East Bengal close to replacing Bukenya and Plaza. Read to know the players.

The Kolkata giants' top brass continue to splash the cash in search of silverware when infact their situation calls for more researched and creative solutions...

In an attempt to re-invigorate their team for the Calcutta Football League (CFL) this season, East Bengal are on a spending spree after a dismal I-league season. The club have already become the front-runners in terms of transfer activity, having signed two players from title-winning Aizawl FC and one from Goan club Churchill Brothers. Khel Now had also reported that the Red and-Gold are also close to signing three other players.

On Friday morning, the Kolkata giants released two foreigners: Ivan Bukenya and Willis Plaza. Both the players were signed prior to the I-league this season and had played good parts in the attacking third for the club which finished third on the table.

They are likely to be replaced by Ghanaian international striker Murtala Seidu Bancey and Zambian defender Ziyo Tembo. According to Khel Now sources, the signings will be short-term and will be relooked at after the forthcoming CFL season.

East Bengal have already signed versatile defender Lalramchullova, winger Brandon Vanlalremdika and Richard Costa. They are also reportedly close to signing Mahmoud Al Amnah, variedly referred to being the key cog in Aizawl’s victory this season. The Red and Gold have also promoted various youngsters from their academy for the upcoming tournament, a move which otherwise would’ve looked good but with these signings already on, it will be interesting to see whether these players get time on the pitch.

Ziyo Tambo is a centre-back who last played for Zanaco FC, a club based in Zambia. The 31-year-old has played four games in the CAF Champions League this season, keeping a clean sheet three times. On the other hand, Seidu Bancey is a fleet-footed striker who plied his trade for ES Zarzis in Tunisia. The right-footed striker is known to be good in link-up play and is powerful against slow defenders.

After Aizawl FC’s incredible victory with a not-so-known star cast, East Bengal’s spendthrift attitude looks a little ironical. With no head coach beyond the CFL, it looks to be a situation of poor and panic signings again, from the defamed management.