'Team is in positive frame of mind' - Kaizad Ambapardiwala shares optimism ahead of Jamshedpur FC's Durand Cup 2026 opener

Red Miners failed to advance past quarterfinals in last two editions of Durand Cup

The Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi is all set to host the opening fixture of Group C in the 135th edition of the Durand Cup where home team Jamshedpur FC take on debutants from Sri Lanka’s Defenders SC.

The Red Miners are drawn in a tricky group alongside ISL outfit SC Delhi, Indian Air Force and Defenders SC. The other remaining teams are equally good to pose serious threats to Jamshedpur’s top of the table ambitions and the team must not settle for anything less than all three points.

In the last two editions, Jamshedpur failed to advance past the quarterfinals despite playing all the games at home in the JRD Tata Sports Complex.

This time around, they have a new venue in state capital Ranchi. Despite hailing from the Steel City of Jamshedpur, the club represents the length and breadth of the tribal state of Jharkhand.

Ahead of the opener against Defenders SC, Jamshedpur FC head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwala and captain Pronay Halder briefed the media about the team’s preparations ahead of the match and what kind of football fans can expect from the Red Miners in the capital city.

Kaizad feels Jamshedpur FC have a very balanced squad

Jamshedpur FC announced an all Indian squad consisting of players from various age categories. From veterans Pronay Halder and Pratik Chaudhari to young players like Nikhil Barla and Sanan, the squad has a perfect balance of youth and experience.

Kaizad said, “It’s a good opportunity for us because we have a mixed squad comprising both senior players and youngsters. We have prepared well over the last few weeks and are looking forward to the first game. The chemistry is developing really well.”

“The senior players are leading by example and acting as role models for the younger ones. At the same time, the youngsters are observing the standards required at this level and are trying to match them. Tactically, everyone is understanding their roles well and progressing together” he further added.

Pronay opens up about his experience of Durand Cup

Jamshedpur FC captain, Pronay Halder is a former Indian international who has donned the blue jersey in prestigious tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup and many more.

The former Mohun Bagan midfielder is a veteran and feels that as a senior player, it is his responsibility to allow young players to settle in.

“First of all, we’re all excited about the tournament and tomorrow’s match. Everyone has worked really hard over the last two to three weeks, and we’re approaching the game with a positive mindset. Expectations are always high. We’re fully prepared and want to take it one match at a time. We’ll learn from every game, give our hundred percent and focus on performing well.”

“As senior players, it’s our responsibility to help the youngsters settle in. The coach has given us a lot of confidence. He’s very supportive but also very demanding, and that has helped us prepare well. We’re ready for the challenge.”

Expect possession-based football from JFC under Kaizad

Unlike Owen Coyle, who prefers fast-paced and high-intensity games, Kaizad, the newly appointed coach, prefers to keep the ball and control the pace of the game.

He feels that the senior players are quite accustomed to it and the young lads are also settling well.

The coach said, “The team is in a positive frame of mind. We want to play good football and entertain the fans. We hope they come in large numbers, support us throughout the tournament and enjoy watching the team play.”

“We’ve worked a lot on our style of play. I prefer possession-based football, so we’ve focused on moving the ball well and playing entertaining football. The youngsters are already familiar with this style, and the senior players have adapted well. Now it’s important that we put in a good performance in our first match.”

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