A long wait is finally over for Mohun Bagan’s Portuguese defender Nuno Reis. The experienced centre-back is all set to make his debut for the Green and Maroon brigade in the Super Cup quarter-final against Kerala Blasters.
Nuno joined Mohun Bagan last year as their seventh foreign player, with hopes of making an impact in the AFC Cup. However, with the Indian Super League allowing only six foreigners to be registered in the matchday squad, he didn’t get the nod for ISL games. And when Mohun Bagan were forced to withdraw from the AFC Cup due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, Nuno’s much-anticipated debut had to be shelved.
Despite all this, Nuno remained the consummate professional. Though not part of the official squad, he was always present at training sessions, pushing his team-mates and helping them prepare. But come matchday, all he could do was watch the game from the VIP stands — a silent supporter.
“It’s always difficult to watch the team playing and not being able to help,” Nuno shared on the eve of the big match.
“I just tried to stay as professional as I could. I knew I couldn’t play in the ISL. I had come in with the Champions League mindset. Unfortunately, we were knocked out early. So I just focused on keeping myself fit. And now, finally, I have the opportunity to at least get a few minutes under my belt.”
However, Nuno’s wait was further extended due to a health setback. He had to undergo appendix surgery midway through the season. But again, the Portuguese defender bounced back strongly, recovering just in time for the Super Cup campaign.
Also Read : Football Stands Still for Pahalgam: Teams in Kalinga Super Cup Show Solidarity in Silence
“I’m totally fine now. I just needed about a month of light training and rest, like any normal person would after such a surgery. But I’m fully fit now. I also have to say thank you to everyone who helped me through that painful phase.”
And now, in the quarter-final against a full-strength Kerala Blasters side, Nuno is expected to be the lone foreigner representing Mohun Bagan — a huge responsibility and a big moment for the defender.
“As I said before, I just tried to stay fit and waited for the right opportunity to enjoy football again — on the pitch. And now that moment has finally arrived. Tomorrow, I get to enjoy myself again.”
The clash against Kerala Blasters won’t be easy. The Blasters have been in fine form, with Noah Sadaoui looking particularly dangerous. The Moroccan forward recently tormented East Bengal — earning a penalty and scoring a screamer — and will be a major threat.
“I know Kerala is a very intense team. They’re aggressive, they press well, and they always try to play positive football. I think it will be a great game between two good teams,” said Nuno, assessing the challenge ahead.
For Mohun Bagan, and for Nuno Reis personally, this match is more than just a knockout tie — it’s a chance to finally take the field, to show his quality, and to be more than just a silent presence on the sidelines. After months of waiting, he’s ready to wear the Green and Maroon with pride — this time, on the pitch.