Gangtok, Feb. 29: The Cape Town-based Santos FC is expected to meet India’s national team in an exhibition match at the Paljor stadium here on March 9.

The chief co-ordinator of the event, Karma Yougal, said the match was being organised by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) to felicitate homeboy Bhaichung Bhutia for having bagged the Padmashri award this year. The SFA will organise a special ceremony during the match to congratulate the Tinkitam Express.

Yougal said it was almost confirmed that both the teams would reach the state capital on March 8 and play the exhibition match the next day.

Yougal also said the SFA general secretary, Menla Ethenpa, is in Calcutta for necessary arrangements. The Santos FC is in Calcutta to participate in the IFA Shield tournament. He added that even if Santos FC reached the final scheduled for March 7, they would leave for Sikkim the next day. Yougal added that Bhutia and his teammates would reach Gangtok on March 8. Santos FC has already won their first match against Mahindra United in the IFA Shield tournament.

Thanks to the SFA, football lovers here will get a chance to watch Bhutia and the team take on the relatively young team, but considered to be a premier one, from South Africa, on home turf.

Plans are afoot to give a reception to the teams at the Bagdogra airport, Rangpo and Singtam.

Bhaichung’s home club, United Sikkim Sporting Club, will also felicitate him.