ALLAN D’CRUZ
allandcruz@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Churchill Brothers FC striker Mechac Koffi proved to be a vital signing as the Ivorian helped his team to turn the team’s fortunes in the I-League.
Koffi, who signed in January, has scored four in his last seven appearances, including the match-winner against Aizawl FC, thus helping his side claim 16 points in the last seven games. That includes five wins and a draw.
“The feeling is great when you realise that your presence in the team, changed the atmosphere in the camp. I know the team had a poor start to their campaign but now we are right back on track,” said Mechac Koffi, speaking ahead of the clash against Indian Arrows.
Churchill Brothers have played 12 games and are currently on seventh position with 16 points, same as defending champs Aizawl FC, but the NorthEast side are above the Goan outfit due to superior goal difference, after both teams are level on head-to-head record.
With six games left, Koffi has set his sight to finish in the top half of the table.
“We have games left and there are hard days as well. But if we continue to play with the same momentum as we played in the last few games then we can finish fourth or fifth,” exclaimed Koffi.
Koffi, a regular goal scorer, had been Al Nasr top goal scorer in the 2014-15 season where he scored 19 goals in 25 appearances in the 2014–15 Oman Professional League and emerged as the top scorer of the League.
Joining after Churchill Brothers’ five matches, Koffi managed to break into the top eight of top goal scorers chart which is led by Mohun Bagan’s AP Dipanda Dicka with eight goal. The lanky striker could have couple of goals more to his name, but his poor finishing has let him down. “Yea, I could have scored more. I had slight problems in my leg when I arrived here, but this didn’t stop me as I still managed to get on to the score sheet four times. But I will try my best to give the best to the team and score more goals,” added Koffi.
The striker had a word of praise towards the head coach Alfredo Fernandes and said, “Alfred has been very supportive in our development at the club. He has been motivating us and has been pushing us to give our best to get the best desired results. Everyone in the team likes him,” revealed Koffi.
Koffi also thanked club patron Churchill Alemao for supporting him and believing in his abilities.
“Churchill (Churchill Alemao) loves football and he wants us to win every game. He speaks with me and he motivates me when I play bad and appreciates me whenever I play good. He (Churchill) is a dedicated and passionate lover.” Koffi signed off.
