Kolkata, (IANS) Having laid their hands on the national title after 13 long years, I-League winners Mohun Bagan will now aim to clinch the domestic league — Calcutta Football League Premier Division, coach Sanjoy Sen said on Thursday.
“We took 13 years to be national champions. The wait has been long. But for the Calcutta League, we hope the wait will not be more than five years,” Sen said after their first day of training.
Bagan have not won the league in the last five years but are strong contenders this time around, specially after the I-League triumph that has boosted their confidence.
The 29-time champions will, however, face a strong challenge from arch rivals East Bengal who will be eyeing a record-equalling six back-to-back titles.
The 36-time champions East Bengal, in their first match of the CFL, will lock horns against Tollygunge Agragami on August 8, while Mohun Bagan will kickstart their campaign against Mohammedan Sporting.
The historic Kolkata derby, the first of the season on September 6, will also be the first match played on the newly laid grass surface of the Salt Lake stadium.