Sandip says he needs support to produce quality goalkeepers from Bengal; thankful to Rajasthan United FC
Sudeep Pakrashi: The ASEAN Cup-winning goalkeeper finally acquired the best coaching degree in goalkeeping which is ‘level-3’. A couple of more experienced goalkeepers like Subhashis Roy Chowdhury, Abhijit Mondol, Lalit Thapa, and Binoy Singh acquired the top goalkeeping coaching degree, making themselves eligible to join ISL clubs in the future. The 50-year-old custodian, while speaking to Parallel Sports revealed, “I completed a level-2 goalkeeping degree five years ago. The level-3 course is hardly conducted in India. Finally, it happened in Shillong and the result came out on 30th May.” Sandip has a desire and in a bid to fulfil the desire the former India international custodian seeks support. “I appeared before an interview at East Bengal Club for the post of goalkeeper coach although I do not know whether I will be selected finally. But if I am given the opportunity I want the support from the club as I desire to produce quality goalkeepers from Bengal.” Sandip gave hints that a couple of more ISL clubs expressed willingness to rope in. “But I want to join East Bengal as I spent my golden time here.” Sandip however expressed thankfulness to Rajasthan United FC where he worked as the goalkeeping coach last season. “After starting my career as a goalkeeping coach in 2019, Rajasthan United FC was the first and only club that acknowledged my contribution as a goalkeeping coach. I am thankful to them.”
Rohit Sharma congratulates Angelo Mathews, who says goodbye to Test after his 119th match
Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Mathews is playing his final Test and former India captain Rohit Sharma sent him a heartfelt message before that. Mathews posted a video on his Instagram stories in which Rohit can be seen congratulating him on his career. He is calling time on a career that has spanned 118 Test matches, in Galle, where he made his debut in the format and played his 100th Test as well. “Hey Angie, congratulations on your fantastic career,” said Rohit, who had announced his own Test retirement on May 7. “Over the years we had some pretty good battles from our under-19 days to now. You’ve been a true servant for your nation and I’m pretty sure everyone back at home appreciates what you’ve done for your country,” Rohit said. Mathews admitted that part of the reason he decided to play only the first of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh was due to the lack of long-form cricket for Sri Lanka this year. Sri Lanka will be playing just four Tests in 2025 – their lowest number of Tests in a calendar year since 2013 outside of the Covid-curtailed 2020. Mathews said that the younger players are urging for more Test matches. “I think it’s quite sad, to be honest,” he said before the match. “I mean, the younger generation are urging for more Test cricket. Test cricket is obviously the pinnacle of cricket. We all should push for more Tests. These guys are so enthusiastic about Test cricket.
