Full credit to young blood: Churchill

TEAM HERALD

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PANJIM: International right-back Danzil Franco’s prediction that Churchill Bros would win against Warriors FC of Singapore in the AFC Cup match in Pune came true even as coach Mariano Dias had bemoaned the number of injuries the Red Machines had been hit since they were without the services of more than half a dozen first team players, Brazilian playmaker Beto, Henri Antchouet, Bineesh Balan, Lenny Rodrigues and Steven Dias while Lamine Tamba was serving a suspension after he picked up two yellow cards in the previous two matches.

Danzil was confident that his players would give a good account of themselves and earn three points. “We believed we could win. And that’s all,” stressed Danzil.

The three points enhanced Churchill Brothers’ hope of making the next round of the AFC Cup.

Coach Mariano praised the youngsters whose spirit in taking it very seriously came in for praise. “Kudos to them as they did not take the match lightly. The boys were highly motivated. They went out there and gave their best and we collected all three points. It was sheer determination with focus on victory. Above all, they played attractive, attacking football.”

Patron Churchill Alemao, who air-dashed to Pune to witness the match, felt it was a difficult game with the heat being unbearable. “It’s not easy to perform in such high humid conditions. That apart, we missed several stalwarts. Yet, the young blood came up trumps. Full credit to the youngsters with India captain Sunil Chhetri being outstanding up front. In fact, everyone was at their best. Knowing that they were the underdogs, they raised the tempo and with a single-minded determination and hard work, demonstrated that it’s team work and coordination with combination that matters in football. I salute all the players, the coaches, officials and support staff for their wonderful performance especially when most people had given up hopes of a victory and were hoping that the margin of defeat would be small, given the fact that seven leading players who make up the first eleven were ruled out. I am really humbled with such a margin of victory,” stated Churchill from Pune.

“We now have to focus on the I-League for the sake of Goa, to prove once again that Goans hold the numero uno position in Indian football. We have the onerous task now, more so as promising holders Dempo have slipped down and are virtually out of the race, thus pushing the onus on us,” added Churchill. “We need the support and prayers especially from the Goa fans during our last part of the journey, which is crucial, difficult but not impossible to conquer. I hope the boys stay focused and deliver when it matters the most,” summed up Churchill, who hoped that Lady Luck will also smile on the team whose belief of regaining the title is very high.