge' of ESPN Software India for coming UEFA European Football Championship 2008, to be kicked off from June 7 month in Switzerland and Austria. John was an avid sportsman, captaining the college football team. He earned his M.B. A degree from Mumbai Educational Trust (MET). Last year the sports broadcaster also signed one year contract with Soccer Movie Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal super Star John as an Ambassador to promote English Premier League in India. "The promotional campaign will try to attract more football enthusiasts in the country as it is it is one of the most prestigious and recognised sporting events in the world",told R.C Venkateish Managing Director of ESPN Software India. To catch the large soccer viewership based in Hindi speaking regions of India, the broadcaster has also announced Hindi coverage of EURO - 2008 Tournament also. India Under 14 Team for AFC U 14 Festival of Football 16.05.2008 :Shankar Dhar - Kalyani : A 22 members of India U-14 Football team has been selected from Kalyani Camp ,West Bengal under coaching of Colin Toll for last one half months training. The Boys will leave for Iran early Friday morning to take part in AFC Under 14 Festival of football which will be held from 18th to 23rd May. Other than host Iran, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka,Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal – will take part in this festival . Goalkeepers : Kamaljit Singh & Nitin Meel, Defenders : Romesh Singh Pukhrambam, Kislay Singh Sajwan, Pradeepraj Thangaraj, Pawan Kumar, Khondram Satish Singh, Anuj Negi, Niladraja Jamatia, Zuber Ahmed & Shashank Rawat Midfielders : Dhillipan Murugesan, Jhinkan Gaurav, Souvik Das (Bengal), Brandon Fernandes, Shaikh Imtiaz Ali & Sachin Kumar Kohli, Forwards : Umakanta Singh Kiyam, Jayabrata Dhar (Bengal), Nirvail Singh, Md.Alamgir Ansary, & Golmei Mariamdum Officials : Head Coach : Thomas Joseph, Manager : Satheevan Balan Physio: Reghunath Basak Dempo trounces Sur 5 - 2 while East Bengal lost their dream 14.05.2008:Nigerian Star of Dempo Ranti Martins and Chidi Edeh struck a brace each to beat Sur Club of Oman 5-2 in their final Group A home match Goa and take their side to their maiden AFC Cup quarter-finals here today.Meanwhile, Dempo lost 2 - 3 in the away match against Sur Club Captain Ranti Martins led from the front of the Team to score in the 30th and 38th minutes while his team mate Chidi Edeh neted in the 64th and 90th minutes. Dempo's midfielder Climax Lawrence scored another goal in the 72nd minute. Mohammad Salim Mohammed (75th) and Al Harbi Saleh Rashid (86th) scored for the visiting side. With 10 points from six matches, Dempo have and brightened their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the AFC Cup.The other match in this group between Al Muharraq (8 points) of Bahrain and Al Ansar (8 points) of Lebanon has been postponed due to security purpose. Five group toppers and three best second-placed teams make it to the knock-out stage and the I-League champions will make the grade either as Group A toppers or second-placed team. Another Indian club East Bengal, who needed a win for qualifying, lost to Ahli Sana'a of Yemen 0 - 1 today in Group B match .Ahli Sana'a scored the only goal before 1 minute of half time. The only goal of the game came in the 44th minute through striker Ali Al Mohammed Nono while East Bengal finished with 10 men after Nigerian defender Bolaji Majekodunmi was sent off late in the game. Now look at the league table just now Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts Dempo (INDIA) 6 3 1 2 13 11 +2 10 Al Muharraq (BAHRIN) -* 5 2 2 1 10 5 +5 8 Al Ansar (LIBEA) - * 5 2 2 1 5 4 +1 8 Sur (OMAN) 6 1 1 4 9 15 -6 4 *Match postponed Valerian Soccer Foundation Seminar Sub:Bayern Munich Vs Mohun Bagan Match PRESS RELEASE 13.05.2008:Valerian Soccer Foundation is the first soccer study centre in India is going to organise a Seminar on " BAYERN MUNICHEN'S KOLKATA MATCH- SOME THOUGHTS & FUTURE " at Prof. Anita Banerjee Memorial Hall, Arts Faculty, Jadavpur University on 20th May 2008.The seminar will start at 4 p.m. The seminar will be inaugurated by Shri Khisti Goswami ,Minister In Charge,PWD, West Bengal. The Speakers of the seminar are - 1) Shri Subrata Dutta , Vice President, All India Football Federation 2) Ms. Sohini Mitra Chaubey , Director( Public relation ) , Mohun Bagan Sail Football Academy 3) Shri Shanta Mitra Former International Player & Editor Kickoff (Soccer Magazine of IFA) 4) Prof. Kausik Bandyopadhay Sports Historian & Associated Editor Soccer & Society,London 5) Shri Kalyan Chaubey International & Mumbai F.C Goalkeeper All are cordially invited. Up coming bollywood playback singer Keka Ghosal,actor Chandan Sen Eklobya's lead singer Dr, Parthosarathi and many Scholars professors and other intellectuals of the city will attend the seminar.India's First soccer Journal 90 Minutes will also be Inaugurated in the seminar .Kolkatafootball.com will be the online partner Subhransu Roy : president :: Valerian Soccer Foundation Aritra Chatterjee ::: Secretary :: Valerian Soccer Foundation Giggs and C .Ronaldo wins 10th EPL title for Man U 11.05.2008:Manchester United retained the Premier League title for 17th times on Sunday when they beat Wigan Athletic 2 - 0 but Chelsea made a 1 - 1 draw at home against Bolton Wanderers. Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester put the first one in 33rd-minute penalty and Ryan Giggs, on the day he equaled Bobby Charlton’s club record 758th appearance, scored 80th minutes.Manchester United ended the season with 87 points in 38 matches, While in the other match Chelsea was leading through Andriy Shevchenko until Bolton grabbed an injury-time equalizer through Matt Taylor. Everton qualified for the UEFA Cup after their 3-1 home victory over Newcastle United secured fifth place. The first Three position in EPL 2008 Rank Team P W D L F A Diff Pts 1 Man United 38 27 6 5 80 22 58 87 2 Chelsea 38 25 10 3 65 26 39 85 3 Arsenal 38 24 11 3 74 31 43 83 Bengal Santosh Trophy camp will start soon 11.05.2008:29th times Santosh Trophy Winner and last year's runners-up Bengal will start their conditionaing camp within a few days. Bengal Coach former National Footballer Krishnendu Roy called-up 39 boys till date from the different clubs of Kolkata League for the preparation.Bengal will start their campaign directly from Qr. Final Group 'B' stage with Maharashtra at Jammu & Kashmir from 6th June. The camp likely to be held at Mohammedan S.C Stadium from tomorrow and the selected footballers are like these: Goal:Arnab Das Sharma (George Telegraph),Abhra Mondol(East Bengal), Subhodeep Mukherjee (Mohammedan A.C),Souvik Das (Peerless),Somnath Karar(Chirag United),Sounava Ghosh(W.B.P) Defender:Saheb Ali Mondol(Peerless),Kinshuk Debnath(Chirag United), Arnab (Mohammedan A.C),Sk. Azim(Mohammedan S.C),Subol Ghosh(Milon Bithee), Rajib Ghosh (Mohammedan S.C),Manas Das(Mahindra United),Habibur Rahaman Mondol(Mohun Bagan),Bijoy Bansfore(Mohun Bagan),Debabrata Roy(East Bengal), Soumik Dey(East Bengal),Surya Bikash Chakrabarty(East Bengal),Tapan Giri (Mohammedan S.C),Anupam Sarkar(East Bengal),Biswajit Saha(George Telegraph), Midfilders:Jwell Raja(IFA Academy),Jayanta Sen(East Bengal),Snehasish Chakrabarty(East Bengal),Manik Burman(Peerless),Kartik Kisku(Peerless),Gouranga Dutta(Chirag United),Lalkamal Bhowmick(Mohun Bagan),Achiyanta Saha(Chirag United),Mehtaab Hossain(East Bengal),Tapan Maity(Mohun Bagan),Sujoy Mondol (Vasco F.C), Forwards:Ayon Chowdhury(Mohun Bagan),Vimal Parier(East Bengal),Asim Das Jr.(Chirag United),Shankar Oraw(Chirag United),S.Rahim Nabi(East Bengal),Habib Ali Mondol(Police A.C),Shankar Sil(W.B.P) India Senior Team to play 2 friendlies against Chinese Taipei 09.05.2008:All India Football Federation has invited the National Team of Chinese Taipei to play two friendly matches against the India Senior Team as part of preparation for the forthcoming SAFF Championship which will be held in Maldives and Srilanka from 3rd June 2008. It was deceded that Hong Kong National Team will play the preparation match against India on 22nd May,but AIFF cancelled the same for nonavailability of HONG KONG Team at that time. Chinese Taipei,which is currently 170 ranking in the FIFA ranking will play their first match at Goa on 24th May and the second match will be played at Chennai on May 27th. BODYLINE-EAST BENGAL AWARD’ 2007-08 held today 08.05.2008:Ideas Unlimited is an India based Sports Management Group, provides a full range of business & management services to the sports industry, and has expertise in emergent soccer markets. What really makes ISM stand out is its ability to produce creative ideas around sports and support them with a professional and reliable service. Being the Official Marketing Partner of Kingfisher East Bengal Club, starting from the session 2007-08, The Company has planned an exclusive project - Selection of the best performer of the season for Kingfisher East Bengal Club through public voting (SMS poll in Big 92.7 FM) titled ‘Bodyline-East Bengal Player of the Year’ and award him with a special gift (Sponsored by: Bodyline Sports -East Bengal Club’s official fitness partner) of a GYM worth Rs 50,000.. The 2007-08 Session Awardees Bodyline-East Bengal Player of the Year : Mr. Subrata Paul Bodyline-East Bengal Highest Goal Scorer of the Year : Mr. Edmilson Marques Bodyline-East Bengal Highest Match Player of the Year : Mr. Alvito D’cunha Bodyline-East Bengal 2nd Highest Match Player of the Year: Mr. Jayanta Sen Bodyline-East Bengal Most Popular Player of the Year : Mr. Rahim Nabi Beside this the Company felicitate Mr. Sushil Bhattacharjee – the first coach ever for East Bengal Club who has completed his 50 years coaching career. The entire event is supported by Bodyline Sports, Big 92.7 FM and Hotel Lindsay. Sanjay Srivastava, Director of Ideas Unlimited Event Managent Group told that, their company will give a proposal to the club management that, starting from 2008-09, a special gift will be handed to the winning goal scorer for East Bengal Club in every single match throughout the season, in addition to above prizes. TATA TEA ARSENAL SOCCER STARS – KOLKATA LEG 09.305.2008 :Saurabh Rai:The eighth leg of the Tata Tea Arsenal Soccer Stars an initiative of Tata Tea and the famous Arsenal Football Club of England is under way at the Howrah Municipal Stadium. The tournament is being held with the technical support of Indian Football Association (IFA). This tournament will give a chance to the selected 15 players of participating in the main phase of the Arsenal Soccer Stars Championship to be held in England in August There is a participation of more than 80 teams from the various schools in Kolkata and from other parts of the state and the region, competing to win the Kolkata leg. Jamshed Nassiri is the head scout of the tournament and has traveled across the country with the contest. After seeing the players from different parts of the country Mr Nassiri is of the opinion that there is no dearth of talent in India. The tournament has already touched 7 cities with overwhelming response. Kolkata is the last stoppage for the tournament. The All India Finals will also be played in the city of joy. A total of 16 teams will be fighting for the top honors. Arsenal Football Club coaches Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis will train the final thirty probable before the final selection of 15 boys will travel to England and live their dreams. This incentive has encouraged the boys so much that the scorching summer heat of Kolkata is not stopping them to show their skills. Real beat Barca and Clinch the league Title 08.05.2008:REAL Madrid celebrated their league title triumph in style by routing their arch-rival F.C Barcelona 4-1 at the home stadium Bernabeu today in the classic derby series for the first time in 24 years.. Real Madrid is now standing with 81 in 36 matches while in same matches Barcelona got 64 Points.With 71 points in 36 matches Villarreal moves to runner up position and the result also deprived Barca of an automatic place in the Champions League, which will now go to Villareal. Real had clinched the league title for 31 time with their 2-1 win at Osasuna on Sunday and, when the match started, they played with the confidence and assuredness of champions. The goals came from Raul Gonzalez 13th minute, Arjen Robben 20 the Minute, Gonzalo Higuain 63rd minute and Ruud van Nistelrooy 78th minute. The only socrer of Barca was Thierry Henry in 87th minutes. In the other matches Villarreal locked up second place with a 2-0 win over Recreativo, Athletic Bilbao beat Murcia 2-1 and Valladolid finished 1-1 with Real Betis. Valencia won 1-0 over Real Zaragoza, Getafe beat Almeria 4-2, Deportivo la karuna beat Levante 1-0, Mallorca won 2-1 against Osasuna and Sevilla beat 3-0 Racing . Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Heinze, Marcelo, Diarra, Gago, Guti, Sneijder, Raul, Robben. Barcelona: Valdes, Zambrotta, Marques, Puyol, Adibal, Xavi, Toure, Gudjohnsen, Messi, Bojan, Henry. Mohun Bagan won Exhibition match against CCFC kolkata 07.05.2008:In a Five a side exhibition football match at CCFC ground today in the evening Mohun Bagan boys beat CCFC side 5 - 2. Acting as Mohun Bagan Captain today Defender Habibur Rahaman Mondol scored first for the team .The other scorers were Lalkamal Bhowmick,Lalamrua (Newly joined the Team from Mohun Bagan) and double goals of Kartik Kisku who joined Mohun Bagan from Kolkata Premier League Team Peerless S.C.The duration of the match was twelve and half minutes in each halves. Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CCFC) is one of the oldest Clubs of the City Kolkata. Among other VIPs former Indian Cricket Captain Rahul Dravid, Captain Anil Kumble of (Test) Team India,East Bengal Captain Alvito D' Counha,Salgaocar Coach Subhash Bhowmick were present on the Ground along with IFA Secretary Mr. Utpal Ganguly and other eminent personalities. TEAM MOHUNBAGAN : Pralay Dutta,Chirodeep Mukherjee,Karan Atwal,Nabin Kumar, Habibur Rahaman Mondol(C),Kartick Kisku,Henry,Lalamrua,Lalkamal Bhowmick,Tapan Maity Coach: Satyajit Chatterjee Roy Barreto of Portugal is the new Coach of Mohun Bagan-Sail Football Academy 06.05.2008: Mohun bagan - SAIL Football Academy started their functioning from 20th july 2003 at Durgapur.In the First batch in 2007 the academy released 15 boys who are currently playing different Football Clubs in India .Rahul Kumar ,N.Mohonraj(Mohun bagan),Shankar Oraw(Chirag United), R.Vassum (Churchill Brothers) etc. were the graduate student from Academy. After ending the contract of Technical Director of the Academy Luiz Greco (Brazil),Mohun Bagan authority has announced Roy Barreto Of Portugal as Chief Coach and Former India star Shyam Thapa as Technical Director to assist him. Mohun Bagan Club management has decided to sign 7 promising MBSFA players for next season like Arunjit Singh, Lal Daniela (defender), Suraj Singh, B Malswmzuala (striker), SanjoyBoro, Souvik Chakrabarty and Suman Bose (midfielders). The academy may tie-up with one of the leding European Football Academy in near future. Short Profile of Chief coach Roy Barreto Full Name: Roy Maicol Barreto Date of Birth: 16 July 1955 Nationality: Portuguese Languages: English, Portuguese Football Qualifications 1981: Diploma of Football Instructor, FIFA and CAF 1992: (English) FA Preliminary Award 1992: (German) DFB Diploma National Record (Zimbabwe) 1991: Head Coach, Under-23's 1992: Head Coach, Senior National Team 1993-94: Assistant to Dutch coach Reinhard Fabisch, Senior National Team 1995-96: Technical Advisor, All National Teams 1997-98: Head Coach, Senior National Team (1997: dual role as National Coach and Black Rhinos FC Head Coach) Club Record 1978: Head Coach, Florida United (Mutare, Zimbabwe) - Manicaland League 2nd Division 1979-80: Head Coach, Red Seal Rovers (Mutare, Zimbabwe ) - Manicaland League 2nd Division 1980: Junior and Senior Regional Coach (Mutare, Zimbabwe) - Coca-Cola 1981-83: Head Coach, Cosmos FC (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) - National League 1st Division 1984-89: Head Coach, Zimbabwe Saints FC (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) – National League Premier Division 1987: League Champions, BAT Rose Bowl Runners-up, Rothman's Shield Runners-Up 1988: League Champions, BAT Rose Bowl Runners-Up, Chibuku Trophy Winners, 1989: African Club Cup of Champions, Quarter Finalists, Independence Trophy Winners 1989-94: Head Coach, Highlanders FC (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) - National League Premier Division 1990: League Champions, ZIFA Trophy Winners, Africa Day Trophy Winners, 1991: ZIFA Trophy Winners, Africa Day Trophy Runners-Up, Independence 1992: Heroes' Trophy Winners, Castle Cup Runners-Up 1993: League Champions, Africa Day Trophy Winners, Independence Trophy Runners-Up 1995-97: Head Coach, Black Rhinos FC (Harare, Zimbabwe) - National Leaguen Premier Division 1997: League Champions (Dual role as National Coach and Rhinos Head Coach) 1997: Departed on Government to Government agreement to Namibia for 6 months as Technical Advisor to Namibian Defence Forces) 1998: Head Coach, Amazulu FC (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) - National League Premier Division 1999: Head Coach, Gunners FC (Lobatse, Botswana) - Premier Division 2000-02: Head Coach, Free State Stars– Premier Soccer League 2000: BP Top Eight, 6th Place in League 2002-03: Head Coach, Orlando Pirates (Johannesburg, South Africa) – Premier Soccer League 2003 - League Champions in his first season 2003/4: Head Coach / Technical Director, Manning Rangers (Durban, South Africa) -Premier Soccer League 2004-6: Head Coach / Technical Director of Free State Stars (South African PSL club) Won promotion from First Division to Premier League 2006 to present: Head Coach of Bay United (South African First Division), and then promoted to Technical Director Ryan Giggs of Manchester can break Sir Bobby Charlton's Match record 06.05.2008:34 years old Manchester United Winger Ryan Giggs can break the previous record of Sir Bobby Charlton who was a famous player of Manchester United. Sir Bobby Charlton's record has been listed as 758(Scored 249 goals) appearances since he played his last match for Manchester United in 1973. Giggs who came on as a substitute in United's 4-1 victory over West Ham for his 757th (Scored 143 Goals) appearance last Saturday.His current team mates Paul Scholes and Captain Gray Neville has completed their 568 and 541 appreance respectively for Club. He will break Sir Bobby Charlton's record if he plays against Wigan Athletic in the final Premier League Match on next Sunday and then also appear his 10th cap in the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow on May 21. If he will play both the games then his club appearence would be 759. In the connection of Giggs record Manchester United Coach Sir Alex Ferguson replied: "There's a chance, I think there's a very good chance." Since making his League debut against Everton in March 1991, Giggs has won nine Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League in 1999. AIFF Media Release :The I-League (1st Divn.) 2008-09 shall consist of 12 Teams 05.05.2008:The AIFF Executive Committee in its meeting held on 29 Apr 2008 appointed a Two -member committee from amongst non-participating state I-League Club States to decisively decide the total teams for the I-League 2008(2nd Edition of I-League) onwards and dispose off the issue after examining the outcome of the I-League Workshops and other details and papers. The Committee after examining all the details has decided as follows: (i) The I-League 2008-09 shall consist of 12 Teams. (ii) The I-League 2009-2010 can be increased upto 14 teams, subject to the sponsoring revenue support is further augmented and Executive Committee of AIFF along with NFL Committee examine the issue well before the launching of 2008-09 I-League. (iii) The findings of the Committee are as follows: (a) In the presentation given to FIFA, it states that the I-League 2008-09 will consist of 12 teams and if everything goes well I-League 2009-10 will be increased to 14 teams. (b) The I-League regulation (Art.VIII-4) states that the two teams standing in the last two place of the League will be demoted to 2nd Division. (c) 2nd Division League regulations state that the teams placed in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th position in the final round will be promoted to I-League 2008-09 (Art. 2/VIII) (d) There are no provisions in the I-League regulations to retain the demoted teams. (e) In 2007, we have turned down the request of Salgaocar Club to retain them in the 1st Division, NFL in stead the 3rd placed team of the 2nd Division (HAL) was promoted to the 1st Division NFL. (f) In case AIFF wants to make 14 teams I-League in 2008-09, they should follow the same procedure, which was followed in 2007, i.e., promote 5th and 6th placed teams of the 2nd Division League. (g) Any change in the regulations should be announced well before the next season starts. The regulations should not be changed in between the season /competition. Courtesy:www.the-aiff.com Chelsea plans to offer 80 Million Pound for Messi 05.05.2008:The Finalist of UEFA Champion League 2008 Chelsea F.C 's Russian owner Roman Abramovich is set to break soccer's transfer record after offering Barcelona 80 million pounds ($157.7 million) for Argentina playmaker Lionel Messi, the News of the World said. He starts with 80 million pound but can pay more for it to sign Messi for his Team. The Chelsea's billionaire owner has reportedly given the go-ahead order for this record deal. If Barcelona admits the offer of Roman, then Messi will break The current record Transfer fee of 46.5 million pounds, which Real Madrid paid to Juventus for three-time FIFA world player of the year Zinedine Zidane in 2001. Russian billionaire Abramovich told Chelsea's current coach Avram Grant, that he wants to chenge the style of team's playing. To play more exciting games from the next season he believes, Leonel Messi would help Chelsea to achieve that. Grant has led Chelsea for first time in their football history to reach into the final of Europe's elite Champions League and the club also remains in contention for England's Premier League title just behing Manchester United. Some Current Transfer Gossips of Soccer World Lionel Messi - Barcelona to Chelsea - £80m Micah Richards - Man City to Man Utd - £25m David Villa - Valencia to Real Madrid, Liverpool - £24m Ricardo Quaresma - FC Porto to Real Madrid - £19.5m + Roberto Soldado Darren Bent - Tottenham Hotspur to Newcastle United - £12m Diniyar Bilyaletdinov - Lokomotiv Moscow to Tottenham Hotspur - £10m Stephen Ireland - Manchester City to Newcastle United, Sunderland - £8m Miguel - Valencia to Aston Villa - £8m Edel Taarabt - Tottenham Hotspur to Portsmouth - £5m Steve Sidwell - Chelsea to Middlesbrough - £5m Michael Tonge - Sheffield United to Blackburn Rovers - £4m John Arne Riise - Liverpool to Newcastle United - £3m Paul Robinson - West Brom to Portsmouth £3m Michael Mancienne - Chelsea to Middlesbrough - £1m 9 years old Canadian boy moves to Barcelona Academy 03.05.2008: Gianni Carlos Patino of North Vancouver,Canada has been selected for the elite Barcelona U -12 soccer team.His father Juan Carlos Patino, a former semi-pro footballer former player of Wolfsburg in Germany,who has practised 4 hours a day with Gianni since he got his start at four years of age. Since he was little, people noticed that he had special talent .He scored 45 goals this season.His Mother Hannah Enkerlin said that his son can play both striker or midfielder side and able to keep a ball off the ground for 300 touches with his knees or 200 touches with his feet. 9 yars old Gianni has a poster in his room ,his favourite player Barcelona striker Lionel Messi and he has a jersey of superstar Thierry Henri of Bardelona also. For his son's future Mrs. and Mr. Patino now want to move to Spain and will take hotel worker job in Barcelona to fulfil Gianni's Dream. They said that "We don't know what will happen, but this is the most important thing, to support this little guy's dream.He added the Barcelona club will give Gianni the best coaching, and the best chance of fast-tracking into football stardom in Europe. He will practice his favourite Jersey No. 6 in Barcelona U-12 Elite Soccer Camp. Mumbai F.C 2nd Div. I - League 2008 Champion 03.05.2008 Mumbai Elite League 2008 Runners up Mumbai FC ended their campaign unbeaten in the ONGC I-League 2nd Div. Football Tournament by beating Chirag United 1-0 in a concluding round today at Nehru Stadium,Guwahati, Assam. In the first match today Kolkata Giant Mohammedan S.C beat Vasco F.C 3 - 0 and finished 2nd position in the league table. In the First half ,Mumbai F.C Striker Felix Aboagye scored from a 14th-minute penalty . Mumbai FC had a great chance to make it 2-0 lead when Abhishek Yadav pushed the ball off Selwyn's cross for Michael Osei but Osei hit the ball straight into the hands of Goalkeeper of Chirag. With the win Mumbai FC remained the only undefeated side in the tournament and tallied 13 points to finish on top of the six-team final phase. On the other hand Chirag finished in the third spot with 10 points from five matches. Within a year of their formation, Mumbai FC created history by emerging champions in the I-League's IInd Division. Mumbai FC, who were also playing for a cash bonus of Rs.5 million promised by their management if they won the final. Now Mumbai F.C qualifies in the ONGC I -LEAGUE Ist Divn. along with other three teams Mohammedan S.C,Chirag United and Vasco F.C for next Tournament. Gordon Bradley, former coach of Pele and Cruyff, dead 02.04.2008:The English Coach Gordon Bradley, who coached Brazilian Legendery Pele and Legendary of Holland Johan Cruyff has died at the age of 74 .He was the coach of Soccer King Pele when Pele was in Cosmos ,New York,USA and Johan Cruyff in the North American Soccer League Bradley was born in 1934, in Sunderland of England, and played several seasons in England’s lower divisions.He played in England and Canada, with Toronto Roma and Toronto City, before joining the NASL.He became the Cosmos' player-coach in 1971 and Bradley was a major figure in the North American Soccer League(NASL), coaching the Cosmos Football Team in the late 1970s, when Pele played for the team. He also coached Cruyff in the Washington Diplomats Soccer team of NASL. His 1977 Cosmos team, which won the NASL championship that year, included legends Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia, and Carlos Alberto. Bradley became a coach of Six Time winners of U.S. college championship tournament for George Mason University, He also was a coach of U.S. national team in 1973. In 1996, Bradley was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. Air India bagged the E.K.Nayanar Gold Cup 2008 01.05.2008: Air India The Mumbai based Football Team of India won the second E.K. Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup football tournament, beating the favourite team from Brazil, Ferroviaria F.C, Sao Paulo, 1-0 in the final. About 35,000 spectators was present to watch the match in the floodlighted Jawahar Municipal Stadium Kannur,Kerala. In the 10th minutes of First half in the match Air India's Surojit Roy scored the only goal for the team by a powerful header off a cross from Ravinder Singh down the left, following a throw-in from Uttam Singh. Last ten minutes of the 2nd half 10 men Brazilian Team tried hart and soul for equalizer but failed to net in front of solid defence of Air Men.Reinaldo sent-off for a foul. Santosh Koli, Ravinder, Santosh Singh, Uttam Singh, Napolean Singh and Michael Tayo played well for their team to kept the lead till to the end. Air India custodian, E.C. Sharat, adjudjed the best goalkeeper of the tournament and Robinson Miche of Brazil team has been selected "Man of the Tournament" award. Visit All Results and Photos of the Tournament Come on Mohammedan S.C ....... Orkut Online Fans Forum 01.05.2008: After fulfilling millions of supporters' prayer, Mohammedan Sporting are back in the mainstream.The black and white brigade secured a place in the first div of I -League' 2008. It is indeed a delightful achievement for Mohammedan Sporting Club and eventually gives immense pleasure to its innumerable fans across the country.We are in the seventh heaven now! Our hope to qualify for the I League strengthened when MSC won the Boroland Trophy in Assam and Prodhot Dutta Trophy which gives us a passport to play in prestigious IFA shield.However MSC is now in the "Elite" company alongside clubs like Mohun Bagan , East Bengal, Dempo , Mahindra United. Players like Mike Okoro, Muritala, Adebayo and the last but not least Basudeb Mondal's brilliance in the field made possible for MSC to regain a berth for 2008 I-League. Mike Okoro again proved , that he is an outstanding player. We specially congratulate our coach MR. Shabbir Ali. He is like India's "Bora Milutinovich". Every time a team relegated, it becomes his duty to get it back in the mainstream again! Mr. Ali did it many times in the past so does with MSC this time.The more we thanks Mr Ali, it will be less for him. We are indebted to him as he fulfilled our dream. But there is always a room for insecurity regarding MSC's performance in the National League ( Now I -League), because in each time we played in first div National League , we relegated to the second division. It is very disheartening for us.We request the club officials to make a better team with better players so that we may hold black and white flag high in the air.We all the best for MSC, the second oldest football club of India. Go MSC....Go. Written by : Ziaur Rahaman : Owner of Orkut online Mohammedan S.C Fans Forum