Shibaji Banerjee is no more

KOLKATA: Former goalkeeper of football club based in India, Shibaji Banerjee passed away at his Kolkata residence on Monday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.

A green and maroon legend, Banerjee played for Bagan for 11 years and will always be known for stopping a free-kick taken by Pele during the 1977 exhibition match against New York Cosmos.

The lasting image from that game was a black and white picture of Banerjee diving to snatch the ball from Pele’s feet. He also had a brilliant game in an IFA Shield match against top Russian side Ararat. Legend has it that he was unbeatable on aerial balls on that day as the game was locked at 2-2.