Sudeep Pakrashi:
Lal Kamal Bhowmick, the former India international and presently a licensed coach is accepting the challenge of his maiden innings as the full-time coach of Bengal’s premier football team, United Sports Club this season.
Bhowmick had begun coaching with Pathachakra United, another team of United SC last season in the CFL Premier Division. But, despite the obstacles, Bhowmick sounded optimistic about his establishment as a coach in the Bengal football fraternity while speaking to Parallel Sports recently.
With only two weeks left for the commencement of the CFL Premier Division this season, Bhowmick explained, “We could not get enough time for the preparation. Additionally, some of our key footballers who played second division I-League last season could be missing as they have joined their respective offices recently. Still, I am hopeful that the footballers who will be seen in action will deliver their best to maintain the brand value of United SC and their effort will ultimately help me to establish as a coach in future.”
United SC will surely miss Tarak Hembram, the central midfielder in the CFL this season as he is an employee of Railway and he will be seen in action for Railway FC in the CFL this season. So, in a bid to fill up his absence, the club will have experienced midfielder and striker Mohammed Rafique in the CFL this season. Coach opined, “His joining will surely give us confidence. His experience will motivate the team’s other footballers to deliver their best also.”
Rafique who started his professional career with United SC in 2010 joined Chennaiyin FC in 2022. But due to an injury, he could play only in two matches for the team. Then he left the franchise team in 2024 and joined Diamond Harbour FC although not being able to recover from the injury fully. The 34-year-old midfielder finally, having recovered from injury has decided to play for his old team in the CFL this season.
Nabab claimed, “Sixteen footballers from our team have got employment recently. Except for Tarak and Sanjib Mondol, we will have all others in the CFL. Additionally, Rafique’s joining must strengthen the side. The significant part is that most of our opposition teams in the CFL this season have made formidable investments to make strong teams where we are in a disadvantageous position. Still, I am hopeful that under Lal Kamal’s tutelage team will deliver an impressive show.”
United SC will start their campaign in the CFL this season against Aryan FC.
