In a bid to enhance their performance, Mohammedan Sporting now hopes on relying on their newly-signed Argentine striker Alexis Gomez this season. The team will kick off its campaign in the Durand Cup on Saturday at Kishore Bharati Stadium against Mumbai Indians. 

According to coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Alexis is yet to gain the match-fitness as he took part in the team's preparatory match against Chennai City FC for the first 45 minutes only. Still, he impressed the coach with his ball-control and skill, however. 

Dipendu Biswas, the club's football secretary who himself a prolific striker is also impressed by Alexis commenting, "He is a quality footballer, not opportunistic exactly. Rather he likes to hold on to the ball, creating attacks with incisive passing ability. He is also deft in converting set pieces to goals. I believe, once regaining the match-fitness he can be effective.” Alexis played in 11 matches in the I-League for Sudeva FC last season and scored eight goals and made three assists.

Along with Alexis, the Black Panthers is also likely to field its two more foreigners on Saturday, Mirjalol Kasimov, the midfielder from Uzbekistan who represented Neroca FC last season, and a central defender from Ghana. 

According to the coach, most of the footballers, participating in the ongoing CFL Premier Division are likely to take part in the Durand Cup where they reached the final two years ago. Only Beneston Bareto, the Goan striker who has been good touch in the CFL Premier Division will not be available due to a groin injury.