Houghton's blueprint for Indian football

National football coach Bob Houghton has suggested that the Indian domestic structure be revamped further to continue the progress made by the team since his tenure began 27 months ago.

As per the blueprint submitted to the All India Football Federation, Houghton wants tournaments like the century-old Durand Cup in Delhi [Images] to be played during the pre-season between July and August, so that teams can use it as a preparatory ground ahead of the I-League's September start.

"The structure of domestic football needs to be changed further if India needs to compete well at the international level," Houghton said.

"We have qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup. Two days ago our under-16 team finished in the top 12 in Asia. Our I-League team (Dempo) is in the semi-finals of the AFC Cup. We now need to look ahead," the Englishman said in Mumbai on Friday.

The AIFF has already implemented Houghton's idea of holding I-League matches concurrently with the state league between September 2008 and April 2009, but from the next season the plan given by the national coach envisages nine months of I-League with matches conducted on week-ends only.

"From the 2009-10 season the I-League and state leagues need to be conducted concurrently from September to May with the I-League ties only on Saturdays and Sundays and state league matches on Wednesdays and Thursdays," he said.

Houghton said he has already had discussions on this issue with Mumbai clubs on Thursday and he'll proceed to Kolkata next for taking up the matter with the clubs there before meeting representatives of the clubs in Goa [Images], where he is based.

"In order to go forward it's very important that we get a connect in the whole of Indian football," he said.

Emphasising the importance of the national league and the state leagues, which he said would serve as a feeder system, to work closely, Houghton said that for a country to become better at the international level a strong domestic league is vital.

Houghton said that the state leagues could use under-19 and under-16 players more and give sufficient rest to I-League players who are not allowed to play in the next state league tie if they had turned out for more than 45 minutes in the previous I-League match.

"From the next season the I-League should see 14 or 16 teams so that they get to play 26 or 30 matches each," he said.

"We also need to conduct the Federation Cup, which is the main qualifying tournament for events at the Asian level, but not in the way it has been conducted so far by which some teams get only one match to play before they get eliminated.

"The idea is that the preliminary rounds are played with the teams divided into groups of four each," he said, adding, "This is a much better structure for Indian football."

Houghton said he plans to conduct a national camp from January 2-16, 2009 in Dubai during the course of which the Indian team may play one friendly match.

"In July 2009 we have the Nehru Cup, then the World Cup qualifiers (for 2014 finals) in December 2010, followed by the Olympic [Images] qualifiers in February, 2011 and then the Asia Cup in June 2011," Houghton elaborated.

The national coach said India should target the 2018 World Cup with their current under-19, under-16 and under-13 players in mind.

"This is 2008, we have seven years to prepare for the 2015 qualifiers," he declared.

Source:Rediff.com

AFC Cup: Let Us Play Our Natural Game - Climax

Dempo skipper Climax Lawrence feels that his side could have come back with a 0-0 draw against Safa in Lebanon had they not played defensive in the second half.

The Indian champions conceded in the last minute of the second session in Lebanon and Climax rues the defensive style.

“In the first half at Lebanon, we played very well. In the second half, the team got defensive and hence we allowed them to score. Had we played our natural game, we could have come with a 0-0 scoreline,” said the Indian international.

The central medio opines that if his side play naturally they can definitely enter the finals of the AFC Cup.

“We must naturally and with confidence. No fear.”

Dempo will miss Clifford Miranda in the game due to double booking but Climax feels that the substitutes are also of an equal quality at Dempo.

“Nicolau played against Vasco in the last game and he played in earlier AFC Cup games as well. At Dempo, whoever comes in the starting XI is capable of producing the desired goods.”

Climax feels that the weather could play a factor and favour the Indian side.

“The match start at 4 p.m. and I am sure that they will find it tough to adjust.”

Source:Goal.com

AFC Cup: Safa Are Physically Strong - Ranti

Dempo striker Ranti Martins may have drawn criticism for not hitting the top form yet after having played a crucial part in the club’s qualification from the group stage, but the Nigerian isn’t worried as long as his side wins.

The Nigerian striker hasn’t been at his lethal best but he scored the winner in Dempo’s last game in the I-League more than a week back.

Speaking on the clash against Safa, Ranti said, “The confidence is high. We have to get the result though it won’t be easy.”

Ranti feels that the 1-0 scoreline in the first leg should have been kept 0-0 as that would automatically have put the pressure on the Lebanese side.

“It was disappointing not to have come with a 0-0 scoreline. Safa are a physically strong side but as professionals, we have got to fight it out there.”

Beto has been on the recovering process and Ranti feels that the Brazilian would start the game.

“I feel Beto should be fine and will start.”

Source:Goal.com

AFC Cup: Mahesh Seeks Past Inspiration

Ahead of the key clash against Safa later today, Dempo defender Mahesh Gawli has asked his team-mates to seek inspiration from their past results in the AFC Cup.






“Earlier, we have beaten some of the good oppositions like Al Muharraq and most recently Home United. If we play against Safa as we did against them, then I am sure we shall reach the finals,” said the best defender India has produced in recent times.

Gawli isn’t underestimating Safa and gives them due credit for winning the first leg.

“I don’t underestimate any opposition, so what to speak of Safa? They are a great side and played well to win the first leg.”

Dempo are without goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal who was injured in their opening I-League clash against JCT in Goa. He also missed the first leg in Lebanon and Sathish Kumar shall take on the mantle today as well.

“We have good custodians and there is not much to choose between them. Sathish, Abhijit and Tyson are all very up to the mark.”

Source:Goal.com

AFC Cup: Beto To Start - Afonso

Dempo assistant coach Mauricio Afonso mentioned that star midfielder Beto would start against Lebanese outfit Safa in today’s AFC Cup semi-final at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad.

Roberto Mendes Silva or ‘Beto’, as he is popularly known as, suffered a shoulder injury in a third round I-League encounter against Vasco more than a week back where the Brazilian scored one in his side’s 2-1 victory.

Speaking to Goal.com, Mauricio Afonso said,”Beto has been recovering well and he did practice with the team. I feel we would start with Beto. He should be fine till then.”

The Brazilian player is a vital cog in Dempo’s success and his presence is imperative for the side. The Goan side are already without goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal due to injury and winger Clifford Miranda who is on double booking.

“Nicolau would come in for Clifford and Sathish Kumar for Abhijit. Sathish also played in the first leg.”

Dempo lost the first leg of the semi-finals in Lebanon 1-0 and this puts the pressure on the Indian champions.

“Yes, the pressure is certainly on us. Had it been 0-0 in Lebanon it would have been a different story. But we hope to put on a good show and get the desired result.”

Dempo weren’t allowed to host the quarter-finals game in their home stadium in Goa as it didn’t have floodlights which was one of the essentials mentioned by the AFC. The match against Safa kicks-off at 1600 hrs IST. So, couldn’t the game be played back in Goa instead of Hyderabad?

“AFC had asked us for a venue for the quarterfinals and said that floodlights are important. So, the venue was shifted to Hyderabad. Now, the semi-final is a day game and we could have played in Goa but AFC states that we cannot change the venue. “I am sure that the stadium in Goa would have been full house,” said Afonso.

In their bid to create a homely atmosphere, they have transported fans from Goa in seven buses.

Meanwhile, the Gachibowli stadium is in good condition though it has been raining in Hyderabad for the past several days. Rain is known to play a spoilsport in Hyderabad when they AFC Challenge Cup finals had to be shifted to Delhi owing to unplayable conditions.

“The pitch is ok. It has been raining but the important factor is that no matches have been played on this ground.”

Source:Goal.com

AFC Cup: Undefeated Safa Look To Continue Fine Form

Undefeated so far in the AFC Cup, Safa coach Samir Saad was a confident man and expressed his surprise on reaching the semi-finals in their debut year in the premier competition.

Lebanese club Safa have been in top form in the AFC Cup and are coming off a 5-0 thrashing of Malaysia’s Perak in the second leg of the quarterfinals.

“The experience of playing the AFC Cup has been very good for us. It is our first time participating so we did not think that we would get this far in he tournament because we didn’t know what to expect when the tournament began,” said Saad.

Safa coach was optimistic on his team’s chances of making it to the finals of the AFC Cup.

“We haven’t lost a single match so far in our run and I’m hoping that we can maintain that record as I’m looking forward to getting into the final.

“I respect Dempo a lot and they truly deserve to be in the semi-final although the pressure will be on them because they are a goal down in the tie.”

Safa are to miss midfielder Amer Khan due to suspension.

Source:Goal.com

AFC Cup: Biggest Game As A Coach - Dempo Coach

Dempo coach Armando Colaco insisted that his side are confident of making it into the final two of the AFC Cup as they face Lebanon’s Safa FC in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad.

Speaking to Goal.com, Mr.Colaco said, “The confidence is high and the preparations have been good. We want to win and begin a new chapter in Indian football.”

Dempo lost the first eg 1-0 away two weeks back and want to make amends for the mistakes in Lebanon. Midfielder Roberto Mendes Silva, a.k.a ‘Beto’, isn’t completely fit but the Goan coach states he would wait for him till the last minute.

“He is recovering but we shall take him to the ground and see there.”

Armando Colaco also mentioned this game as the biggest as a coach.

“I have coached Dempo in one international tournament but this one is certainly greater than that.”

Source:Goal.com

Governor's Gold Cup: Three Star To Take On BSF Today

The much anticipated team, Three Star from Nepal has landed in Sikkim and gets straightaway involved in a mouth-watering contest between a formidable BSF team in tomorrow’s quarterfinals of the 30th All India Governor’s Gold Cup being played here at Paljor Stadium.

Three Star club is a major crowd puller here in this Himalayan state. The team had reached finals in the last edition of Gold Cup and was defeated by its bitter rival NRT, another Nepal club.

This time, it is up to Three Star to keep the Nepal flag flying high in the premier tournament in the entire Eastern Himalayan region. However, Nepal’s challenge does not look sharper compared to last year as six regular players of Three Star are currently on national duty.

“Our six main players are playing for the national team in Merdeka Cup at Malaysia. But we have brought talented junior players who are playing or knocking the doors of the national team”, said Upendra Man Singh, the coach of the Three Star club.

“The players are the best in Nepal and have played many matches”, he added.

Upendra himself a former goalie with the Nepal national side has played on four occasions in the Gold Cup and this time he is coming back as a coach.

On their tomorrow’s opponents, Upendra said: “BSF is traditionally counted as a good team. It would have helped us if we had got a chance to see them in their previous match”.

Boosting the morale of Three Star club, a Nepal MP has also arrived along with the team to pep up the players. Raj Kazi Maharjan, an MP from Lalitpur constituency expressed his hopes that the Nepal club will reach the finals. He has specially escorted the Three Star club to provide his moral support.

Source:Goal.com

Governor's Gold Cup: Cheema Blasts His Players

New Delhi Heroes coach Cheema Okerie blasted his players for their woeful display in today's 2-1 loss against Titanium Kerala.

"Our boys did not play even 30 percent of their normal game. We had the game in hand but we gifted two goals to the opposition", said a fuming Okerie after the match.

Okerie was particular severe on his goalkeeper Joby Joseph who committed a blunder in the first goal the team conceded.

On the other hand, Titanium coach Rajeev Kumar gave credit to New Delhi Heroes for putting a good display.

"They were the better side. It was our first match in these unfamiliar conditions here at Sikkim but our boys played well", he said.

“My boys will play much better in the semis,” added Kumar.

Titanium must give a better performance in the semis as they run into a formidable Army XI, their Southern neighbours. Army XI is based at Bangalore and have beaten Kerala clubs in the recent past.

“We give Army XI lot of respect.”

Source:Goal.com

Governor's Gold Cup: Kumar Creating Waves In Gold Cup

As the 30th All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament being played here at Paljor Stadium enters into semi-finals in the next two days, several stars have bitten the dust while new players have come good in this premier tournament in the Northeast.

Among these new boys knocking the doors of top league clubs, Tata Football Academy (TFA) playmaker Subodh Kumar is the bright face of a rising Indian football scenario. In his two matches, Kumar has attracted much attention with his punishing runs and plays all over the pitch.

Always on the move, this pint sized player hounds the opposition forwards, harasses the defense and virtually controls the midfield covering the entire length and breadth of the field. This game style of the hardworking Kumar was much noticed during yesterday's crucial game against DKKKS, a Bangladesh club.

TFA cruised past the Bangladesh side by four goals to nil and entered into the semis of the Gold Cup. A large credit goes to Kumar in this easy victory.

The 18 year old TFA lad dominated the midfield and nipped potential dangers in the bud. Despite his short size by football standards, Kumar was more than a match to the tall Bangladesh players.

Even as the Bangladesh team tried to attack (which were few) down the flanks, Kumar was always there to assist the back four and shepherd the ball out of danger to launch sweeping moves into the rival's box.

Most of the attacking moves originated from Kumar's boots and the fourth goal resulted due to his brilliant effort in the 85th minute. Kumar lashed onto a wayward clearance from DKKKS defence and ran into the rival's box taking two defenders along with him. Instead of sending a cross to his team-mates waiting on the right side, Kumar then coolly back-heeled the ball to the unmarked Robin Singh whose left footer crashed into the net.

"We were playing as per our coach (Ranjan Chowdhury) strategy which was to give no breathing space. We played pressing football and always snatched the ball away from the opposition team", said Kumar after the match.

Kumar, who is into his third year with TFA, has already represented India in the national U-19 football team. He proudly recollected his goals against Lebanon and Oman in the AFC games.

Comparing the two games he played in the Gold Cup, Kumar said that he and his team mates could not have played better in the first match.

"It is always difficult to play in the first game,” he said.

“But today we played as per the game plan.”

Kumar is from Ranchi and dreams of making to the Indian senior football squad.

"I want to play for the Indian football team", he said.

Source:Goal.com

Governor's Gold Cup: Titanium Beat New Delhi Heroes

Titanium captain Usman poked his team to a 2-1 victory over New Delhi Heroes in today's match here at Paljor Stadium to clinch a semi-final berth in the 30th All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament.

With both teams deadlocked in the 1-1 draw, Usman scrambled past his marker to direct a cross into the net for the deciding goal in the 55th minute. Titanium winger Rajeev had provided the cross after a fine run down the right flank.

Stung by the goal, New Delhi Heroes made several attempts to find the equalizer for the second time in the match but was thwarted by Kerala defense especially by the bulky stopper Shabeer.

It was Shabeer who had given the lead to the Kerala side in the 16th minute when his free kick from near the centre line was let in by the New Delhi goalkeeper Joby Joseph. The goalkeeper mistimed his save and dived over the shot gifting the Kerala side the lead.

New Delhi Heroes came back to the game in the dying minutes of the first half. It was Shabeer again who was involved in the equalizer. The giant central defender needlessly dumped New Delhi Heroes striker Itaeu in the box conceding a penalty which was promptly booted home by Manoj Joshi.

However, Titanium coach Rajeev Kumar had the last laugh over his former rival Cheema Okerie who was the coaching the New Delhi Heroes.

Titanium now runs against a formidable Army XI in the first semi-final match on October 22.

Source:Goal.com

Dempo undeterred by deficit

HYDERABAD – Dempo assistant coach Mauricio Afonso insisted his team will not change their approach despite needing to overturn a one-goal deficit in the second leg of their AFC Cup semi-final tie against Safa.

Hamze Aboud’s last-minute strike in Beirut two weeks ago handed the initiative to the Lebanese side but the mood at Dempo is one of confidence as they aim to become the first club from India to reach the final.

“We’ll play our normal game although we are under a little pressure after going a goal down in the first day,” said Afonso, who spoke in the absence of ill head coach Armando Colaco.

“We cannot afford to be defensive. We have to go out and attack them because we must score two goals to win the tie.

“But we have not played since October 12 so we are well rested and ready for the challenge.”

Goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal did not travel to Hyderabad due to a back injury while Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes Silva is doubtful with a shoulder problem and Clifford Miranda is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the knockout stage.

”The rest of the team are in good shape but with three players out, it will be difficult for our team particularly in midfield without Miranda and Roberto,” added Afonso.

“But it is the team effort that counts so we have to pull together and not rely too much on individual players.”

Despite being designated as their ‘home’ game, the Goa-based club have been forced to play the second leg in Hyderabad, 800 kilometres away due to the unsuitability of the Nehra Stadium.

“We won’t have too many supporters to cheer us on,” admitted Afonso

“I would be the happiest man coach if we do make it to the final.

“No Indian club has even the reached semi-finals before so to reach the final would be a tremendous achievement for us.”

Safa arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday and will be missing midfielder Amer Khan for the clash through suspension.

Safa have yet to lose a game in their AFC Cup debut, racking up five 7-0 aggregate demolition of Malaysian side Perak in the quarter-finals.

“The experience of playing AFC Cup has been very good for us. It is our first time participating so we did not think that we would get this far in the tournament because didn’t know what to expect when the tournament began,” boss Samir Saad said.

“We haven’t lost a single match so far in our run and I’m hoping that we can maintain that record as I’m looking forward to getting to the final.

“I respect Dempo a lot and they truly deserve to be in the semi-final although the pressure will be on them because they are a goal down in the tie.”


Source:The AFC.com

Annual installment to Indian football

New Delhi, October 20 Wung United play only one tournament a year but the Manipur club has provided ample players to big teams For Wung United, change is the only constant. The defending champions of the RN Tamchon Trophy have only one thing in common, year after year — their impeccable performance in this tournament, the only one the club plays in every year. The team composition keeps changing and team officials move on to other things apart from football, allowing another set of faces to take centrestage — all this, for some exposure and in search of greener pastures.

On Monday, they entered the semi-finals of the 2008 edition, thrashing DMZP 3-1 at the Ambedkar Stadium. And this when they are not officially registered as a club, something they do not seem too concerned about. “I have heard people call our club and the tournament a ‘local’ one. The basic idea behind the tournament is to highlight the talent of the North-East,”says this year’s team manager Apan Shimray, who earns a living teaching English Literature at Jamia Milia Islamia University. “Apart from the infrastructural and financial shortcomings, what we really miss is the media coverage back home. Now, we have seventeen Delhi-based players out of the 22,” he adds.

The team has scored six goals in four matches compared to 25 goals in six matches last year and is without six of their main players from last year, but Shimray is not upset. On the contrary, he is proud of the six who are absent — since they are all playing for bigger clubs.

“Duidong was picked by Mohammedan Sporting of Kolkata while Ninglei and N Shimrah joined Churchill Brothers. Achan Keising is now playing for a Mumbai club after a few coaches and officials from these clubs spotted them. That’s the purpose of this tournament,” adds Shimray.

One of the six was Sochungmi Raleng, the highest scorer for Services in Santosh Trophy 2008 and currently on a one-year contract with I-League debutants Chirag United. “He (Raleng) was playing for Army XI and then we arranged for his participation in the RM Tamchon Trophy last year. He scored thirteen of the twenty-five goals that we scored.

Three months later, he went to become the highest scorer at the Santosh Trophy and now he is in the main striker for Chirag United,” Shimray adds.

Coach Edmund Hungshi says co-ordination is not an issue. “We prepare in advance through the thirteen units that monitor students from the North-East in various colleges of Delhi University. Then, the sports union of various institutions gives us the best opportunity to finalise,” he says.

Hungshi’s own identity gives an idea what Wung United’s identity is all about. After introducing himself as a former u-14 representative for Manipur, he reveals that he is also a Zakir Hussain College pass-out and has been a coach for two years at Apex School.

And after October 25th (the final day of the tournament), he will go back to studies — reading a few preparatory books on Civil Services. In the other quarter-final on Monday, Sinlung HSA FC beat Chandel United 2-1.

Source:Expressindia.com

Chelsea CEO Kenyon meets AIFF officials in Goa

PANAJI: Chelsea chief executive officer Peter Kenyon arrived in Goa on Monday and was received by AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco who said the visit would hopefully help cement a relationship with the English Premier League giants.

Colaco also said there's no agenda involved but talks will be held on the overall development of the game in the country.

"We are having a discussion right now. There will be an unofficial interaction with the media tomorrow," Colaco, who is in Goa now, said.

The world's highest paid CEO's visit is aimed at understanding Indian football and to develop the relationship between Chelsea and AIFF.

Senior national team coach Bob Houghton, who cut short his visit to Kolkata to be here for the meeting, met Kenyon along with AIFF officials and those from the Bharti Group to chart out a comprehensive development programme.

Chelsea were the first major team to sign an agreement with the Asian Football Confederation as official football development partner of AFC's Vision China project.

Source:Timesofindia.com

Exclusive: Lyon Official Met AIFF

French club Olympique Lyonnais were in India last week and held talks with the officials of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in Delhi, Goal.com exclusively reveals

The director of marketing Olympique Lyon Mr.Mathieu Malkani met AIFF general secretary Mr.Alberto Colaco last week.

A official from the Indian FA confirmed the same on anonymous grounds and said, “Yes, Lyon were here last week. “They had basically come to understand what Indian football was all about and explore opportunities. India is a growing market and they showed their eagerness to know what was happening in this part of the world.

“At the same time, we got to know more about French football and Ligue 1.”

Lyon are the current Ligue 1 champions and have won seven straight league titles, a feat unmatched in French football.

Source:Goal.com