PANJIM: Goa’s most favourite and one of the senior footballers of the nation, Mandar Rao Dessai is all set to join the Red-and-Gold Brigade of East Bengal FC on a one-year deal. He will join on a free transfer, and will be with the club till the end of the 2023-24 season.
Emami East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat explained how Mandar’s vast experience will benefit his team. “In Mandar, we have an experienced player who has also captained his teams in the past and will add a lot of value to our team.”
Left-back Mandar, who became the first player to make 100 Hero ISL appearances in 2020, hopes to play a pivotal role in the Red-and-Golds’ resurgence.
It was very tough for East Bengal to secure the services of Mandar. Odisha FC enquired about his availability and was desperate in securing his services.
However, it was East Bengal who emerged victorious. Coach Cuadrat will definitely try to utilize his speedy overlaps and excellent footwork. However, his tendency to keep the ball too much with him can be a problem.
“It feels great to join East Bengal. It’s a new challenge for me and I want to contribute to the team in whatever capacity is required of me. Coach Cuadrat is a fine tactician and wonderful human being. I am glad to get another opportunity to play under him. I can’t wait to wear the Red-and-Gold jersey and help the team win,” said the 31-year-old Mandar who has won the ISL Winners’ Shield with FC Goa, and two League Winners’ Shields and an ISL title with Mumbai City FC.
