Kolkata: The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup is poised for a grand ceremonial start at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, with local favourites and defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant taking on Downtown Heroes of Srinagar in a Group A encounter in the tournament opener.
Downtown Heroes FC, a club now in its fourth year, will bring a fresh perspective to the competition with their focus on nurturing young homegrown talent.Despite a relatively brief history, they made their Durand Cup debut last season and participated in the 2022-23 I-League Division 2.
Mohun Bagan enter the tournament as reigning champions, buoyant after clinching the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield last season. Coach Bastab Roy stated that players from the reserve side will mainly take the field on Saturday. “We are not taking the rivals lightly as they are an unknown unit,” he pointed out.
The champions are known to start slow in the season opener and the Heroes will be looking to do an encore. The Srinagar side’s captain Basit Ahmed exuded confidence and pride ahead of the game.
“We are ready to make all the Kashmiri people and also all the clubs in Kashmir proud as we are participating in this year’s Durand Cup. We are very happy and proud to participate in this prestigious tournament and we are working very hard to perform and give our best,” said Ahmed.IANS