Kolkata, July 27 (UNI) The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup is poised for a grand ceremonial start at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharti Krirangan (VYBK) on Saturday with Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant taking on the fabled Downtown Heroes of Srinagar in a Group A encounter.
Downtown Heroes FC, a club now in its fourth year, bring a fresh perspective to the tournament with their focus on nurturing young homegrown talent. Despite a relatively brief history, they made their Durand Cup debut last season and participated in the 2022-23 I-League Division 2.
Mohun Bagan SG enter the tournament as reigning champions, buoyant after clinching the ISL Shield last season. Under the guidance of head coach Jose Francisco Molina, they aim to build on their success with a strengthened squad that includes notable international signings like Jamie Maclaren, Greg Stewart, Alberto Rodriguez, and Tom Aldred.