We’ve proven we belong in the I-League- Gift Rikhan
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The Manipur outfit's tactician reflects on the club's first season in the top flight.
At the start of the season no one would have held out a candle saying NEROCA FC will be vying for the title. But it has been one of those seasons in the Hero I-League where fancied teams are playing catch up to unexpected pacesetters. The team according to Coach Gift Raikhan has ‘proven we belong here’ in the top tier of Indian Football.
“As a new team in the League, we took it as a challenge to put up our best front. I think we have justified our promotion to the I-League. We have proven we belong here,” Gift mentioned in one breath.
Any new journey will bring its own set of challenges, but what counts is how you respond to them. Gift’s boys stood up tall and how. “What we did in the 2nd division is in the past. The I-League is a different ball game. You have to live in the present and take each day as it comes.”
“Yes it is the top tier but you can’t let yourselves be bogged down by the occasion. Then you are doomed from the start,” he cautioned.
With 9 wins and 4 draws from their 17 matches so far, NEROCA FC have had a fairly consistent run this season. “Apart from a few signings, most of the squad stay the same. So the understanding, continuity and the consistency has paid off for us,” Gift further states attributing the success to the management retaining and nurturing almost the same set of boys.
ALSO READ:
Indian Player Ratings: Mandar Rao Desai sparkles in Goa's thumping win against ATK
James praises team's quality, Roca expects tough game
Blasters take on Bengaluru in their final showdown for the playoffs
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]The locals have also thrown their weight behind the team with crowds thronging to the stadium, setting attendance records in the process. “It is a humbling experience. All the love and affection we get is beyond words. They also expect a lot from us and there is certainly no limit to human expectations.”
“We fully understand the sentiments of the people but there are certain limitations to every football team, we are just trying our best to match up with them,” he added.
- Top five all-time top scorers for Indian football team
- Al Nassr vs Al Ain: Live streaming, TV channel, kick-off time & where to watch ACL Elite 2024-25
- Santosh Trophy 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more
- ISL 2024-25: Updated injury & suspension list
- Celtic vs RB Leipzig Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- Ballon d'Or 2024: List of all award winners
- Top five all-time top scorers for Indian football team
- ISL 2024-25: Updated injury & suspension list
- ISL 2024-25: Gurmeet Singh, Subhasish Bose garrison Matchweek 7 Team of the Week defence
- ISL 2024-25: Top five Indian players from Matchweek 7
- How Vibin Mohanan & Jithin MS can add much-needed fresh dimension to Indian football team