Category: News

MOHAMMEDAN SC STRIKER MANVIR SINGH MAKES MAIDEN INDIA APPEARANCE

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club striker Manvir Singh made his first-ever appearance for India in a 1-0 win over Singapore in an away U-23 International Friendly on Sunday (9th July).

The India U-23 National Team currently in Singapore for a two-match series, which is a part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers to be held in Qatar later this month.

India won the match courtesy a 80th minute strike from midfielder Germanpreet Singh at Chao Chu Kang Stadium.

Manvir, who was on the pitch for 76 minutes before being substituted by Hitesh Sarma, was a constant threat for the Singapore back-line and came close of scoring on several occasions.

India is slated to play the second International friendly on Wednesday (12th July).

MOHAMMEDAN SC TO ENTER RESIDENTIAL CAMP ON MONDAY

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club is scheduled to start a residential training camp in Kalyani on Monday (10th July), as a part of the preparations for the upcoming 2017/18 Calcutta Football League, starting next month.

The Team will enter the residential camp on the morrow at Hotel Lake Hall, Kalyani where they will have double sessions under the close guidance of head coach Biswajit Bhattcahrya to fine tune the players ahead of the big games.

“The preparations have been going very well and we will go into camp at Kalyani to speed up preparations for the Calcutta Football League,” team manager Belal Ahmed Khan told mohammedansportingindia.com before leaving Kolkata this morning.

The initial preparations kicked-off at Mohammedan Sporting Club Ground on 30th June with physical drills to evaluate fitness levels of players before starting full fledged training.

Black Panthers would also play a couple of pre-season friendlies during their stay at Kalyani.

MOHAMMEDAN SC SIGN KALU OGBA TO COMPLETE OVERSEAS QUOTA

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club is delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian midfielder Kalu Ogba Nnanna for the forthcoming Calcutta Football League.

The experienced play-maker joins the Black Panthers after spending the previous season at Southern Samity, and teams up with Aser Pierrick Dipanda and Richard Agwu Somtochukwu to complete the foreigner triad.

Known for his dogged displays in the middle of the park, Kalu can dictate the play both in attack and defense which shall immensely benefit the Biswajit Bhattacharya coached side.

Welcoming Kalu to the 126-year-old club, Hony. General Secretary Jb. Ghazal uz Zafar said: “Kalu comes with a lot of experience that will be very handy for us in the season ahead.”

“We have been keeping an eye on him, and with Southern Samity, he had a positive impact on their performance and we hope he will do even better with our club. We are glad to have him on our side and I wish him the best of luck,” he added.

Kalu began his Indian sojourn in 2007, when he joined Churchill Brothers from Nigeria-based Fadam United FC and helped the Red Machines win the I-League, IFA Shield, Durand Cup and the Goa Professional League once during his stay.

In 2010, Kalu switched his allegiance to Dempo Sports Club, before joining Sporting Clube de Goa next season. Kalu stayed at Sporting for four seasons and finished as the top goal scorer for the Panjim-based club twice in I-League.

MOHAMMEDAN SC BEGIN PRE-SEASON TRAINING FOR CFL

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club have started their pre-season training for the forthcoming Calcutta Football League at Mohammedan Sporting Ground in Kolkata from Friday (30 June, 2017).

The session began with an introductory period between the players, coaching staff and club officials, followed by some physical drills under the watchful eyes of newly appointed head coach Biswajit Bhattacharya, to evaluate fitness levels of players before starting full fledged training.

“I want to thank the club management for the opportunity they are giving me. Now I have only one way for returning their trust; squeeze all my energies to getting the best results for the team,” coach Bhattacharya told mohammedansportingindia.com after team’s first training session of the 2017/18 season.

A total of 32 players attended the session. However, a few among them are on trial, including two foreigners in John Nnannah and Shyla Suleman.

The club management has largely kept faith with the squad that became runners-up in the Calcutta Football League last season and boosted with some new additions, while few more are in advanced talks with the club.

“We have a bunch of players who are technically good and that is our strength. But personally I feel a lot of work needs to be done. I want to see the right intensity from players. They have to take responsibility and there has to be respect for each other. I believe that if we work together as a unit then this team can achieve success.” coach Bhattacharya added.

Apart from coach Bhattacharya, former India goalkeeper Partha Chakraborty has also joined the backroom staff as the goalkeeper coach.

Mohammedan Sporting Club Hony. General Secretary Jb. Ghazal uz Zafar said, “We have some exciting talent added to the team this year. Our performance in the last season will serve as a huge motivation for the entire team to repeat and take it a step further.”

The Black Panthers have already issued a statement of intent by signing 2016/17 I-League’s top scorer Aser Pierrick Dipanda and highly rated central defender Richard Agwu Somtochukwu.

The training session was watched by a sizable crowd of Mohammedan SC supporters, who had come in numbers to watch their favorite team in training.

MOHAMMEDAN SC INAUGURATES IT’S GYMNASIUM

KOLKATA: The Youth Development Committee of Mohammedan Sporting Club organized an Iftar party at the Mohammedan Sporting Club Tent on Saturday evening.

The occasion was graced by Jb. Latifuddin Najam, recipient of 2017 Shan-e-Mohammedan Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside Mohammedan Sporting Club President Jb. Sultan Ahmed, M.P, General Secretary Jb. Ghazal uz Zafar, Assistant General Secretary Jb. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Ground Secretary Jb. Mohammed Qamaruddin, Chairman of Technical Committee Shri. Dipendu Biswas MLA, Team Manager Jb. Belal Ahmed Khan and other executive committee members.

Also present on the occassion were Jb. Sharique Ahmed, Chairman of Youth Development Committee, Jb. Hasnain Ahmed, Vice-Chairman of Youth Development Committee.

Before Iftar, Mohammedan Sporting Club inaugurated the “Muhammad Ali Gymnasium” in honor of the Greatest Muhammad Ali. Thus, the 126-year-old club became the only second club in Kolkata maidan to have it’s own gymnasium.

The gymnasium was inaugurated by Jb. Latifuddin and Jb. Sultan Ahmed beside other officials.

Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting Club Fans Club took this opportunity to facilitate Jb. Latifuddin.

I OWE MY CAREER TO MY FATHER – LATIFUDDIN NAJAM

KOLKATA: Latifuddin Najam, the son of 1952 Helsinki Olympian Syed Khaja Moinuddin, was one of the most skilled players ever to step foot in Kolkata maidans. The Hyderabadi winger who helped the club to win many accolades during his 10-year-long stint, was conferred with Shan-e-Mohammedan (Lifetime Achievement Award) during club’s Iftar Party held at Haj House in Park Circus, Kolkata this evening.

Moments after getting the award, Latifuddin spoke on a variety of topics in an exclusive interview with mohammedansportingindia.com. EXCERPTS:

First of all congratulations on getting the Shan-e-Mohammedan. You have won many trophies in your career, but when you got this award, how much does it mean to you?

Latifuddin Najam: It is a great feeling that your services to the club have been recognized. I have always played for passion, and it was such a pleasure and joy to be able to do what I did. I never think of any awards while playing, but today I felt honored to receive this award from Mohammedan Sporting Club. I wish this award will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation to do their best for the club.

Let’s go back to the beginning of Latifuddin. How did you get into football?

Latifuddin Najam: To be honest I never truly believed that I would become a professional footballer when I first began to play as a child. I played the game because I loved it. When I realized that it was going to be my future, I started to practice more and playing seriously.

You are of course a role model to many around the country, but even a great footballer like yourself must have had a role model? 

Latifuddin Najam: My inspiration, role model whatever you want to call, has always been my father (Syed Khaja Moinuddin). He was one of the faces of Hyderabad football as well as Indian football, that many aspiring footballers looked up to for inspiration. I always spent time following him. He was my first coach and he taught me everything I know. I owe my career to my father. He always used to tell me whatever you do be honest with it. I think I have made him proud along the way.

 Who were some of your playing mates when you made your Mohammedan Sporting Club debut and how difficult was it getting into the team?

Latifuddin Najam: I first joined Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1970. I was 17 years old at the time and the players like Peter Thangaraj, Syed Nayeemuddin, Mohammad Habib, Sadatullah Khan, Syed Lateefuddin (Senior), Sardar Khan were there in the team. It was extremely difficult getting into the side as some of all time greats in Indian football were already there, but I patiently waited for my turn and when it came I grabbed it with both hands.

You were one of the most consistent players for Mohammedan Sporting Club during your stay. How difficult has it been to maintain consistency for such a long time?

Latifuddin Najam: It has been very difficult, this world is full of up’s and downs. There were many challenges along the way but with almighty Allah on your side, things worked out for me. I felt like I had divine help whenever I faced setbacks.

What are the high and low points of your career?

Latifuddin Najam: My highest points was me scoring the equalizing goal for India in the final of 1974 Asian Junior Championship. Going into the final against Iran, not many people gave us a chance but we had self belief and fought hard to earn a 2-2 draw and crowned joint winners.

I don’t think there was any low points in my career. However, there were some moments when I felt disappointed. One of them was not being able to win the Calcutta Football League for Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1975. I thought we had the best team that year and all of us were in good form but one bad match finished it all.

What do you think the reason behind Hyderabad football’s decline?

Latifuddin Najam: I think there are a lot of issues tied in there. We have administrative problems in Hyderabad football. Even players themselves may not be as focused as they should be. I suppose complacency would be a factor as well as the fact that we thought because we have always produced great players over the years, we don’t have to do much and they will keep turning up and by the time we realized that it’s not so easy, we were already on our way down the ladder. Hyderabad football have been the architect of it’s own decline, we really can’t blame anybody else.

What do you think of Indian Super League (ISL), what effect has ISL had on Indian football?

Latifuddin Najam: It has helped in many areas. It has given a lot of young players an opportunity to play against or with some of the top foreign players. It is a good innovation for Indian football because not only it bring new players in but it also bringing people back to Indian football.

You have brought great entertainment to fans all over the country for many years and we thank you for that and also for your time today in doing this interview.

Latifuddin Najam: My pleasure and many thanks to all of your readers and my fans for all the support and well wishes over the years.

MOHAMMEDAN SC CONFER LATIFUDDIN NAJAM WITH SHAN-E-MOHAMMEDAN IN IFTAR PARTY

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club bestowed the honour of the Shan-e-Mohammedan to Jb. Latifuddin Najam for his overall contributions towards the 126-year-old club.

The Shan-e-Mohammedan is the Lifetime Achievement Award of Mohammedan Sporting Club, which is awarded annually to respect and laud indispensable contribution of football players to the club.

“It is a great feeling that your services to the club have been recognized. I have always played for passion, and it was such a pleasure and joy to be able to do what I did. I never think of any awards while playing but today I felt honored to receive this award from Mohammedan Sporting Club. I wish this award will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation to do their best for the club,” Latifuddin said after receiving the award and a sum of Rs. 1 lakh respectively from the Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development Shri. Subrata Mukherjee and Mohammedan Sporting Club President Jb. Sultan Ahmed, M.P. at the Iftar Party organized by Mohammedan Sporting Club at Haj House in Park Circus, Kolkata on Friday.

Also present on the occassion were Shri. Dipendu Biswas MLA alongside Mohammedan Sporting Club Working President Jb. Jameel Manzar, General Secretary Jb. Ghazal Zafar, Assistant General Secretary Jb. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Ground Secretary Jb. Mohammed Qamaruddin, Team Manager Jb. Belal Ahmed Khan and all other executive committee members.

Mohammedan Sporting Club to confer Shan-e-Mohammedan on Latifuddin Najam

KOLKATA: The Executive Committee of Mohammedan Sporting Club has unanimously decided to confer the prestigious Shan-e-Mohammedan on legendary Indian footballer Jb. Latifuddin Najam, who will be feted at club’s Iftar Party on June 23, 2017 at Mohammedan Sporting Club Ground.

The Shan-e-Mohammedan is the Lifetime Achievement Award of Mohammedan Sporting Club, which is awarded annually to respect and laud indispensable contribution of football players to the 126-year-old club.

Latifuddin, the son of 1952 Helsinki Olympian Jb. Syed Khaja Moinuddin, was a useful winger who could play on both flanks. Latifuddin began his career at Andhra Pradesh Police Team before moving to Kolkata in 1970 with Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Having spent a couple of seasons at Mohammedan Sporting Club, Latifuddin switched his allegiance to East Bengal in 1972. However, he returned to Mohammedan Sporting Club very next year and stayed till 1980.

During his second spell with Mohammedan Sporting Club, he formed a lethal strike force with the likes of Mohammed Habib, Mir Sajjad and Mohammed Akbar, that helped the Black Panthers to win many accolades in 70s.

In 1981, Latifuddin again joined East Bengal before returning to Mohammedan Sporting Club for one last time in his career in 1982.

Latifuddin has bacame the top scorer in 1976 Calcutta Football League with 22 goals, a feat that has only achieved by 11 other Mohammedan Sporting Club footballers since the inception of Calcutta Football League in 1898.

The Hyderabadi has also enjoyed a lot of success in his international career. He was a prominent member of the India junior team that were joint winners of the 1974 AFC U-19 Championship in Thailand, which was known as Asian Junior Championship then.

Latifuddin scored a goal in the final which ended in a 2-2 draw against Iran and both teams were declared as joint winners.

He was also a part of the senior India team in 1974 Mardeka Cup, where he scored against Indonesia in a match which India lost in tie-breaker.

“When I started playing I just wanted be like my father. He was my idol, he always used to tell me whatever you do in your life do with honesty. I think I have made him proud along the way.” Latifuddin told mohammedansportingindia.com from Hyderabad.

“I played the game for passion and never think of any awards but today I felt honoured to recieve this award from a club which is closest to my heart.” he added.

Youth Development Vice Chairman Organizes Iftar Party

KOLKATA: The Vice Chairman of Mohammedan Sporting Club Youth Development and grandson of former Club General Secretary Lt. Ibrahim Ali Mollah, Hasnain Ahmed organized an Iftar Party at Sufia Court Shamsul Huda Road in Park Circus, Kolkata on Sunday.

The occasion was graced by MSC General Secretary Ghazal uz Zafar, Youth Development Chairman Sharique Ahmed, Team Manager Belal Ahmed Khan, Assistant Team Manager MD. Javed, 2016 Santosh Trophy winning captain Rana Gharami, Former India international Zaheer Abbas Hamza, Footballer Kamran Farooque and Alexandre Tabbilon.

Rana Gharami signs extension at Mohammedan SC

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club have signed defensive mainstay Rana Gharami on a new deal that keeps him with the Black Panthers till the end of the 2017/18 Calcutta Football League.

“I am very happy to sign for Mohammedan SC once again. I have enjoyed every minute of the two seasons that I have spent here. We missed out on the CFL title last year and I hope to make Mohammedan SC fans proud this year by winning it,” Rana said.

Having joined Mohammedan SC in 2015 from Kalighat Milan Sangha, the 25-year-old formed a solid partnership at the back with then first team captain Kareem Omolaja Nurain. After Kareem’s departure from the club mid-season, Rana grew on his own and became the leader of the back-line, making key tackles, interceptions and clearances relentlessly.

Possessing good amount of strength and with a no nonsense approach, Rana was made the first team captain in 2016/17 season, and under his leadership the Black Panthers became runners-up of Calcutta Football League after 8 years before lifting the title in Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup after 36 years.

His consistent performances for Mohammedan SC did not only earn him a spot in the Bengal state team for 71st Santosh Trophy, but also chosen to lead the team in the competition where the state team crowned champions without conceding a single goal in the entire final round held at Goa in February.