FLAVIO LOPES
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Churchill Bros will defend their title as they take on local rivals Salgaocar Football Club in the opening match of I-League football at Duler Stadium, here, on Saturday.
The occasion will be graced by the Governor of Goa, Bharat Vir Wanchoo alongwith I-League CEO, Sunando Dhar.
The teams played a goalless draw in their last I-League match in March while The Red Machines edged past their rivals 2-1 in the first leg tie in November, 2012.
Churchill’s form has been exceptional in the ongoing Goa League where they remain unbeaten and if that is an indicator, surely they are the team to beat in the I-League.
‘Since we are the defending champions, we will be going into this match with confidence. We have performed well in the Goa League and remain undefeated but the I-League is a deferent scenario,” expressed the cool and composed Churchill Bros head coach, Mariano Dias.
Arindam Bhattacharya is likely to start under the crossbar while skipper Ravanan Dharmaraj will head the defence alongwith Saran Singh, U-23 Satish Singh and Naveen Kumar.
Portuguese Hugo Machado will play a key role in the midfield alongside India international Lenny Rodrigues.
Churchill’s last season’s highest goal scorer Gabonese Henri Antchouet, who netted 14 times, is doubtful due to injury which indicates Bineesh Balan and Jaison Vales to head the attack.
Denzil Franco still nurses an ankle injury suffered in practice and should be available for their next match against Mohun Bagan.
On the other hand, Salgaocar, who finished seventh last season are looking to better their performance under head coach, Derrick Pereira, who joined The Green Brigade this season after helping Pune FC to the runners-up spot.
The All India Football Federation’s ‘Best coach’ of 2012-13 is eyeing to do better than a top-five finish.
“Our foreign players can in late but the team is progressing well. I personally aim to win every match and if we get the desired results we can be the champions,” said the 51-year old Pereira.
Goalkeeper Karanjit Singh is likely to start while Nicolau Colaco, Augustin Fernandes, Rahul Kumar and Nigerian Chika Wali will guide their citadel.
Skipper Rocus Lamare will play a stellar role in the centre alongside India international Francisco Fernandes, Gilbert Oliveira, Karma Tsewang and Brian Mascarenhas.
Scottish Darry Duffy may partner French striker Claude Gnakpa. The match will kick-off is at 4 p.m.
