Mumbai City FC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) Cup which is a re-run of the League Shield decider played between the two teams just a few weeks ago. 

The matchup is also a repeat of the 2020-21 final where the Islanders edged past the Mariners to lift their first-ever ISL Cup trophy. 

The hero for Mumbai on the night, Bipin Singh who scored the last-gasp winner to hand his team the title will be in action again hoping to land another body blow to the Kolkata giants. 

Bipin has gone from strength to strength and that moment in the final has elevated his playing career and remains one of the iconic moments in the history of the league. 

Ahead of another Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC final, indiansuperleague.com caught up with Bipin Singh for an exclusive interview to talk about that historic night in Goa, the impact it had on his career and the upcoming showpiece final in Kolkata where he could help his team to a second ISL Cup title. 

Here are the excerpts: 

You are going to face Mohun Bagan SG in the final. What is the feeling in the team? 

Right now, the mood is very good, and we are only focusing on ourselves.

You lost the Shield decider to them at the exact venue. What is needed to turn things around this time?

We need to stick together and fight until the end just like we did against FC Goa. Everyone saw how we fought back in the first leg, and finished the job in the second leg.

You scored the winning goal last time the two teams met in the final. Can you recall your exact thoughts before you struck that ball that went into the back of the net?

Scoring the winner in the 2020-21 final is still my best moment ever as a footballer. Every player dreams of having such a moment, and I can't put into words how blessed I am. I didn't think much before striking the ball, I just saw the ball coming into my path, and I just decided to hit it as hard as possible, and fortunately, it went past the defender into the net.

How many times have you viewed that goal? What do you feel when you watch it again?

I have lost count of how many times I have watched that goal. Whenever I watch it, I realise how far I have come as a footballer.

How has your life and career changed after that goal?

It changed me as a person and as well as a footballer. These are the moments that make you more responsible going forward. Even now, when I come across any Mumbai City fans, they still talk about that goal.

How is this MCFC team different from the one that won the title in 2020-21?

There's not much difference because the ambition of both the teams was the same. It's just that there are different faces now. Having high ambition has helped us achieve success over the last few years.

You enjoy scoring against MBSG. You scored against them earlier this season too. What gets the best out of you against them?

There is no specific reason. As a professional footballer, I try my best to contribute whenever I am on the field irrespective of the opponent.

Your thoughts on Petr Kratky and his coaching style

Coach Petr is a very good coach and as well as a human being. He is very vocal during training and always rewards the players. His trust and belief in this team is one big reason that we are in the ISL final.

You are facing increased competition with Vikram Partap Singh. How do you see his development and how are you coping with this challenge to your place?

Football without healthy competition is incomplete. Because it makes the player better and adds extra motivation whenever you are on the field. I am very happy for Vikram, his hard work and dedication have helped him a lot, and I hope he becomes better and better.

What is your preparation routine for such a big game?

Like I said earlier, I like to focus on what we are doing irrespective of any match. We just need to stick to our plans and follow our style.