BY MINOO FERNANDES | NT
MARGAO: “We can do it. We have all it takes to get it,” are some of the magic words that the respective coaches of the top I-league football clubs have been ringing in the ears of the their players to keep them in positive spirit and the right attitude; but none of them can go a step further and say:
“We will be crowned the champion club of the I-league this season.”
And even though four times champions Dempo Sports Club are much ahead of other contenders East Bengal, Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan, Prayag United, Salgaocar SC, and to some extent even Pune FC, Dempo SC’s soft spoken and down to earth person Mr Mauricio Afonso humbly says: “We will try our best to win the title.”
Dempo Sports Club who are presently dominating the I-League table with 40 points play Pune FC on February 5, a team which was jolted by Sporting Clube de Goa 4-2 on February 1 at Nehru Stadium after coming back from behind despite being down by two goals.
The other team which is following Dempo closely is East Bengal which is on 34 points in 18 matches, while Churchill Brothers are on 33 points in 17 matches. The Varca-based team has played one match less and can jump to second spot accumulating 36 points. But it all depends on the outcome of the Mohun Bagan v/s East Bengal clash in a derby that is to be played in Kolkata on Saturday and if East Bengal win, they will take their tally of points to 37.
Mohun Bagan are on 33 points, Prayag United on 32, Salgaocar SC on 30 and Pune FC on 28.
Given the situation, Dempo will look to seal the match against Pune FC on Sunday (Feb 5) as it will push them closer to title with a great deal of assurance and will help the team to be way ahead of the other top contenders. Winning this crucial match means a lot for Dempo as it will facilitate them in stretching their tally to 43 points, sufficient enough to surge much ahead of the second and third placed team, also vying for top honours.
Given the kind of team Dempo SC is made of and the reputation they have nationally as well internationally, Dempo can surely do this given the fact the number of star players which are packed in their ranks.
The recruitment of Japanese striker Yusuke Kato will definitely give an added boost for the team along with Trinidade & Tobago midfielder Densil Theobald.
“Their’s can be a deadly combination,” said an ‘insider’ of the Dempo team adding further that it is not yet known whether Kato’s registration is complete.
When Dempo coach Mr Mauricio Afonso was contacted regarding the preparation of his team for this crucial match and what efforts are being made to once again gain the title of the ‘champion club of India’ the simple and frank coach said that his team is preparing very hard adding further that East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers SC, Prayag United, Salgaocar and Pune FC are also very much in contention.
He said that his team is working hard to get the title and that there are still 8 matches to be played with 24 points at stake. “Any of these teams can make it to get the title,” he stated and stressed that hard work is the key to success with the players executing the scheme of things and emerge winners in each and every match. “Winning every match is very important now,” added Mr Afonso.
He also stated that all his players are fit and fine and are in a good frame of mind, and look very positive in their practice and play.
Regarding the young Japanese striker Kato, Mr Afonso disclosed that Kato arrived just today with the necessary documents for registration. He did not indicate anything more and said that the team will work hard for the success in getting the title.
He said that Koko Sakibo is also gelling well with the other strikers and that his entire team is facing no problem at all and that he is looking forward to a good display of skill and fire power against Pune FC as his players understand the important of the crucial match.
