Mahindra United invited to play friendlies in South Africa

New Delhi, Jul 19 (UNI) In a measure of the growing stature of Indian football, Mahindra United have been invited by South African club Santos FC for an exposure trip ahead of the Durand Cup next month.

''Yes, we have been invited by a South African club. But I can share more information once everything is confirmed from the other end,'' club secretary R Natrajan told Goal.com.

The Red Devils, who will be the only I-League club this season to go abroad in for its pre-season are expected to play three friendlies during their eight-day trip.

They have requested the organisers of Durand Cup not to schedule their first game on August 18 as they would not have returned from their African safari by then. They will now play their opening match on August 22.

Mahindra United had thrashed Santos FC 3-1 in the final of the IFA Shield 2007-08.

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