Aizawl, Mohammedan and Neroca to begin I-League campaign on Day 2

They face Real Kashmir, Sudeva Delhi and Sreenidhi Deccan respectively on Monday.

After defending the IFA Shield successfully, Real Kashmir FC and Aizawl FC will look to get the maximum points at the start, as they square off against each other in I-League 2021/22 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal.

The match will be telecasted on 1Sports Facebook Page at 4.30 PM IST on Monday, December 27.

Speaking about the upcoming season, Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson sounded confident. “Our preparation was very good. We came early to Kolkata. The team played a few friendlies and took part in the IFA Shield. We played four I-League teams, and the team is looking solid in terms of fitness. We will take it one game at a time. In this league, any team is capable enough of defeating any of the others on the given day. So, we are ready for the challenge. We are looking forward to the season.”

“Aizawl is a very competitive side. I know their coach Yan Law, who is a very good coach. They have some quality players. It will be a tough game for sure. We will make sure that we turn up and get all three points,” he said.

Meanwhile, left-back Abhas Thapa is also very excited for the season. ” All the players want to do well for the club and me too. This season the club has had one of the best sides in recent years. So, we are confident and ready to go for the Hero I-League,” Abhas added

On the other hand, Aizawl FC assistant coach Lalruatliana Sailo thinks of themselves as the contender for the upcoming season. “We had a good pre-season. The team has enough quality players. We are confident and hoping that we can start the campaign with a victory. ”

Meanwhile, Samuel Lalmuanpuia has also shown positive intent for the first match. ” We didn’t come here to participate. We want to win the trophy. All the players are happy and confident to win the championship this season. That’s my only goal,” Samuel added

“Real Kashmir have played the IFA Shield. They are a good team with quality players. They have physical strengths and we will also prepare accordingly. We respect our opponent and are ready for the challenge,” Sailo concluded.

Mohammedan SC and Sudeva Delhi FC lock horns to open their campaigns in the 2021-22 Hero I-League at the Naihati Stadium on Monday, 27 December at 07:30 PM IST and will be telecasted on 1Sports Facebook Page.

Mohammedan FC vs Sudeva Delhi

It’s been a fantastic year for the Black Panthers so far with their Durand Cup final appearance followed by a first CFL title win in 40 years. However, head coach Andrey Chernyshov stated that the I-League will be a different ball game. The Russian couldn’t hide his excitement for the start of the tournament. “We’ve waited for this game for four months. The first game is always special. We’ll take one game at a time in the league. There are many teams who are favourites to win the trophy,” said Chernyshov.

The Black Panthers have signed former Gokulam Kerala striker, Marcus Joseph, known for his clinical finishing. “I want to do the best for the team and win the trophy. Without them I can’t score goals,” said the Trinidadian and Tobagonian.

Mohammedan have a host of formidable foreigners, but coach Chernyshov has full faith in the Indians as well. “The nationality or passport of the players don’t matter. What matters is the quality, which we have plenty of.”

“We respect Sudeva Delhi. They have a lot of young players who have the hunger and desire to win,” he remarked about tomorrow’s opponents.

Sudeva Delhi had a competitive debut season in 2020-21, finishing eighth with an all-Indian line-up. The capital side have once again opted to compete with their domestic contingent under new head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo this season. With that in mind, he admits there is pressure of relegation but believes his squad is confident and they can have a good season.

“We’ve had a great pre-season since August, played a few friendlies against I-League opposition, and are training well. The boys are gelling well as a team,” said Wadoo.

Sudeva Delhi captain Vanlalzuidika said, “We are only focusing on tomorrow and have a plan ready. We’re all very young and going forward with the coach’s advice.”

Speaking about the opposition, coach Wadoo acknowledged his respect for Mohammedan. “They are a huge club with a great legacy, great players and coach who won the CFL this year. However, we aren’t bothered about how they play, but on how we do tomorrow.”

Neroca FC vs Sreenidhi Deccan

Neroca FC is all set to face the new boys Sreenidi Deccan FC in their opening match of the Hero I-League 2021-22 campaign, at the Naihati stadium, in Naihati, West Bengal.

The match will be telecast on 1Sports Facebook page at 2.00 PM IST on 27th December 2021.

Speaking about the upcoming season, coach Khogen Singh felt ready for the challenges ahead. “We have had a good preparation. The players have shown lots of confidence in the training sessions. I will be looking to use all my experience to develop the playing. We are looking forward to the season,” he said.

Meanwhile, the players are also ready to take the challenge as Mohamed Kdouh is also gearing up to give his best in the upcoming season. “Our preparation was very good. Currently, we are not facing any pressure. We have discussed with the coach how to approach the games. We will make sure that we are on the right track.”

“Sreenidi is a very good team. We have seen them play the IFA Shield. They have many young players and their coach is experienced. They are a competitive side. We will analyze them and we are looking to getting the three points from the match,” coach Khogen Singh added.

On the other hand, Sreenidi head coach Fernando Varela is also confident with his squad. ” We have had a very good preseason in Hyderabad. The chairman has shown me the vision of the club and I want to help the club reach its destination. We played the IFA Shield to figure out our level. Our players have character and personality. They will try their best to get all three points in the first match.”

Sreenidi player Mayakkan feels that the team is focused on the job ahead. “We are playing the league for the first time. We are focused and confident in our ability. The players are looking forward to the season,” he said.

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