Bengal beckons Bello
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From the gutsy and robust tackles in African football to the subtle game played in India, Bello Rasaq has seen it all.
In his eight years of professional football in India, during which he experienced the passion of Goan and Kerala fans, the Nigerian is now set for action in the cradle of Indian football – West Bengal.
The 27-year-old defender from Lagos, who stood as a formidable bulwark in Viva Kerala’s (now Chirag United Kerala) backline for three seasons, will appear in a new avatar the coming season — in the purple jersey of West Bengal based I-League side, Prayag United SC.
“I had some good years with Viva Kerala. But, now I am here. It is a different team. As a footballer it is a challenge and I want to keep playing,” said Bello.
Bello started his journey in with Mahindra United, followed by stints with Salgaocar SC and Sporting Club de Goa. But he will be remembered most for his impressive three years with Viva.
Bello was instrumental in helping the Kerala side emerge from the Second Division to the top-tier and then, despite being lured by offers from elsewhere, stood by the team for the two I-League seasons — the latest of which saw him captain the Blue Brigade.
He, along with Charles Dsizah, had been a strong influence on Viva in their last two campaigns but while the Ghanaian stopper decided to stay with the Kerala side for the next season, Bello decided to move.
“I will miss them, especially Charles (Dzisah). He was like a brother to me and we played together in the defence. I will really miss him here,” said Bello.
But Bello is a true professional who knows achieving success is all that matters — after all when playing miles away from home you have to compromise on many things. “Here I have friends. Yakubu (Yusif of Ghana) will be joining us soon,” he said.
“There is a lot of difference in football in India and Nigeria. In my country, football is very physical with lot of rough challenges,” says Bello, remembering his early days with First Bank FC in Nigeria.
“There, the players are physically and mentally strong. Indian players are skilled but they also need to play with their mind. You can be individually talented but your ideas must be read by the rest of the team,” he said. “I think if Indian players show the courage to become mentally strong, they can beat any team.”
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