I have confidence in my boys: Bencherifa

I have confidence in my boys: Bencherifa
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, DEC 28
Salgaocar Sports Club will take on Pune Football Club in the sixth round match of AIFF’s fourth I-League on Wednesday, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, at 3.45 p.m.
The Green Brigade, in their campaign has four wins and one loss from five matches while Pune who are struggling to find their peak, have their four points from the same encounter.
The former NFL champions may be still smarting from the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of East Bengal in a fifth round match last week, but their Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa says that his players have put the setback behind and will take on the Pune’s challenge with a positive frame of mind.
Salgaocar are dependent on their striker duo Ghanaian Yakubu Yusif and Japanese import Ryuji Seoka. The duo showed fine form by scoring goals in very match. The other key players Gilbert Oliveira, Rocus Lamare, Tomba Singh, Brazilian Luciano Sabrosa, goalkeeper Karanjit Singh and Nigerian striker Ikenne Ekena are also capable of turning the match around.
“I have confidence in my boys. The loss suffered at the hands of East Bengal did not deter their morale. I am optimistic about the chance of my team. The team is playing well and another encounter is also very important for us. We cannot underestimate Pune. We have to play hard and give our best,” said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.
“The defence and midfield is playing tight and Yusif and Seoka also turning on the beat with their form. The boys know what is expected of them and are confident of delivering,” added Bencherifa.
Pune FC on the other hand, have struggled to maintain consistency. Injuries to key striker Brazilian Edmar Figueira and goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who is doing the National duty has taken a toll on this competition.
Coach Derrick Pereira will be looking up to his boys to turn their fortune after four successive draws.
“The absence of the above duo will somewhat prove to be impediments to Pune’s win. We will also miss the services of midfielder Lester Fernandes on account of two double bookings,” informed Pereira.
“We have to look forward and hope we can play well within themselves. I told the players they have nothing to lose at this stage and they should adopt the one for all approach and give the match their all. I have great respect for Salgaocar. We cannot afford to relax at any point. More importantly we should be tactically disciplined. After their defeat in Kolkata, they will be motivated to turn the tide by going all out to win,” explained Pereira.