Kolkata giants East Bengal have kicked off their season in style, registering three consecutive wins in the ongoing Durand Cup and securing a place in the knockout stages. The team looks revitalised, with the new signings—Mohammed Rashid, Miguel Fereira, and Hamid Yahdad—already making an impact. Rashid, in particular, has impressed in the defensive-midfield role, which was an area of concern in previous seasons.
Former India midfielder Alvito D’Cunha, in an interaction with RevSportz, shared his thoughts on the promising start, stating, “East Bengal’s early success in the Durand Cup is encouraging, but it is important to recognise that their group-stage opponents—South United, Namdhari, and Indian Air Force—aren’t considered top-tier teams. The real test for East Bengal will come in the knockout stages and Indian Super League (ISL) season, where the level of competition will be significantly higher.”
Speaking about the new foreign recruits, D’Cunha said, “Mohammed Rashid, Miguel Fereira, and Hamid Yahdad—have all shown promise. Rashid, in particular, has stepped up brilliantly in the defensive-midfield role, an area that was a clear weakness in previous seasons. He could well be the game-changer for East Bengal this season. Both Miguel and Hamid have had a solid start, but they’ll need more time to fully adapt and settle into the squad. One setback and the same voices cheering them now may quickly turn critical.”
East Bengal appear to be shaping up as serious contenders this season, thanks in large part to their squad depth and strategic signings. The Red-and-Golds have added key players, including India international and former Mumbai City star Bipin Singh, as well as Jay Mehta, though the latter is yet to link up with the team.
“Bipin has made a strong start, already netting two goals,” said D’Cunha. “However, what truly counts is how he performs once the ISL season begins. A major positive for the team this year is their strong bench strength—something reminiscent of the days when Subhash Bhowmick was at the helm. This depth will foster healthy competition within the squad. Bipin, a seasoned campaigner, has consistently delivered for Mumbai City. Still, his real test will come during the ISL, when the level of competition intensifies.”
The Durand Committee is set to hold a draw on Tuesday to determine the quarterfinal fixtures. There is speculation that both Kolkata giants could face off despite topping their respective groups, A and B.
“The tournament committee will always hope for a final featuring the two Kolkata giants,” said D’Cunha. “However, if one of them fails in the quarter-finals, fans miss out on the spectacle of a much-anticipated derby. Personally, I’ve always looked forward to playing in such high-stakes encounters. The players must understand the legacy and responsibility that comes with wearing these iconic jerseys.
“There have been times in the past when we’ve defeated a full-strength Mohun Bagan side that included stars like Barreto and others. No doubt, the pressure will be on East Bengal, especially considering Mohun Bagan’s strong performances in recent seasons. But I’m hopeful that Oscar Bruzon and his squad can finally break the jinx this time around.”
This season promises to deliver a close and intense rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, given the strength of both squads. “Ultimately, what counts is how you perform during those 90 minutes on the pitch,” said D’Cunha. “Mohun Bagan has retained the core of their squad from the past two seasons and have bolstered it further with the addition of Abhishek Tekcham Singh. The outcome of a derby is never easy to predict — it’s the kind of match that creates stars for the future.”
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