According to our reports exclusively, both East Bengal and Mohammedan SC have reportedly set their sights on Rabi Hansda, the 25-year-old and 78th Santosh Trophy-winning striker from Bengal. Hansda, who was instrumental in Bengal’s campaign, has caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike with his sharp finishing and tireless work ethic on the pitch.
A Record-Breaking Star
Rabi Hansda’s journey to prominence has been nothing short of inspirational. Hailing from a small village in Bengal, Hansda worked his way up the ranks, proving his mettle in local leagues before earning a call-up to the state’s Santosh Trophy squad. His performance in the tournament was exemplary, scoring 12 goals and breaking the long-standing record of 11 goals set by Mohammed Habib in a single edition of the tournament.
Overcoming Challenges
Hansda’s rise has not been without challenges. A product of the Mohun Bagan Academy in Fortapur, Hansda’s career faced a major setback two years ago when he was sidelined for an entire year due to an injury. Despite this, he made a strong comeback, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Before his Santosh Trophy heroics, Hansda played for Calcutta Customs in the CFL and Rainbow SC, where he scored one goal in two matches in the I-League 2. These experiences have helped him develop into a versatile and dependable forward.
East Bengal: Strengthening Their Forward Department
East Bengal already has a strong striker department, featuring Indian forward David Lalhlansanga and foreign stars Cleiton Silva and Dimitrios “Dimi” Diamantakos. Adding Hansda to the mix would provide even greater depth and competition in their attack.
Mohammedan SC: Need Firepower in Attack
Mohammedan SC need for a prolific goal scorer is pressing, as they have managed to score only five goals in the Indian Super League so far the least among all clubs. Despite their quality and the hype surrounding them, foreign strikers Franca and Cesar Manzoki have failed to deliver goals. Hansda’s proven goal-scoring ability could be the solution to their attacking woes, making him their top priority.
What Lies Ahead for Hansda?
The decision now rests with Rabi Hansda, Both East Bengal and Mohammedan SC offer unique opportunities for the young striker:
East Bengal: The chance to play for one of India’s most prestigious clubs with a massive fanbase and the prospect of competing in top-tier tournaments.
Mohammedan SC: A team on the rise, offering a platform where Hansda could develop into a marquee player and lead their attack.
