Durand Cup 2022: “The ISL teams are good and so am I”

After shaking off a two-decade long slumber, the Muhammadan Sports Club (MDSC) is now in the midst of a revival. At the vanguard of their renewed vigor on the field is their Trinidadian goalkeeper Marcus Joseph, who has been on a goal-scoring spree during his time in India.

Joseph won the Golden Boot award in the Durand Cup and I-League last season, helping Muhammadan finish runners-up in both competitions. The 31-year-old also led his team to victory in the Kolkata Premier Football League (CFL) 2021 Division A with goals in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

As the new season kicks off with the 131st edition of the Durand Cup, the Mohammedan faithful are counting on their heartthrob Joseph to end their nine-year title drought in Asia’s oldest football tournament. The Black and White Brigade last won the Durand crown in 2013 under the tutelage of Sanjoy Sen.

Rewarding his persistence, Mohammedan officials appointed Joseph as their new captain earlier this week. Flourishing in his new role, the Trinidad and Tobago international created several good chances and scored a stoppage-time goal in Mohamedan’s 3-1 win over reigning champions FC Goa (FCG) in their Durand Cup opener 2022 on Tuesday, August 16, in Kolkata. Salt Lake Stadium.

A win in their second Group A match against Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC (JFC) on Sunday, August 21, will further strengthen the chances of Andrey Chernyshov and Co. to reach the knockout.

In one exclusive chat with Sportskeeda a day before the match, Joseph, who previously won the Durand Cup in 2019 with Gokulam Kerala FC (GKFC), spoke about the captaincy, his chances of retaining the Durand Cup Golden Boot and his impressive record against the other two giants of Kolkata, East. Bengal and Mohun Bagan. He also played a quick round with us.

Here are the excerpts:

Q: After a long hiatus, how does it feel to come back to Kolkata and get the love of so many Mohammedan fans again?

Joseph: It’s always a great feeling to have the fans on your side. No matter how many goals you score, the most important thing is to help your team win and make the fans happy.

Q: You were in great form last season. How were your interactions with the club and investors at the end of the season and what convinced you to continue with Muhammad?

Joseph: Investors [BunkerHill] and the club officials are good people and I share a great relationship with them. When I have so much support from them, why not stick with Muhammadan for next season and many more seasons to come?

Q: You were the top scorer in the Durand Cup and I-League last season. In fact, no one has scored more goals than you in the Durand Cup since 2019. With all the ISL teams involved, how challenging will it be for Marcus Joseph to score more goals in this year’s Durand Cup?

Joseph: For me, results depend on how you play on a given day. I prepare to give the best result on every match day. ISL teams are good and so am I. If we stay focused and create enough chances, I will take those chances and make the most of them.

Q: Although Group A looks tough on paper, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC are playing their reserve teams. In this scenario, what are Muhammadan’s chances of getting knocked out?

Joseph: I don’t differentiate between the first team and the reserves. Players are players. It is a great platform for emerging players to grow and showcase their skills.

Q: After a long time, the three giants of Kolkata are competing in the same tournament. You had a good record against East Bengal and Mohun Bagan during your stay at Gokulam. How eager are you to face them again?

Joseph: As I said, in football, results depend on the day of the game. I am very happy to have excellent statistics against these two big clubs. It is a great feeling for any player to perform so well against East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Q: Caribbean people generally have a relaxed attitude towards life. How did you get the captain? How special was it to score in your first game as regular Mohammedan captain?

Joseph: It is difficult for any player, let alone a captain, to start the new season with one goal. I wouldn’t say Caribbean people are quiet. You just have to be comfortable first and everything gets easier after that.

Rapid fire round

Q: Things you missed most about Muhammadan while in Trinidad?

My colleagues. Without them, I could not have achieved so much success. I am very happy to be around them.

Q: Your favorite sport besides football?

Cricket (smiles).

Question: Who is your best friend in the Mohammedan camp?

My best friends in the Mohammedan team now are Pritam Singh and Milan Singh.

Q: Your favorite cuisine in Kolkata?

I love Kolkata style chicken and mutton biryanis.

Q: A nickname you want Mohammedan fans to cheer you by?

Sniper of the Caribbean, as they say already. I love the nickname (laughs)!