Old warriors CBI hope for encore

Central Bank is the oldest team when one considers average age with Pranab Mitra the oldest player in the Super Division League. Central Bank, unlike the other banks, have not done any recruitments in the last seven years. Mitra, almost 45, comes to play all the way from Nagpur, where he was transferred a few years back.

But the major problem is the exodus of talented players. The biggest loss being Prem Malhotra, who has joined Air-India. The team also lost Steven Dias to Union Bank. Malhotra was outstanding in defence and mid-field last season. The banksuffered a double blow in 1997-98 season when the promising Melwyn Vaz and Ozwen D’Silva were roped in by Air-India.

Manager Dhanraj More, who played for more than 14 years, has decided to recruit eight young players on stipend.

FACTFILE

Central Bank coach: Dhanraj More

Position in last year local league: Eighth

TEAM

Goalkeepers: Ramesh Subramainaum. Defenders: Nassir Hussein, Pranab Mitra, Aflimax D’Costa, Kushal Ghosh. Mid-fielders: Aflimax D’COsta, Jamil Ansari, Chrish Fernandes, Gravel Crasto. Forwards: Caitano Fernandes, Gravel Crasto, Rocky Fernandes. Players on stipend: Mohammed Khan, Amol Ayare (Kolhapur), Zahid Ansari (Tipu Sultan), Jonas D’Souza (Rizvi), Philips D’Souza (Malad), Prateek Nerkar (Goan Sports)