Calcutta: Chima Okorie was an integral part of Mohun Bagan when the green-and-maroon brigade won the maiden National League, way back in March of 1998. He finished as the highest scorer for Mohun Bagan scoring nine goals. In fact he got a hat-trick in Bagan's last match against Mahindra & Mahindra at the Salt Lake Stadium.
And now, as Bagan get ready to bring home the title for the first time since 2000-2001, the hero of the maiden triumph thinks Sanjay Sen's boys should not do anything extravagant at Bengaluru FC, on Sunday.
"They should not try too many things. They should stick to the basics and not let Bengaluru FC dictate terms. That's very important - not allowing your rival even an inch," Chima said on Friday.
For Chima, it's not the foreign quartet of Sony Norde, Pierre Boya, Katsumi Yusa and Bello Rasaq who hold the key to Bagan's chances. Instead he put his money on the two midfielders Sehnaz Singh and Bikramjit Singh. "They were excellent throughout the I-League and much will depend on how they perform on that day. Talking about Sony, I think he hasn't even given half of what he is capable of. He is an excellent player and I just hope he raises his game by a few notches on Sunday," the Nigerian said.
Chima refuses to believe that if Bagan win on Sunday, that will mean the end of Goa's domination in the I-League. "No, Goa still have the edge over Calcutta. I know Bengaluru FC are the reigning champions, but the teams from Goa now rule Indian football. For the balance to shift, Calcutta teams will have to consistently win the title for the next four to five years," he said.
Dipendu Biswas, another vital cog in the Bagan wheel in 1997-98, also thinks it's too early to say that there has been a shift in power.
According to Dipendu, Bagan should not go for a draw. "I have a feeling they might go for a point. If that happens, then Bengaluru FC will walk away with the title. Sanjay Sen should treat this match as a 90-minute final and go for a win<>," he said.
Dipendu felt sorry for goalkeeper Debjit Majumder who could not travel with the team due to an injury. "It's sad. He has been brilliant this I-League. So if Bagan have the last laugh on Sunday, it will not be just for a Sony or a Boya. Debjit also should get the accolades," he said.
