The Islanders fly out on Sunday (July 24th) to the United Arab Emirates and will set up their base in Jebel Ali, Dubai for a 19-day training camp starting from July 25 until August 12.
Des Buckingham’s Mumbai City ended the 2021-22 season by creating history at the 2022 AFC Champions League, becoming the first Indian club to win a game in Asia’s premier club competition. Building on, the Islanders are eager to kickstart their pre-season training to prepare for what will be the longest season in recent times in the Indian footballing calendar.
The preparations will focus on getting the team ready for the 131st Durand Cup, set to begin on August 16, which will mark the start of the new domestic football season in India. Drawn in Group B, Mumbai City FC will square off against ATK Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Indian Navy and Rajasthan United in what will be the Islanders’ maiden appearance in Asia’s oldest football competition.
Des Buckingham, MCFC said, “I am extremely proud and happy with how we started and finished last season, especially in the AFC Champions League. To finish second in the group stage and showcase our attacking style of play was enjoyable to all associated with the club and showed that Indian football can compete and win at the highest level of club football in Asia.
“As we enter the new season we will look to continue the momentum from this historic campaign as we start our pre-season in Dubai. We have a very young squad here at Mumbai City – the average age of our domestic contingent is just 23 and have added some further quality and experience in the off season. We want to give our squad a platform and an environment that is conducive to their growth and development to prepare the whole team as well as possible for what will be an exciting season starting with the Durand Cup in August.”
Meanwhile, MCFC CEO Kandarp Chandra said, “Our vision for the upcoming season is clear – we want to build a team that can compete and compete well. With the expertise we have at our disposal, I believe we have put together a squad that can do just that.
“Des and his staff are determined to bring the best out of this incredibly talented playing group and take the club to newer heights. There is a desire to build on from last season and our pre-season camp in Dubai will lay the foundations of what we hope will be a successful season for Mumbai City, starting with the Durand Cup later in August.”
Source: Media Release
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