Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
FATORDA: Goa’s only side —Churchill Brothers FC are all set to begin their I-League campaign on Sunday (December 1) as they host Punjab FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
Yes, you read it right, after a long gap, the Red Machines are back again at Fatorda and will play all their home games at this venue.
“I have roped in some of the finest players this year and we have been performing well in the Goa league. I am content with the depth of squad as we have a quality players even on the bench. I would be honest, this year we are aiming for the title and playing at Nehru stadium once again is good vibe for us,” expressed Churchill Brothers club patron Churchill Alemao.
Churchill utilised Tilak Maidan as their home venue for last three seasons, however, this year they will play all their home matches at Fatorda.
“The club fans wanted Churchill Brothers FC to play at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. It’s due to their continuous requests, we were able to get to play at Fatorda once again and I request the fans to come out in large when we play our first home game on Sunday,” request Churchill Alemao, who is also the Goa Football Association President.
Expectations have always been high in Goa regarding any of their team at National League. So far the Club has flattered their fans with some great performances in the domestic State League —Goa Professional League. The Red Machines are currently sitting on pole position with 20 points, equal with Dempo SC, however, having a better head to head record and a game in hand.
Last year, the Red Machines had one of their best performances in the I-League ever since their return in the top flight football finishing 4th but this year, Club Patron Churchill Alemao is looking to settle nothing less than for a title.
After successful off-season recruitment drive and outstanding display in the Goa Professional League, this Red Machines team might have all the ingredients to go all the way.
Churchill Bros have tough opening fixtures as they play Punjab FC in the opening match before locking horns with Mohun Bagan and then travelling to Kashmir.
“Minerva Punjab are a strong team and they have won the title once. It wouldn’t be easy playing against them but like I said, we have a team which has worked together for quite some time and I am confident they will give their best against them,” added Churchill Alemao.
“We have retained only a few players while the majority of the lot are new. But these players have settled in the squad and they all know what we are exactly looking for this season,” said Churchill Brothers manager Denzie Ferrao.
-Attacking prowess!-
Churchill Brothers FC has scored massive 27 goals in their last nine games in the Goa Professional League with an average of three goals per game, having eight different goal scorers. That’s the highest any team has scored in the League so far.
Churchill Brothers will definitely bank on Willis Plaza for goals who is currently the leading goal scorer at the club with 10 goals and was last I-League season’s joint top scorer along with Pedro Manzi as they scored 21 goals each.
However, the positives are Churchill Brothers have a wide range of attacking options as most of their tried and tested pair-up have delivered with goals.
The Red Machines have Clencio Pinto, Vinil Poojary and Lalkhawpuimawia as their options who delivered and are proving their worth in the GPL. Though I-League sides wouldn’t be as easy as the domestic sides to score, the youngsters will definitely look to score against the stronger teams.
-Talented midfield-
Undeniably, the Red Machines have a finest midfield in the State league. The coach will have ample of players at his disposal with Jovel Martins, Glan Martins, Quan Gomes Khalif Alhassal, Israel Gurung who should add a great deal of creative spark in the midfield.
Another player whom we can’t miss is the U-20 player Wendell Coelho who showed his capabilities in his short test in GPL. A probable future start and wing wizard, if Wendell continues to take his form at I-League platform, his combination with Mouvin Borges, Willis Plaza and his ability to take the ball from the defence to forward could prove lethal for the Red Machines.
-Strong defence-
Radanfah Abu Bakr is massive in! Albeit he played just three matches for Churchill Brothers, the foreigner managed to impress the coach with his performance and moreover adds much more experience in the squad.
Suresh Meitie and Meldon Silva have given a good account of themselves for the Red Machines in the GPL. Though having little experience at National league platform, the young defender — Meldon is set to seize his moment for the club.
“I am delighted on joining this club and ever since coming here, there are lot of positives. I am playing good football and gaining experience from the experienced. This is another chance I’ve got and I am going to give my best,” said Meldon Silva.
Goalkeeper MD Jaffar Mondal is another new name who has been outstanding in the team ever since he joined the club. The custodian has been playing a vital role in the Red Machines defence as they have conceded just six goals in the league. The second most least goals. So far, everything looks good for the Red Machines.
