Vinit Rai can be good future captain for Odisha FC, states Steven Dias

The Juggernauts' interim coach spoke after a goalfest in their last fixture of the season.

Odisha FC brought out all the fireworks during their last match of the Indian Super League 2020-21 season against SC East Bengal. Thanks to a 6-5 scoreline, the outfit secured a victory in a game which saw 11 goals! The game was not only a breathtaking display of superb attacking and substandard defending, it was also high on entertainment factors for the fans and neutrals alike. Caretaker coach for Odisha FC Steven Dias spoke during the post-match media interaction and answered a few important questions following the highest-scoring game in the ISL’s history

The shocking result

Steven Dias gave his account of the game where his side scored six goals after conceding six last time against Mumbai City FC at the same ground. He was quoted as saying, “I can’t imagine 11 goals in one match. It was very entertaining, but personally there was a lot of pressure on me. When I spoke to the boys, they were all supporting me saying ‘We are with you, we will do it for you’ and today they did it, I am so happy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i85F9zQdKM4

Impressive youngsters

The Juggernauts had three scorers from Mizoram aged 19, 21 and 23 years old on the evening. Steven Dias was asked if this feat showcased the youth-first policy of the club. He responded by saying, “Yes of course, when we started this club, the owner Rohan (Sharma), his idea is to get young players and work on them by giving them a chance.”

“Throughout the season, they didn’t get much of a chance and throughout the training, they’ve been giving their best. We had some key players injured. 'This is the best time,' I thought to give them a chance. This is the club’s policy, we want to work on our youth and develop them,” the 37-year-old further opined.

A word on Paul Ramfangzauva

The star on the evening, the 21-year-old midfielder Paul Ramfangzauva scored a brace and impressed with a mature performance. Speaking in his praise, the coach said, “If you ask me about Paul, he is a future star. He’s good with the ball. I am sure he saw last night’s match, Apuia’s goal and he got inspired from that.”

Vinit Rai – The Captain

The captain leading Odisha on the night was Vinit Rai. The young midfielder showed good leadership qualities. Upon being asked whether Vinit could be a permanent captain in the near future, Steven Dias said, “I think he is one of the good choices within the club, Jerry (Mawihmingthanga) is (also) there as a senior player. He’s got that leadership quality. Today I thought of giving him (Vinit) the captaincy because he’s got good bonding with the whole team, so I think he can be a good future captain for this club.” 

The future

The tactician was also honest about his future plans and if they lie with Odisha FC. He expressed that, “I don’t know, after this match I just want to relax (chuckles). I mean it has been too much pressure after the last match. I’ll go home, I’ll take a little rest, think about it and let's see what happens next season," he concluded.