Mohun Bagan’s emphatic victory over Kerala Blasters and their progression to the Super Cup semi-final once again highlights the farsightedness of their management. While other teams are chasing glory, Mohun Bagan — having already sealed the ISL title — are busy laying the foundation for next season.
Across the world, successful teams often plant the seeds long before they enjoy the rewards. In recent years, Mohun Bagan’s management has followed the same path, doing a phenomenal job at the backstage. The results are already visible — and their future looks even brighter.
The ongoing Super Cup campaign is a perfect example. While other ISL clubs are fielding their strongest squads in pursuit of the trophy, Mohun Bagan — having already secured a spot in the next AFC Champions League 2 — are using the tournament to give opportunities to players who didn’t get much game time during the ISL, as well as to their developmental talents who recently triumphed in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL).
Their motto is clear: create a platform for everyone. Senior players like Sahal Abdul Samad, Deepak Tangri, and Ashique Kuruniyan — who didn’t feature regularly in Jose Molina’s ISL starting XI — have been given the chance to showcase their ability. Alongside them, young prospects like Salahuddin Adnan, Suhail Bhat, and Amandeep Bhan, whom the management see as future stars, are also being nurtured.
And in the opening match against Kerala Blasters, every single one of them showed that when given a chance, they are more than capable of delivering at the highest level.
In other words, Mohun Bagan have already begun their homework for the next season. Even Bastob Roy, the interim head coach for the Super Cup, emphasised this after the win against Kerala Blasters,
“We are happy with the win, but I am even happier because our boys will now get another match against a strong opponent to prove themselves.”
One of the standout features of this Super Cup campaign has been the promising return of Sahal Samad and Ashique. Both players, whose seasons were marred by injury setbacks, have made a resounding comeback. Their performances against Kerala Blasters, especially, were a testament to their grit and determination. The duo was a constant menace down the flanks, reminding everyone why the management had so much faith in them despite their injury troubles.
Ashique, who returned from a long ACL injury layoff, was nurtured carefully by the club throughout his rehabilitation. Sahal, too, missed crucial games due to fitness issues but always had the management’s backing. The performance of both players against Kerala not only justified that faith but also gave a glimpse of what they can offer at full fitness.
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan have been equally shrewd in spotting and nurturing young talents like Salahuddin, Suhail, and Amandeep.
Take Salahuddin for example. He emerged as one of the standout players during the previous RFDL campaign while playing for Muthoot FA. Recognising his potential early, Mohun Bagan moved swiftly to sign him. Against Kerala Blasters, Salahuddin produced a Man of the Match performance, proving he can be a proper alternative to Manvir Singh when needed.
Similarly, Amandeep and Suhail — both graduates of the Indian Arrows program — were signed promptly after showing promise in the I-League.
We often celebrate Mohun Bagan’s recent trophies — back-to-back ISL Shields and two ISL Cups. But it is important to understand that these achievements are not just the result of what happens during a season; they are the rewards of the long-term groundwork laid behind the scenes by a visionary management.
The backstories of players like Sahal, Ashique, Salahuddin, Suhail and Amandeep are shining examples of what truly sets this team apart from the rest.
Also Read: Sahal, Ashique, Salahudheen : The Kerala-Trio That Outclassed Kerala Blasters