Chhetri confident young Indian team can beat UAE

Dubai: Team India striker Sunil Chhetri has backed the new brigade to deliver and take Indian football to the next level.

"Our youngsters are ready for the challenge, and we will get the right idea on their potential when we play the UAE later this month," Chhetri has been quoted in an interview on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.

Chhetri has been burdened by expectations upfront. The star striker, who now has a new partner in Jeje Lalpeklua feels national team coach Armando Colaco has chosen the right set of players for the national camp preparing for their double-leg Asian qualifier for the 2014 Fifa World Cup against the UAE on July 23 and 28.

"When I first came to the national team, Bhaichung [Bhutia] helped and guided me a long way and it helped me to mature fast. I feel Jeje is already a mature guy. He has a physical presence and can hold the ball which enables me to make my runs. His shielding of the ball is excellent and that makes my job easier," Chhetri observed.

Already arrived

"Honestly, I don't feel they are juniors at all. If you play them in the first eleven, it won't make much of a difference. I feel they have already arrived. Jewel [Raja], Shilton [D'Silva], Raju [Gaikwad], Jeje [Lalpeklua], Dika [Lalrindika Ralte] are a conglomeration of unique talent and the right attitude. And when you have such a pool, it makes the job of the coach all the more easier. But at the same time, he [the coach] has a pleasant headache of having a surplus of choices," Chhetri added.

Ambedkar stadium to host India's World Cup qualifier

NEW DELHI: The Ambedkar stadium will host Indian footballteam's World Cup qualifier against UAE on July 28 as the AIFF feels the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium won't be ready in time for the match.

"Ambedkar is hosting the match as the Nehru stadium won't be ready in time," AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.

The AIFF has intimated the Delhi Soccer Association of its decision, informed DSA vice-president NK Bhatia.

While Das said the Nehru stadium won't be ready in time, sources in the AIFF however claimed that the change in venue has got to do with the high cost the federation might have had to incur if the match was held there.

Moreover, the turf at the Nehru stadium is far from hosting an international match, and bringing it up to the required standards would have meant spending more money.

Keeping all these factors in mind, the AIFF had sought Asian Football Confederation's ( AFC) permission for a change in venue.

"We are ready to host the match," Bhatia said of the Ambedkar stadium, where the national team footballers are presently attending a camp.

Meanwhile, Bhatia said the DSA is still paying a rent of Rs 5,000 for a day's training to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the owner of the stadium.

The booking rate of the football stadium was raised from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 last year.

That prompted two Congress councillors to urge the MCD to lower the booking rate of the stadium and lease it to the DSA.

Bhatia said the issue will be sorted out before India's World Cup qualifier.

Colaco: Players are gelling well

Indian football coach Armando Colaco on Friday said he is happy to see the players gelling well together and playing as a team.

Colaco was, however, quick to add that injuries to striker Sunil Chhetri and Baljeet Sahni is a matter of concern ahead of World Cup qualifiers against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The first leg (away game) of the World Cup qualifiers against UAE is on July 23 while the return leg is on July 28 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

To prepare the team for the match, Colaco again fielded the senior team with the under-23 side that ended in a 1-1 draw.

While Snehahish Chakraborty put the U-23 team in the lead in the first half, Anthony Barbossa pulled it back for the Seniors in the second half.

"I wanted to have a look at as many players as possible," Colaco justified later, referring to him fielding two entirely different starting XIs in the two halves.

"It is getting better day by day and I am happy with the progress. The new players (U-23) are adjusting to my style," he added.

Meanwhile, national team goalkeeper Subrata Pal lauded Armando for running the show in a planned manner.

"The set-up is new. The coach is making the Players understand his style of play and the entire squad had been supportive of his plan," said Pal.

The good news stays that Subrata, by his own confession is "totally fit."

"I started practicing a couple of days back. I had a bit of niggle in my right hand but it is over," Subrata concluded.

Indian Olympic team’s camp from tomorrow

India’s 25 probable players for the pre-Olympic qualifier against Qatar’s football team will assemble in Pune tomorrow, for a short camp ahead of the match later this month.

Desmond Bulpin’s side play the West Asian country on June 19 before meeting them in a return-leg match four days later, at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.

All members of the 18-member squad that played against Myanmar in Yangon on March 9 - except for Subodh Kumar, Malswamfela and Robin Singh - are among the probable players.

The team leaves for Qatar on June 16.

Meanwhile, sources in the All India Football federation (AIFF) confirmed that the senior team’s camp will be held at the Ambedkar Stadium here from June 15, despite confusion over availability of the ground, which is owned by the Muncipal Corporation of Delhi.

In a welcome news for sports lovers, Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) officials have informed that the MCD is likely to bring down the booking amount of the ground from Rs 5000 to 500 in a meeting on June 13.

The matter, which was discussed in the standing committee meeting today, is set to be approved by the house on June 13.

“The standing committee that had, in September last year, passed a resolution to hike the fee, also has the power to reduce it,” said DSA vice-president NK Bhatia.

Churchill Brothers to appoint Manuel Gomes as chief coach

Portuguese coach Manuel Goncalves Gomes is all set to be entrusted with the responsibility of steering Churchill Brothers to the top of Indian football for the coming season.

The former Maldives national coach is understood to have agreed to a one-year deal with the club although the formalities will be completed next week, said patron of Churchill Brothers club, Churchill Alemao.

Gomes was set to be the head coach of East Bengal last summer before the deal fell out only to see Trevor Morgan come into the picture and successfully lead the Red and Gold’s to win two trophies.

Gomes, known as ‘Neca’, is best remembered for his stint as part of the coaching staff of Portugal in the 2002 World Cup where Seleccao could not progress into the knockout rounds.

The Portuguese was also the assistant coach at Benfica for two seasons and is said to have guided Estoril-Praia Sad, a Portuguese second division club, to beat his former club’s B side 4-3 in, the final of the south finals of the Liga Intercalar, a reserve league where the junior players are handed an opportunity to excel.

The 59-year-old has about 30 years of experience in coaching and is a certified UEFA Pro-license coach and has worked in Asia with Maldives where he steered the Islanders to some remarkable results in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Maldives beating Mongolia 12-0 is one of their biggest victories till date and then they held World Cuppers South Korea to memorable draw at home.

The coach was formerly associated with Angola, whom it took to the 1998 African Nations Cup finals in Burkina Faso.

Gomes, formerly assistant coach to the Portuguese national team, will be the seventh coach at Churchill Brothers since the departure of coach Drago Mamic who got the boot after Churchill finished fourth in the I-League, their poorest result since 2006.

Former Pune FC Assistant Coach Vivek Nagul Lands A Job In Tanzania

The 41- year old has seen his career take an intriguing turn with him being offered the job in Tanzania, a country that his ranked 117 in the FIFA rankings as compared to India in 145.

Speaking of how he landed up with the job, he said, “Well, my friend Stewart Hall is the coach of Azam FC. I know him from my time at Pune FC, where we worked together during the initial stages of the club, successfully helping them to gain promotion into the I-League during the 2008-09 season; he was the head coach then and I the assistant coach. I think it was then that Stewart saw my ability, my knowledge and my work and thus, he recommended me. But apart from that, I hold a UEFA 'A' licence from England. I also have several coaching licences from India which must have helped.”

After achieving such a feat, the Pune based coach certainly felt that his achievement could write another chapter in the Indian Football history. He said, “It feels great (to get the job). I have always wondered as to why India needs foreign coaches when there is ample talent to do the job. I think it’s great that instead of coaches coming from other countries, an Indian in me is going abroad. After Baichung Bhutia went to England to play for Bury FC, Sunil Chhetri followed with his move to America to play in the MLS league for Sporting Kansas, and now that I am going, I think it’s another step forward for Indian football.”
He further added, “There are so many talented coaches in India and all I wanted to do was to be an example for them, thus, when I was asked, I accepted the offer immediately.”
We asked him if this opportunity to coach abroad was a ‘dream come true’ for the former Maharashtra coach, to which he replied, “Well, can’t say a dream come true but it’s really good. Had it been Europe, it would have been even better but nevertheless, I’m not disappointed, I’m very happy as I regard this as a road to Europe. Everyone wants to be in the Premier League, that’s my dream as well! I’m a Manchester United fan, with Jose Mourinho being my favourite manager and also, my idol; I have him as my phone wallpaper as well (he laughs).”

Although, Nagul is to shortly leave the country, he feels that the Indian football is on a constant rise. “Football is definitely growing. At school and academy level, I’m seeing good football and with Indians buying clubs abroad, I think there, for sure, is footballing passion in the Indian industry as well. However, I really hope that the clubs in England also come up with good ideas for football in India.”

Telling us his main objective of going to Tanzania, he explained, “I have been told that they have exceptional facilities and I really want to see how they are running their academies. I also want to find out, what is that thing that Africa is currently doing so that they are coming out with very talented players; whether it’s only the youth development or do they do something special with the youngsters. I also want to see how the youngsters play there and if it’s good, I would like to go back to the Indian academies with such a proposal in order for further development.”
Nagul positively feels that Indian players are similar to the Brazilians but lack technique and thus, need to change their playing style in order to succeed. “Indians need to play the Brazilian or the Latin American way – being more with the ball, passing and running less – as we have similar body structures like them. But Indians must improve their technique; if we have a good technique, better physical strength we can develop but technique is very important.”

He is against developing such a playing system in Africa and feels that Tanzania would be more suited to the typical English game. “Well, I’m not from Tanzania, so, I don’t know much about them but from what I have seen on television, they play physical. So, as for me, I want to see how they play that physical kind of football. I would rather play the long ball English game in Africa than Brazilian because I think the seeing the African players’ - for example, Didier Drogba - built and strength, they will be better suited to that kind of football.”

As for the Indian players, the future Azam FC assistant coach pledges to do his all to gives the Indian stars an opportunity abroad. “There are a couple of players that I really appreciate like Jeje Lalpekhua, Robert L and Joaquim Abranches. So I think these players should try out in Tanzania. Jeje is strong; he can hold the ball and can really do well. So, if there is an opportunity with any club in the future, I will definitely put them forward for trials, so that, not only from Tanzania, they can attract clubs from elsewhere as well including Nigeria and the other African countries.

Having been a part of the Indian system for so long, he feels that the Churchill Brothers’ coach Karim Bencharifa is the best coach in the country. “Karim Bencharifa is one of the best coaches in India and if you ask me the best coach that I have worked with, is Stewart Hall.”

'India could be one of most lucrative markets of football'

NEW DELHI: Comparing the business potential of football in India to the US and China, International Football Arena Ltd on Thursday said the "sleeping football giant" could become one of the most lucrative markets of the game in the world.

"Everybody around the world knows the potential that India has with its millions of young people who are interested in sports... India is a sleeping football giant," International Football Arena Ltd Founder and Chairman Marcel Schmid told media.

Asked about the potential of the football market in India, Schmid did not specify any figures but said, "It could be as big as that of the US and China."

No verifiable figures about the size of the football market in the US and China are available.

He cited the acquisition of commercial rights to football in India for 15 years by IMG Worldwide andReliance Industries from the All-India Football Federation for an estimated Rs 700 crore last year as a sign of things to come.

"Talking about the mid to long-term, say in the next five to ten years, the game can develop to become a lucrative proposition here," he said.

Zurich-based International Football Arena Ltd has been involved in the promotion of football across the world by hosting events, fostering debate and inspiring exchanges between decision-makers in the business of football for over a decade.

It started in 1999, with the IFA conference in Zurich, which has taken place annually ever since. It is holding its roundtable in Delhi NCR on June 9 and 10 to discuss the business of football.

Schmid, however, said the development of football as a marketing proposition in a country where cricket is religion is a huge challenge. "The first and the foremost thing is that we need good infrastructure, not only for the top clubs in India who play in the I-League, but also at the grassroots," he said.

Besides encouraging Indian clubs to draw more revenues from tickets, football matches must also be created to be TV friendly to draw more viewers, which in turn will help attract more sponsors and advertisers, Schmid added.

Dutch company to provide technical team to AIFF

Tapping the craze for football in India seems to be the latest trend among western countries and Dutch sports management company Orange Sports Forum (OSF) will be providing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with a technical team which will supervise the talent in the country at the grassroots level.

The much touted technical director - who was not only going to personally supervise the grassroots development of the game, but also bridge the gap in communication between the senior team coach and the junior teams - will now be replaced by a team of directors who will calculate the progress and prepare reports for the federation to assess.

Although the federation has refused to go on record with the development, saying that only initial talks have been held so far, an AIFF official confirmed that they are impressed with the plan of the Holland- based group and that the deal is on.

"The deal is set to be signed. Although the company arrive in India at the end of the month for a presentation for the federation, it will be more of an effort from their side to understand the football culture in the country and the infrastructural conditions," the official told MAIL TODAY.

"They will be travelling across the country and get accustomed to the Indian culture. Although the basic principles of the programme will be same as that of the Dutch style of play - something which is famous all over the world - it will be customised to suit India's needs," he noted.

"It is a win-win situation for Indian football. Not only does OSF pump in money for the technical team to operate in India, but if all goes well, legends like Guus Hiddink could be coming over to chalk out grassroots development plan for the country. Honestly, we don't have the financial feasibility to approach someone like Hiddink."

According to the official, it is the keenness shown by European corporate, who operate in India, which really set the ball rolling for the plan to see the light of the day.

"OSF has received a lot of offers from European companies who are eager to invest in the Indian market.

They are really eager to tap the market in the country. They feel that India is one country whose potential in the world market is untouched.

"They feel being associated with the federation would help them in their endeavour to tap the Indian market. It is no surprise that the game has a huge following in the country, despite the national team not doing that well," he said.

Indian Arrows form bulk of pre-Olympic pool‎

It was little surprise when the Indian Arrows I-League team once again formed the nucleus of the country's pre-Olympic squad. Seventeen of the under-21 team which finished a creditable ninth in the just-concluded I-League, were among the 25 probables for the second round of pre-Olympic qualifiers against Qatar.

India will face Qatar in Doha on June 10 in the first leg, with the return leg scheduled for Pune on June 23. India qualified for the second round after beat Myanmar 3-2 on aggregate in the first round. Among the probables, Jagroop Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Ravi Kumar are the three goalkeepers from the Arrows, while defenders Inderpreet Singh, Raju Eknath Gaikwad, Deepak Devrani, R Vishal Kumar, Abhishek Das, Lalrozama Fenai and midfielders Jewel Raja Sheikh, Shilton Sydney D'Silva, Ongnam Milan Singh, Jibon Singh, Lalrindika Ralte were also selected in the probables.

Coach Desmod Bulpin, who is also in charge of Indian Arrows formed last year to prepare the national team for the 2018 World Cup, is also in charge of the pre-Olympics squad. Indian Arrows striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, Manandeep Singh, Jagtar Singh will be spearheading the attack.

AIFF relaunches Vision India
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday re-launched the Vision India Programme by shifting its focus from states to cities/districts after the initiative, launched by the Asian Football Confederation in 2004, met with failures in Delhi, Kerala and Goa. The executive committee of the AIFF ratified the re-launch programme for Mumbai, Pune and Chandigarh under the new format.

The Probables:
Goalkeepers: Laxmikant Kattimani, Jagroop Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Ravi Kumar.
Defenders: Inderpreet Singh, Raju Eknath Gaikwad, Deepak Devrani, R Vishal Kumar, Abhishek Das, Lalrozama Fenai, Arnab Mondal, Saba Saleel.
Midfielders: Jewel Raja Sheikh, Shilton Sydney D'Silva, Oinam Milan Singh, Kh Jibon Singh, Lalrindika Ralte, Gurjinder Kumar, Snehasis Chakraborthy, Anthony Barbosa, Zakir Mundampara.
Forwards: Jeje Lalpekhlua, Manandeep Singh, Jagtar Singh, CS Sabeeth.

Tevez, Di Maria to be seen alongside Messi in Kolkata friendly

It’s good news for football-crazy fans of the city as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and his teammates are playing a FIFA official international friendly match against Venezuela at Salt Lake’s Yuba Bharati Krirangan on September 2.
After rounds of rumour, the official confirmation came on Monday when Celebrity Management Group along with the state government, All India Football Federation and Indian Football Association announced this at a press conference.

“The Argentina Football Association had indeed signed a contract to bring in the full-strength squad including Messi and Carlos Tevez among others. So the contract guarantees their participation,” said Bhaswar Goswami of CMG.
The city-based sports management firm that had earlier brought football legend Diego Maradona in 2008 would also organise another international friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria in Dhaka on September 6.
“We were given the match in condition that we have to buy another. We did not think twice and bought both the matches just to make Messi play in Kolkata,” Goswami said. 

The Barcelona star forward and winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or award was recently instrumental in his club’s Champions League win. 
Giving a brief detail about the itinerary, he said Messi and Co. would stay here for four days, beginning August 30. “We are also planning several other events which will be announced later. We are thinking of a minimum ticket price of Rs 1000 -- about USD 20, a nominal price compared to the ticket prices in other international friendlies.”
“Those who could not afford to make the match, we would give them another chance for both the teams practice sessions the tickets of which would be at a cheaper price,” Goswami added. 

West Bengal sports minister Madan Mitra said he is getting full support from the chief minister to clean up the ‘mess’ in the stadium where Messi is going to play. 
“The stadium is completely in a mess. The garbage there has been piled up for 34 years. We are leaving no stone unturned to make the stadium international match-worthy,” he said. 
“It’s difficult to give YBK a complete facelift in such a short period. Our list of priorities include better toilets, changing rooms and passage ways. We will also bring a generator from a Chennai firm to avoid the frequent blackouts in the stadium,” Mitra said. 
All India Football Federation vice-president Subrata Dutta said that the match would be a turning point in India’s football history. 
“This would inspire others to organise more such matches. It’s going to be a historical day,” Dutta said. 
In the same vein, IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said, “I don’t think it would improve our standard of the game but surely it would popularise the sport. I am sure it would help more and more people turning away from EPL and other leagues (IPL)”. 
The match is scheduled to begin from 7pm.

We need to concentrate on youngsters, not seniors: Armando Colaco

Expectations are running high after Armando Colaco took over the reins of the National Team. Fully aware of the challenge ahead, Armando, by far the most successful Indian Coach in recent times, feels everyone need to be a bit patient. In a freewheeling interview, Armando says the doors for the Senior Players haven’t been shut for ever. 

Excerpts.
How much different is it to coach the National Team from a club side?
Both are entirely different. The National Team is a much more difficult bunch to handle. In a club the entire squad stays with you all throughout the season whereas in a National Team, there are footballers from different clubs and all parts of the country. It’s not possible for the National Team Coach to keep a tab on them over the year. Moreover, you have to know their psyche and then work with them.

How much difficult was it to keep some Big Names out of the list of 42 Probables for the World Cup?
I have full respect for the Seniors and am aware of their contribution for Indian football. Obviously, it was a very difficult decision for me. I relied on present form and building a team for the future. Players who have played well in the I-League have been preferred over others. Hence, some Big Names had to be left out. If we are to look at the future, we need to concentrate on the youngsters who performed well in AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur.

Does that mean the National Team doors have been shut on the Seniors for ever?
I have never said so and neither do I believe so. The list of 42 Probables is for a specific time period with a specific plan. Anyone who performs well after that can easily walk into the National Team. Doors on the Seniors haven’t been shut for ever.

What would you focus on when the boys assemble for the Camp?
We would focus on keeping the ball. Ball possession defines the character of a team and invariably scripts the fate of a match. But it’s not easy to play ‘simple yet breathtaking football.’ We will have special sessions with the ball and the conditioning will be done at the same time.

How do you rate India’s chances against UAE in the World Cup Qualifiers?
They are a tough unit no doubt who prefer to play physical football. There are many foreigners who have naturalised for the UAE National Team. After all, India did lose to them 5-0 in one of the practice matches ahead of the Asian Cup. We also need to keep in mind the climatic conditions won’t favour us much when we play them in July.
(source the-aiff.com)

Kolkata will host Argentina-Venezuela soccer match

olkata, June 6 (IBNS): West Bengal Sports Minister Madan Mitra said that the state government will try to take all the necessary steps to ensure the success of the International friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela that will be hosted on Sep 2 at the Salt Lake Stadium here.

"We want this match to be played is a clear statement from the government. We will try our best. We will have no stone unturned," Mitra said.

"The condition of the toilet, change room, media room is very poor," he said on Monday as the official announcement on the much awaited match was made.

He also said that the time for the preparation is very less and it will take time for them to prepare the stadium for such an important match.

"We are not saying that it will be possible to transform it to the international standard but we will give extra importance to the toilet, change room and media room this time," he said.

Speaking on the power cut problem that often affects the stadium he said: "We have already spoken to Chennai for the back up power."

"We will also see that the Astroturf is better maintained," he said.

Slamming the previous Left Front government, Madan Mitra said: "Messi is coming only there where there is mess."

Subrata Dutta, Vice President, All India Football Federation, said: "These events not only enhance the popularity of the game but draws the attention of government both at the state as well as at the central."

"The game will make football more popular in India rather than bettering the game in India," U.K.Ganguly, Honorary Secretary, Indian Football Association, said.

Bhaswar Goswami, Executive Diorector, Celebrity Management Group (CMG), the organisation which is the exclusive Licensee for this historic match, announced that the match will take place on Sep 2 and they will also organise the match between Argentina and Nigeria in Bangladesh on Sep 6.

He announced that Argentina and Venezuela will bring the full and strong team in India and will arrive in India on Aug 30.

"There will be one day practice session that will be held in a different stadiums and that will also be ticketed," Goswami said.

"We are also planning to felicitate the entire team and we will hope that our Chief MInister will be there as the Chief Guest in the event," he said.

CMG was also responsible for the historic tour of football legend Diego Maradona in Kolkata during Dec 2008.

"We will announce shortly the ticket distribution plan. Tickets can be purchased online from any part of India. Tickets will also be available in CBS branches of our Partner Bank," D. Pandey, CEO, CMG said.

He also announced that they are planning to introduce few special VIP hospitality boxes in the stadium.

Video: Coming soon, football IPL style

India lists 42 probables for Fifa qualifiers

Dubai: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released a list of 42 probables who have been called for the camp to select the squad to participate in the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against the UAE.

The players have been asked to report to chief coach Armando Colaco for the camp scheduled to be held in New Delhi from June 15.

India will play the double-header against the UAE on July 23 and then the home game in Delhi on July 28.

In addition to the 42 names, goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharyya and midfielder Anthony Pereira will also be a part of the camp as part of their ongoing rehabilitation process. The two are a part of India's Olympic campaign against Qatar and will be joining the camp after June 23.

Meanwhile, the preparatory camp for 25 probables of the Olympics team will be held in Pune from June 10.

Following is the list of India probables:

Goalkeepers: Subrata Pal (Pune FC); Jagroop Singh (Indian Arrows); Sandip Nandy (Kingfisher East Bengal); Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar); Laxmikant Kattimani (Dempo SC).

Defenders: Gourmangi Singh, Denzel Franco, Robert Lalthlamuana, Rowilson Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers); Thokchom Naoba Singh, Gurwinder Singh (Kingfisher East Bengal); Raju Eknath Gaikwad (Indian Arrows); Khangembam Singh (Salgaocar); Valleriano Rebello, Debabrata Roy, Sameer Naik, Mahesh Gawli (Dempo SC); Mohanraj, Rakesh Masih (McDowell Mohun Bagan).

Midfielders: Mehtab Hussain, Syed Rahim Nabi, Harmanjot Khabra (Kingfisher East Bengal); Steven Dias (Churchill Brothers); Jewel Raja Shaikh, Khan Gembam Jibon Singh, Shilton D'Silva, Lalrindika Ralte (Indian Arrows); Gilbert Oliveira, Francis Fernandes, Anthony Barbosa, Rocus Lamare, Baldeep Singh (Salgaocar SC); Peter Carvalho, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC); Xavier Vijay Kumar (HAL).

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Chirag United); Jeje Lalpekhlua (Indian Arrows); Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC); C.S. Sabeeth, Anil Kumar (Viva Kerala); Sushil Kumar Singh (Kingfisher East Bengal)

Nabi moves to Bagan

Calcutta: Syed Rahim Nabi has won most of the important trophies in Indian football with the national team as well as with East Bengal. But the premier trophy — the I-League title — is still missing from his closet. In search of that elusive title, the defender broke from East Bengal’s ranks to join archrivals Mohun Bagan. He was unveiled at the Bagan tent on Thursday.

Speaking at a media-conference on Thursday, Nabi said he was determined to win laurels for his new club. “I have been with East Bengal since 2004. I have drawn appreciation from every one and won many trophies for the club. But the I-League is one trophy which has eluded me. I want to re-invent myself in this revered club. I want to win the I-League and many other trophies for Mohun Bagan,” said Nabi. He said he took the decision to play for Bagan towards the end of the season.

“East Bengal took the initiative (to sign him) only last night (Wednesday night). I had already given my word to Bagan officials and my contract with East Bengal had also expired,” said Nabi.

“At the start of my career, it was Bagan who first offered me to play for them. Due to some reasons, we could not strike a deal. But, now, I am happy to don the green and maroon jersey.”

The club’s football secretary Anjan Mitra, amid thunderous applause from the club’s supporters, presented Nabi with the club’s jersey. The player is signed for a two-year deal for an approximate sum of Rs 45-50 lakh a season.

Nabi said that he wanted to enjoy playing alongside Bagan star Jose Ramirez Barreto. “I always wanted to play with Barreto, to strike a partnership with him and score goals. I want to relish the chance to play with (Okolie) Odafe as well,” asserted Nabi.

Mitra also revealed that the club has also signed NP Pradeep from Viva Kerala, although the player was not present at the press conference.

Olympic Qualifier: Indian Football Team Probables Announced

The following 25 footballers have been asked to report at the Preparatory Camp in Pune on June 10 for India’s Home-and-Away Qualifiers against Qatar. India play Qatar in Doha on June 19 and in Pune on June 23.

The victorious Indian team after the qualifier against Myanmar

LIST OF PROBABLES: 

GOALKEEPERS: Laxmikant Kattimani (Dempo SC), Jagroop Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Ravikumar (all Indian Arrows).

DEFENDERS: Inderpreet Singh, Raju Eknath Gaikwad, Deepak Devrani, R Vishal Kumar, Abhishek Das, Lalrozama Fenai (all Indian Arrows); Arnab Mondal (Chirag United), Saba Saleel (ONGC).

MIDFIELDERS: Jewel Raja Sheikh, Shilton Sydney D’Silva, Ongnam Milan Singh, Kh. Jibon Singh, Lalrindika Ralte (all Indian Arrows); Gurjinder Kumar (Pune FC), Snehasis Chakraborthy (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Anthony Barbosa (Salgaocar SC), Zakir Mundampara (Churchill Brothers).

FORWARDS: Jeje Lalpekhlua, Manandeep Singh, Jagtar Singh (all Indian Arrows); CS Sabeeth (Viva Kerala).

Ranti quits Dempo for European dreams

Who would have thought that someone would better Churchill Brothers’ Odafe Onyeka Okolie, the highest goal scorer every season in the last four years? This time Okolie finished a rare second, 25 goals, behind his countryman Ranti Martins who won the golden boot award for his 30 goals.

Martins, after serving Dempo for over seven years and finishing the highest goal scorer three times, has decided to quit the club to pursue his European dreams.

Joining the Goan club at the age of 17, Martins took Indian football by storm by being the highest goal scorer in his debut tournament, the 2004 Federation Cup.

He complemented coach Armando Colaco; and the synergy was such that Dempo won the title four times, which enabled them to qualify for the AFC Cup on five occasions. And that includes the historic semi-final finish in the 2008 AFC Cup.

“It’s a very tough decision for me but I want to achieve my European dreams. I always wanted to play there and I think I can make it. Dempo has been like a family to me.

The club supported me morally and financially all these years. I will like to say a big thank you for the kindness they showed towards me all these years,” said Martins after their 2-4 loss to HAL yesterday.

Ranti feels his partnership with Roberto Mendes Silva (popularly known as Beto) has been the best in Indian football.

“I can proudly say that we were the best striking pair in Indian football. We complemented each other really well, and it was a real treat to score so many goals with him,” he said.

He had words of praise for Colaco too. “I have learned a great deal from him. He should be credited with Dempo’s style of play. I am sure he will take India to great levels,” he said.

Dempo, known to give a long stint to its players, has decided to release all its foreign imports and start fresh from next season.

With Rs 2 crore Bagan deal, Odafa shatters transfer record

Kolkata: It had been a long and fruitful association, but Mohun Bagan finally managed to lure Okolie Odafa, the prolific I-League striker from Nigeria, away from Goan football and back to the maidans of Kolkata with a Rs 2 crore deal — the highest-ever in the history of Indian football.

And as the club unveiled their prize catch for the next season, they would be hoping the Nigerian manages to do for them what he managed for the Churchill Brothers all these years — taking them and then keeping them in top-flight I-League, making Churchill one of the strongest teams on the domestic circuit, all due to his prolific goal-scoring spree.


Odafa, the league's highest goal-scorer for three consecutive editions — from 2007-08 to 2009-10 — and on the verge of making it four before Ranty Martins' seven-goal burst against Air India pushed him to second spot, admitted it was tough for him to leave Churchill, a club that nurtured and stood by him when he was discarded by the footballing fraternity in Kolkata following a failed season for Mohammedan Sporting back in 2001-02. The only clincher seems to be the money, which sources said would be broken into a Rs 1.6 crore salary and the rest in perks.


"It's a great day in the club's history," Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra said during Wednesday's unveiling.
The Kolkata giants are desperate to improve their showing in the I-League, with the club management under pressure to make changes after a trophy-less season. Baganhad tried to get Odafa last year as well but cudn't match Churchill’s offer — who raised the stakes with a Rs 1.10 crore contract.


Many promises
Odafa, who would be paired up with Jose Barreto upfront, said that he was looking forward to forge a great partnership with the veteran. “I am honoured to play alongside Barretto. God willing, we would help the team win many trophies next season,” he said.


His inclusion might also prompt Team India's No. 1 striker Sunil Chhetri to return to his old club. “Odafa is a fantastic player and anybody would love to play in a strike force that has his quality,” Chhetri said.
The deal, however, has evoked a mixed response. While newly-crowned I-League champions Salgaocar's coach Karim Bencherifa believes the move will do the side good, former India captain and coach PK Banerjee slammed the sum being paid to Odafa. "Bagan have always spent big to rope in top players. Odafa is a great goal-getter, while Bagan is a huge club. They will profit from this association," Bencherifa said.


Critics sceptical
But Banerjee remains sceptical, saying no one is worth that much in Indian football.
"That money would have been better spent in nurturing a few local talents. The foreigners playing here are not even third grade by world standards. Spending Rs 2 crore for one of them is absolutely ridiculous," Banerjee said

Mohun Bagan net 'big-fish' Odafe

KOLKATA: Despite the concluding matches of the I-League spilling over, June 1 marks the beginning of a new season in Indian football, and on the very first day, Mohun Bagan netted a big 'fish'.

Efforts of Bagan officials bore fruit on Wednesday when they roped in the most prolific striker in Indian club football - Odafe Okolie. In what is undoubtedly the biggest transfer move of the season, the Nigerian signed on the dotted lines for the green and maroons on a one-year contract for an undisclosed amount. Sources indicated that it could be the most expensive buy in Indian football.

After a barren season, during which Bagan failed to win a single trophy, getting Odafa on board is a clever ploy by the officials to placate club's supporters. The 25-year-old goalpoacher par excellence certainly got a taste of the adulation when he showed up at the club tent where he was presented to the media. Bagan fans went berserk as Odafa arrived amid tight security. He will also be a touch-wary of the huge responsibility of guiding the club's fortunes in the new season.

Like a quintessential pro, Odafa spoke freely and frankly. "Thank you everyone. You all love me a lot. This year I am joining Mohun Bagan and I would like to tell you, we will win many trophies," he said, sending thousands of supporters into a delirium.

For the former Churchill Brothers player returns to the city after eight years, having played for theMohammedan Sporting Club in 2003-04 before being unceremoniously dumped. Odafa was not prepared to dwell on his bitter experience in Kolkata on an occasion like this, but made it clear that he had came to Bagan looking for a new challenge. "Churchill Brothers treated me like a son and kept me really happy. But, I decided to move on as we all need to look for new challenges. I also hope that Bagan officials will also keep me happy."

Odafa then switched to football matters. Asked whether he was looking forward to playing alongside Jose Ramirez Barreto, the Nigerian said. "Barreto has a lot of experience and his presence will give me a lot of confidence.

But, I want to state that I alone cannot do everything and need support from my teammates to score goals. Bagan officials have promised me that they will be signing up good players," said Odafa, who was presented with a green and maroons jersey which had no number on it. Asked whether he would prefer No 10, Odafa said in a lighter vein, "As Barreto wears No 10, I might wear No 101."

Bagan's general secretary Anjan Mitra thanked former Bagan striker Chima Okorie for helping them to get Odafa on board. "Odafa's induction is a big thing for Bagan. We wanted him, and we are grateful to Chima for helping us in bringing him into the fold," he said.

India's football structure needs total revamp: Nassiri

KOLKATA: India's football structure needs a total revamp for the sport to flourish and prosper, said former Iranian striker Jamshed Nassiri, who has made the city his home after coming to Kolkata to play for East Bengal in 1980.

"We need to overhaul the Indian football structure. I can't see any hope unless and until there is total revamp. Facilities should be created to tap young talent to provide them better training facilities, exposure and skill development programmes," Nassiri said on Monday.

"There is a whole lot of raw talent in India. If proper mechanism is created to work at the grassroots, then Indian football can be on the world map. The administration and management should focus on developing the football infrastructure. The training facilities here are outdated; there are not many grounds. Whatever grounds are there, they are not up to the mark," said Nassiri.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Arsenal Tata Tea Soccer Stars, (a football talent hunt programme), Nassiri also said Bob Houghton - the former coach of the Indian national football team - did a great job and more people like him are required for the game.