WELCOME KAHN - TO THE CITY OF JOY

PIC :@KUMAR BASU of www.kolkatafootball.com

My main aim for this match to score a goal against Oli kahn : Habibur 26.05.2008 : Abhishek Bhattacharyya : In 2002,Oliver Kahn won the Golden Ball for his outstanding performance in Fifa World Cup in Korea-Japan.His performance have inspired millions over the world. One of them was current Mohun Bagan Defender Habibur Rehman Mondal. Habibur Rehman Mondal was a TFA protégé and has toured in Germany & England in his early career.He was the member of the TFA squad that won the IAN RUSH Trophy in Wales. He also played against teams like FC Koln in Germany and has played for the three important Kolkata clubs-East Bengal, Mohmmaden Club and now the Mariners & have played for them in National League & Kolkata League.He has also represented the national team & has scored 11 career goals for the clubs he played for . He was not even born when King Pele came to India but now when King Kahn has arrived in Kolkata to take on the Green-Maroon brigade on May 27th,Habibur who will be a important first team player for the Mariners in this match is eagerly waiting for the match day to come. We caught up with the 23-year old Bagan defender Habibur Rehman Mondal as he expressed his excitement before the match through our website www.kolkatafootball.com. Q):Your thoughts on Bayern Munich coming to Kolkata. HABIBUR:I m really excited.I just can’t wait anymore to take on this German side.It will be a dream come true for me as I will be playing against one of my favourite player Oliver Kahn. Q):Your thoughts on Oliver Kahn playing his last match in Kolkata. HABIBUR:I still remember the 2002 Fifa World Cup,Oliver Kahn was a monster of a Goalkeeper no one could get past him and this Tuesday my dream will come true of playing against this German Giant.I was not even born when Pele came to kolkata but after 27th May I can say that I played against the great Oliver Kahn.I am eagerly waiting to take on Oli Kahn & Co.My main aim for this match to score a goal against Oli kahn. Q):Are you feeling sad that Oliver Kahn is retitiring? HABIBUR:Well yes he is a great player and has inspired me a lot but everything has to come to an end oneday & I think he has taken the right decision as I believe a player should retire while he is in the peak of his form.But we will always remember his contribution towards this beautiful game called Football. Q):His preparation for the match. HABIBUR:I am preparing myself more mentally for this match.Ofcourse physical training is important but it’s a big match for all of us so you need to be mentally prepared to face big teams like this. Q):In 1977 Mohun Bagan did well to end the match on level terms against Pele & Cosmos.Do you think you people can also do the same thing? HABIBUR:Well,I believe we can.The whole team is practising hard under Satyajit Chatterjee and there are some new 7-8 players that will be playing in this game.They are from TFA and I can tell you onething players coming out from TFA has always performed well and we are very much charged up to take on Bayern Munich.I am confident that we will give them a hard run for their money. Q):Your plans for the upcoming season. HABIBUR:Well just like every player I have only one aim to play well for my team whether it is for Mohun Bagan or for the national team.I have been practicing very hard and I am very much focused and I hope that the next season will be a good one for me. Q):A messege for the young footballers who want to make it big. HABIBUR:Love the game and just be mad about it.Don’t think about the monetary gains just be proud of what you are.One must be very proud of being a footballer as it is one of the oldest game in this planet.Also pratice hard & believe in God and then you will surely succeed.