Kolkata, often called the ‘Mecca of Indian football,’ now has a third team representing it in the Indian Super League. Joining Mohun Bagan and East Bengal this season is Mohammedan SC—a club with a rich history and much to offer.
On Saturday, October 5th, the first Kolkata Derby of the season will take place at Yuva Bharati Krinangan (Salt Lake Stadium). But this time, it won’t be the traditional clash between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. A new set of fans will fill the away stands as Mohammedan SC looks to show the Kolkata giants that they mean business.
Stepping up our game for the Derby Day! 💯💪#JaanJaanMohammedan 💪🏼#BlackAndWhiteArmy 🤍🖤 #IndianFootball ⚽ #MSCinISL #ISL pic.twitter.com/kVh39PSXtv
— Mohammedan SC (@MohammedanSC) October 3, 2024
Mohammedan entered the ISL after winning the I-League in 2023/24. Despite being newcomers, they show no signs of lingering at the bottom of the table.
New arrivals Franca, Cesar Lobi Manzoki, and Mohammed Kadiri have made an immediate impact. So far, Mohammedan has recorded one win, one draw, and one loss in their first three games. With Mohun Bagan struggling, Mohammedan will hope to add more points to their tally.
East Bengal is undoubtedly Mohun Bagan’s biggest rival, and that rivalry is unchangeable. Both sets of passionate fans consider winning that particular game the pinnacle of the season, as it’s a matter of local pride.
The two Kolkata giants are also among the most successful football clubs in India’s history. While Mohammedan SC may not quite match their level of success, they’ve consistently been a prominent force.
Founded in 1891, Mohammedan first rose to prominence in the 1930s when they began dominating the Calcutta Football League (CFL). This is where their fierce rivalry with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan truly took root.
Between 1930 and 1958, only these three clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan—won the CFL title, earning them the title of the “Big Three of Maidan.” Maidan, a vast field in Kolkata, is often regarded as the holy grail of Indian football.
The cultural aspect of this rivalry has deep roots as well. In the past, Mohammedan, originally a Muslim-only club, garnered the support of Kolkata’s entire Muslim population. Meanwhile, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan were predominantly backed by Hindu fans, though neither club had any formal restrictions based on religion.
Today, religion no longer plays a role in determining players or staff at Mohammedan. However, the cultural divide remains, and the once-fierce rivalry is set to be reignited on a national stage this Saturday when Mohun Bagan hosts Mohammedan SC.
