“Our aim is to win the Durand Cup and get ready for ISL,” says Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke

Mumbai City FC will be looking to replicate their AFC Champions League form next season as they look to grow as a force under head coach Des Buckingham. The Islanders will start their season with the Durand Cup as defender Rahul Bheke is looking forward to the new season that starts with the prestigious event. The Mumbai local boy has won the Durand Cup in the past with his former team Air India, Bhekee wants to achieve that with Mumbai City FC aswell this season as they are set to make their debut at the Durand Cup this year.

The Islanders are all set to open their campaign against the Indian Navy at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Thursday. Before the match, Bheke was present at the press conference where he highlighted several topics regarding his club and the tournament as a whole.

Bheke who was once considered as a promising youngster shared how things have changed in the last few years and how he has become a senior player in the club. He highlighted how he provides guidance to the juniors and will be looking to play with responsibility as they get on the pitch. “We had a great campaign in Saudi Arabia, and now as a senior I look forward to having a great season this year too. I look forward to guiding the juniors, we have a good set of players where there is a mixture of juniors as well as seniors. As a senior, it’s always my duty to keep helping them on and off the pitch and that’s what I will keep doing,” Bheke shared when asked about his role as a defender in the team.

The India international has good memories of the Durand Cup with Air India and wants to replicate that with his current team as they make their Durand debut. He believes that playing amongst the fans in Kolkata will only elevate the tournament even further. He also makes it clear that the Islanders are here to win and that is their primary goal.

“I think this is the best place where we can start the season where we will be expecting a lot of crowd. I have played it before with Air India and I’ve won it. I’m really happy and excited to be a part of the Durand Cup again, and our team will be playing in the Durand Cup for the first time. So, obviously our aim is to win and do better and get ready for the [Hero] Indian Super League,” added the 31-year-old.

After a brilliant AFC Champions League campaign, the Islanders and their coach Des Buckingham will be looking to start their next season on a winning note as they prepare for the all important Indian Super League.