TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Former five-time National and I-League champions Dempo Sports Club will kick-off their I-League campaign as they take on North-Eastern outfit Shillong Lajong Football Club at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
Dempo have a better head-to-head record against their rivals, winning four of their last five and playing a goalless draw in their previous away meeting in January.
Dempo were hit with injuries and controversies last season under head coach Armando Colaco, who had a successful stint with The Golden Eagles from 2000, winning five National and I-League titles and taking the side to the semi-finals of AFC Cup in 2008.
However, after a season without any silverware Dempo look to gain the former glory under new coach Australian Arthur Papas.
“The younger players have shown a lot of promise in the Goa League and I’m having a lot of headaches to decide the starting eleven. We are ready for Lajong and we need to take each game at a time,” expressed the 33-year old Papas.
“The unity in the team is a strong factor and we want to repay our chairman Shrinivas Dempo, who puts in a lot of time effort. Dempo have been very successful under Armando Colaco and with full respect to him we try to regain the past glory. We don’t want to change everything at once but need to progress slowly,” added Papas.
After missing the majority of last season due to injury, former international Samir Naik made a come-back in the Goa League and is likely to start alongside Debarata Roy, Australian Simon Colosimo and Japanese Shinnosuke Honda. Subhasish Roychowdhury will be the first choice under the crossbar.
Brazillian Roberto Mendes (Beto) has rejoined the team after winning the I-League with Churchill and will play a key role in midfield.
Dempo have a lot of options in midfield with the likes of Peter Carvalho, new signing Jewel Raja, India international Clifford Miranda, U-20 Nickson Castanha, promising Romeo Fernandes and speedy Gabriel Fernandes, who can slo double up as a striker.
National striker Jeje Lalpekhlua may partner Englishmen Billy Mehmet upfront.
On the other hand, Shillong have not really performed against the Goan outfits last season, managing three points in eight games and their away record is no better accumulate a mere eight points from a possible 39. The kick-off is at 4 p.m.
