Champs Dempo sign off today
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, MAY 26
Newly crowned I-League champions Dempo Sports Club are determined to sign off on a positive note when they clash with Pune Football Club in a last round match of ONGC I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday at 3.30 p.m.
Dempo Club president and Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies, Shrinivas V Dempo is expected to witness the match.
Dempo, who sealed the title with one round to go after beating Lajong will play for pride. “This is our last chance to show that Dempo is finishing their engagements on a triumphant note,” said Dempo’s secretary and chief coach Armando Colaco.
Dempo will be missing their two key players, Nigerian striker Ranty Martins and Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes da Silva who left home after Dempo topped the League.
Armando thinks he has enough material on hand. Consequently, Peter Carvalho and Cliffton Gonsalves will play upfront. Climax Lawrence, Anthony Pereira, Clifford Miranda and Jewel Raja or Nicolau Borges will form the waist line. The back four will include John Dias, Anwar Ali, Sameer Naik and Valeriano Rebello. Abhijit Mondal will be under the bar.
“A win would help us to secure the runners-up berth,” said Pune coach Derrick Pereira who is concerned that he would have to start without dependable stopper back Selwyn Fernandes due to double booking.
“We have nothing to lose tomorrow, but we are going for a win so that we can improve our standing,” Derrick said.
“It is never easy playing Dempo, but I am confident that my boys will deliver,” the coach summed up.
