MARGAO: After retaining the title indomitably, champions declared Dempo Sports Club return on home soil in the last engagement of a successful campaign of the I-League against second placed Pune FC at Nehru stadium Fatorda on Thursday.
The top of the table clash would’ve been intriguing but Dempo, having wrapped up the title with a match to spare, the tie lost its glitter considerably. Dempo can afford to take things easy but it isn’t the case for Pune FC which need to win if they are to finish their fairytale story on a triumphant note.
No team which had gained promotion to the elite league had finished as runner-up so Derrick Pereira’s side had the opportunity to snatch that record at a place which the former Mahindra United coach has some lingering memories.
“It’ll be fantastic if we could achieve that feat here, we’ve performed very well in Goa. This venue has always been a tough spot for teams but we’ve done reasonably well,” Derrick said. “I know we’re playing against the best team not only in the league but in the country so we’ve to be on top of our game. We’ve to take the points and it’ll secure our dream” explained Derrick as he gears up his boys for one of the most crucial tie since the elevation in the top tier of Indian football.
Pune will be at full strength with the exception of stopper back Selwyn Fernandes who has been suspended for the match. For the newcomers — Brazilian striker Edmar Figueira has sparkled with his goal-scoring abilities — while the Japanese winger Izumi Arata who followed Derrick to the Balewadi sports complex has redeemed his career after forgettable stints at East Bengal and Mahindra United. International goalkeeper Subrata Paul and Ivory Coast playmaker Dohou Pieere who is a possible target of a big Goan Club are the other key players in coach Derrick Pereira’s plans to spoil Dempo’s party.
Having won the title Armando Colaco side can afford the luxury of giving an early holiday to their flamboyant playmaker Beto and the lethal striker Ranti Martins. Beto and Ranty have left for Brazil and Nigeria respectively to get an extended break and it is revealed from the close sources that the astute Armando has already started his plans well in advance for the next season.
Even without their most influential imports Dempo will be favourites to extend their amazing unbeaten run of six matches which started in early April. Workaholic Peter Carvalho and the talented Clifton Gonsalves will be the preferred choice while Climax Lawrence, skipper Anthony Pereira, Clifford Miranda, Valeriano Rebello, Samir Naik, John Dias, Abhijit Mondal, Anwar Ali and Joaquim Abranches are the other regulars which will feature for the new champions.
The Dempo legions of fans are also expected to create a celebrating atmosphere with bands and vociferous cheering.
