The recruitment will provide coach Shahid Syed Hakim, never short of energy to improvise and innovate, plenty options. Lulu, a former Mohd Sporting and Mohun Bagan player has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Association and is likely to don Mahindras colour when they start their campaign against a qualifier from the pre-quarters on November 25 at Cooperage in the Rovers.

Lulu had couple of season with Sporting and Bagan before moving to Bangladesh where he kept up his performance.

Hakim spotted Lulu in Calcutta and later India coach Nayeemuddin also praised the 25-year-old striker who was practicing along with compatriot, seasoned defender Bernard. ``We could have playedhim in the Durand but as he was nursing a calf-muscle pull so we decided to rest him,'' Hakim said.

Adeshina, the lanky Nigerian striker was the first to join Mahindras, followed by Bernard.

Before the team left for Durand Cup in New Delhi earlier this month, Hakim also had the services of Munnavir Hussain `Munna', another import from Bangladesh. The retired Squadron Leader from Indian Air Force was quite satisfied with Munna's performance during successful Delhi trip. ``I tried him in couple of practice matches against Jammu and Kashmir Bank and I found his performance satisfactory,'' said the former director of Sports Authority of India. Munna was playing an important role of sweeper.

Last year, Mahindras were duped by foreign agents as they were supplied sub-standard players who were mid-fielders instead of strikers that the club ordered.

Hakim, playing his cards safe, is selecting players who have proven ability and talent. Riding the crest of success that has brought in two back-to-back titles --the Chief Minister's Cup and the Durand Cup, both in New Delhi -- the Olympian is hopeful of a fine display at the Rovers.