Mohammedan Sporting Club’s journey in the ongoing ISL (Indian Super League) has been topsy-turvy. They started with a narrow loss followed by a draw, but Andrey Chernyshov’s boys received praise for the football they have been showcasing since day 1. They even won a game away in Chennai by a fine margin. However, the Black Panthers had to suffer a 3-0 defeat in the Kolkata Derby to Mohun Bagan Super Giants. Since then, they lost their other two games in the league, 2-1 to Kerala Blasters and an astonishing 4-0 against Hyderabad FC.
We often talk about winning mentality and how athletes’ mental health is directly related to their performance. Their back-to-back defeats have received much backslash from the fans. There was even an unpleasant incident where a few Mohammedan SC fans threw bottles and crackers at the Kerala Blasters’ players during their match at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Such incidents show that the fans are getting restless and the players need to get back to winning ways.
In a bid to address the mental toll of the players and rekindle a positive spirit within the squad, the Mohammedan SC management and their investors, Shrachi Sports, took an extraordinary step. They organised a shopping getaway at Manyavar, South City Mall, Kolkata, allowing players and coaches to pick their favourite Indian ethnic wear on the club’s dime. After the shopping spree, the team enjoyed lunch together at Mainland China Restaurant, followed by an informal get-together at a high-rise housing complex later that night. The initiative aimed to provide the team with a day of camaraderie, relaxation, and enjoyment, away from the pressures of competition.
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EXCLUSIVE
“It’s time we stay united as a team; good times will come” – Mohammedan Sporting Chairman Rahul Todi.
Following a tough 0-4 loss to Hyderabad FC, Coach Chernyshov and Dipendu Biswas are optimistic the Black Panthers will bounce back.
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“In good times, everyone is by your side”, said Rahul Todi, MD, Shrachi Sports. “It is important to stay with your team during tough times. We brought the players here so that they can enjoy.”
“During the Hyderabad game, for whatever reasons, the team looked mentally fatigued”, expressed Todi. “We consulted Dr Asish Kaushik, mental conditioning coach and he said be with the team and make them feel at ease”, explained Todi, how the thought of this shopping getaway came to mind. “As it was Diwali also, we thought this to be the best way to celebrate.”
Head coach, Andrey Chernyshov expressed his appreciation towards this thoughtful gesture by the club management. “It is very important that the players stay together and do activities together to improve the team chemistry”, said Chernyshov. “This is an excellent step and I can see the boys enjoying themselves.” The Russian coach expressed gratitude towards the club management and the investors for being with the team at this time. “When you win, everyone will praise but once you start losing, there will be no one”, expressed Chernyshov. “I am grateful to Mr. Rahul Todi and the club management for organising this session for the squad.”
Club manager, Dipendu Biswas, a former legend of the club, with rich experience representing all three Kolkata giants, also expressed gratitude for this event. “I remember days when we had to take police protection while going back home after losing a match”, said Biswas. “Those are the toughest days a player could face.”
“This is something unique for me in my good two decades of being an active member of Kolkata football”, said Biswas in a thankful tone. “I am sure the boys will be in a much better mental state after this day and will be back stronger.”
The Black Panthers play East Bengal in their next ISL fixture on November 9th. With both teams sitting at the bottom of the league table, it will be an interesting clash to see who gets the better of the other. While the outcome remains to be seen, Mohammedan SC’s unique approach to supporting their players during tough times has already set a positive example, showing the importance of maintaining morale and solidarity in adversity.
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