Cleiton Silva, East Bengal FC’s hero in their 3-1 Kalinga Super Cup victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant expressed his delight at being part of the team and relished the special moments after the Kolkata derby triumph.

Silva scored twice to help the Red and Gold brigade beat their rivals 3-1 and secure a place in the semi-final at their expense. However, he credited the entire team for their success.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play for this club,” Silva told the club’s media team after the match.

“Since I have joined East Bengal FC, I can't explain how well the people have embraced me and my family,” he added.

“I want to thank the fans and also the players who make this moment so special. I want to thank the players because the job that we are doing isn't just about me. I am just the one piece of the engine,” he continued.

The Brazilian revealed that such victories feel special after the team improved their performance over time learning from difficult days. Carles Cuadrat will now have a chance to reach his second final as they take on Jamshedpur FC in the semi-final.

“When you have bad moments you have to learn from it. Last year was a bit of a roller-coaster. This season too, the start wasn't the way we wanted,” he said.

“But we are pushing and working hard and we know with this results will come,” he added.

Silva’s teammate Nandhakumar Sekar who was the other East Bengal FC player on the scoresheet expressed his delight and netting in such a crucial fixture. This is his second goal in the Kolkata derby since joining East Bengal FC with the previous one coming in their last victory over their city rivals in the Durand Cup in August 2023.

“I am very lucky to score against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the derby. It's my second goal in this fixture. It's also my first goal of 2024, so it's a good beginning and I'm happy,” Nandhakumar told the team’s media team.

“This goal is for East Bengal FC fans. They have come to support us away from home. I have to dedicate this goal to them,” he added.

Nandha shed light on the half-time team talk from coach Cuadrat that gave the team the confidence to go on and win the match which was level-pegging at the break.

“The coach told us at the break that we were playing well with confidence. He wanted us to keep the ball well and not lose it by playing long balls. He asked us to not push for it, to keep the ball and to get confident in possession and he was confident that we would score the goal,” he concluded

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East Bengal FC Cleiton SilvaNandhakumar Sekar