In an exciting match, MEG defeated Bangalore Super Division League champion HAL by 4-3.
It was the day of the right-winger Ramu, who tricked HAL’s defense not only once, but thrice and assisted his team, MEG to create an upset win over HAL.
Ramu was fast enough to put give side 2-0 with the first 7 minutes of the game. Also, HAL was equally fast enough the make amends by scoring 2 goals in the span of 6 minutes (31st and 37th minute) in the form of Jotin Singh and Murali.
Ramu finished his quota of hat trick in the 74th minute. HAL equalized again in the 82nd minute through Jotin Singh.
The deciding goal came in the very next minute when Lokeshwar Singh, who came as a substitute striker and scored for MEG.
Knockout postponed
The semifinals, slated for November 1 and 2 are postponed to November 6 and 7. These dates will be utilized for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Football Academy set to take place at the Bangalore Football Stadium under the FIFA’s Vision Asia program. The final of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup will be played on November 8.
Knock out fixtures:
Semi final:
Semifinal 1: November 6 - MEG (Group A winner) V/s KSP (Group B runner-up), 3.30 pm.
Semifinal 2: November 7 - BEML (Group B winner) V/s HAL (Group A runner-up), 3.30 pm.
Final: November 7, 3.30 pm.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Lajong boys are ready to face Bagan
After their convincing victory over Air India, the Lajong FC boys are ready to take on Mohun Bagan.
On the eve of the match between Shilong Lajong FC and Mohun Bagan, IndianFootball.com talked to Stanley Rozario, coach, Shilong Lajong FC.
Stanley touch based on the following points:
Confidence factor in this match
On the eve of the match between Shilong Lajong FC and Mohun Bagan, IndianFootball.com talked to Stanley Rozario, coach, Shilong Lajong FC.
Stanley touch based on the following points:
Confidence factor in this match
- Our boys had a big win at home against Air India and we are ready to face Bagan.
- But all said Mohun bagan is after all Mohun bagan!
- Even though they are not getting the service of Barretto, yet they are a formidable side with competent bench strength.
- Also, their recent win at the Kolkata derby has boosted their morale.
- I do not agree on the high-altitude thing, a match is a match, and the professional players have to perform.
- Bagan consists of many players from NorthEast. Surkumar Singh, James Singh, Tomba Singh, and Genius Zenith are all experienced in playing in high altitude condition.
- Moreover, the weather here is chilly unlike the any other I-League venues, and the players will be comfortable playing in such soothing condition.
- Gumpe absense won’t deter much, our other goalies are also good.
- Marus Basutarari is an experience keeper and so is R Lalthuammawia, who has already played against Sporting Club de Goa in the I-League.
- Will take the decision on fielding either of these two keepers tomorrow, just before the match.
- Was there as a spectator (winks)!
- I always do that, like to take notes on the opposition. Have even done that before the Air India match (East Bengal - Air India match was played at Kolkata).
- I’ve shared my observation with the team and accordingly the team has worked on it.
- You can say that the planning part is done it is up to how the players execute in the field. (laughs)
Brazil factor in Chirag
A short story about the Brazilians who are making it happen for Chirag United SC in the ongoing I-League.
They were not the first choices of foreign players. The first one failed to impress the coach as well as the club management. However, he was still included in the team due to lack of quality foreign strikers around.
Talking about the other one, he had played in East Bengal few seasons. However, just before the start of the I-League, he was discarded from the team. Lucky enough to find an I-League Division 1 team in Chirag!
Meet the Brazilian-striker duo for Chirag United SC – Josimar da Silva Martins and Edmilson Marques Pardal.
Are they going to hunt in pairs? Just like the Ba- Bha (Barretto and Bhaichung) partnership a few season back. Will they be the next big pair in Indian club football? Jo-Ed!
These questions are definitely worth asking and only time will answer them.
IndianFootball.com was talking to Djair Garcia, physical trainer for Chirag last night. It was Djair, another Brazilian, who introduced Josimar to Chirag. Though, initially Josimar failed to impress one and all, but his inclusion into the team is bearing fruit for Chirag.
Djair sounded happy that the management had expressed faith in recruiting Josimar, “Josimar now understands the pattern of football played in India; he is improving day-by-day.”
“Happy to see our players in good physical condition! The players have formed one cohesive unit, they are dedicated, and takes each practice session seriously,” adds Djair.
“Chirag will create more surprise in the I-League,” reckons the Brazilian physio.
Picture this, post round 5 of I-League, Chirag has scored 11 goals, and 9 goals are scored between Josimar (5) and Edmilson (4).
Definitely great start!
They were not the first choices of foreign players. The first one failed to impress the coach as well as the club management. However, he was still included in the team due to lack of quality foreign strikers around.
Talking about the other one, he had played in East Bengal few seasons. However, just before the start of the I-League, he was discarded from the team. Lucky enough to find an I-League Division 1 team in Chirag!
Meet the Brazilian-striker duo for Chirag United SC – Josimar da Silva Martins and Edmilson Marques Pardal.
Are they going to hunt in pairs? Just like the Ba- Bha (Barretto and Bhaichung) partnership a few season back. Will they be the next big pair in Indian club football? Jo-Ed!
These questions are definitely worth asking and only time will answer them.
IndianFootball.com was talking to Djair Garcia, physical trainer for Chirag last night. It was Djair, another Brazilian, who introduced Josimar to Chirag. Though, initially Josimar failed to impress one and all, but his inclusion into the team is bearing fruit for Chirag.
Djair sounded happy that the management had expressed faith in recruiting Josimar, “Josimar now understands the pattern of football played in India; he is improving day-by-day.”
“Happy to see our players in good physical condition! The players have formed one cohesive unit, they are dedicated, and takes each practice session seriously,” adds Djair.
“Chirag will create more surprise in the I-League,” reckons the Brazilian physio.
Picture this, post round 5 of I-League, Chirag has scored 11 goals, and 9 goals are scored between Josimar (5) and Edmilson (4).
Definitely great start!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Debasish Mukherjee takes up Pune FC’s goalkeeping tutelage
Former India goalkeeper Debasish Mukherjee will be in charge of training Pune FC’s last line of defense.
Debasish Mukherjee has started his stint with the team today. On Thursday, October 28, Pune FC takes up the mighty challenge of the winner of the last edition, Churchill Brothers at the latter’s home turf at Goa.
Talking to the IndianFootball.com, Debasish Mukherjee sounded enthusiastic! He is just out from his initial training session with the PuneFC keepers.
He iterated that it too early and too difficult for him to comment on a subject which is just one session old. “Ideally it should take few sessions to comment on something”, said the former keeper.
The Pune FC management has not done any formal contract with Debasish Mukherjee till date. They want so see how Mukherjee integrates with the team and yields better result.
Talking to the IndianFootball.com, General Manager, Dr. B Ashok Kumar sounded optimistic, “We are definitely on the right direction. Paul stressed on having a full-time goal keeping coach and we have it in the form of Debasish.”
“Debasish will train the guys for few weeks, till November 13, (round 5 thru round 8)”, said Dr. Ashok Kumar.
Mukherjee, who was one of the most consistent performers for over a decade, had represented India in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Also, he holds the world record for clocking the longest time being undefeated under the bar.
Last season, Debasish Mukherjee had a similar stint with East Bengal. His association with India’s (and Pune FC’s) numero uno goalkeeper Subrata Paul goes a long way. Paul regards Mukherjee highly and considers him his mentor.
Earlier, when Subrata Paul was going through some torrid times, Debasish Mukherjee imparted technical and mental support, and now we have all witnessed how Subrata Paul has surfaced much better as a person and goalkeeper.
Debasish Mukherjee has started his stint with the team today. On Thursday, October 28, Pune FC takes up the mighty challenge of the winner of the last edition, Churchill Brothers at the latter’s home turf at Goa.
Talking to the IndianFootball.com, Debasish Mukherjee sounded enthusiastic! He is just out from his initial training session with the PuneFC keepers.
He iterated that it too early and too difficult for him to comment on a subject which is just one session old. “Ideally it should take few sessions to comment on something”, said the former keeper.
The Pune FC management has not done any formal contract with Debasish Mukherjee till date. They want so see how Mukherjee integrates with the team and yields better result.
Talking to the IndianFootball.com, General Manager, Dr. B Ashok Kumar sounded optimistic, “We are definitely on the right direction. Paul stressed on having a full-time goal keeping coach and we have it in the form of Debasish.”
“Debasish will train the guys for few weeks, till November 13, (round 5 thru round 8)”, said Dr. Ashok Kumar.
Mukherjee, who was one of the most consistent performers for over a decade, had represented India in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Also, he holds the world record for clocking the longest time being undefeated under the bar.
Last season, Debasish Mukherjee had a similar stint with East Bengal. His association with India’s (and Pune FC’s) numero uno goalkeeper Subrata Paul goes a long way. Paul regards Mukherjee highly and considers him his mentor.
Earlier, when Subrata Paul was going through some torrid times, Debasish Mukherjee imparted technical and mental support, and now we have all witnessed how Subrata Paul has surfaced much better as a person and goalkeeper.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Lackluster win for HAL
HAL opened their account in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup by defeating CIL by a solitary goal.
Bangalore football giants Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC played their first match in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup against CIL at the Bangalore Football Stadium yesterday evening.
HAL enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, however, the attacking duo of Fredrick Okwabe and Jotin Singh missed the sharpness, and could not get past their opponents to score. Also, a few good solo efforts by their foreigner Fredrick failed to open the goalmouth for HAL.
The second half started on a dull note with the ball mainly played in the middle-third. HAL was fortunate enough to get a penalty from a handball inside thebox. Veteran midfielder J. Muralidharan made no mistake to convert thus saving the blushes for his side.
In the other match, a 10-men team of Rail Wheel Factory was good enough to defeat Super Division newcomers Dharmaraja Union by 4-2.
Bangalore football giants Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC played their first match in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup against CIL at the Bangalore Football Stadium yesterday evening.
HAL enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, however, the attacking duo of Fredrick Okwabe and Jotin Singh missed the sharpness, and could not get past their opponents to score. Also, a few good solo efforts by their foreigner Fredrick failed to open the goalmouth for HAL.
The second half started on a dull note with the ball mainly played in the middle-third. HAL was fortunate enough to get a penalty from a handball inside thebox. Veteran midfielder J. Muralidharan made no mistake to convert thus saving the blushes for his side.
In the other match, a 10-men team of Rail Wheel Factory was good enough to defeat Super Division newcomers Dharmaraja Union by 4-2.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Ecstasy in Shillong!
This is what happens with the fans when a football team from an unknown region gets their first home victory in the I-League Division 1.
The Shillong Lajong FC fans thronged the stadium and the stadium was jam-packed with capacity crowd.
The expectation from the team was high, the team leaved upto it with a thrashing 3-0 margin, and finally the crowd went ecstatic!
Always a great acheivement to garner full points in the first ever I-League Division 1 home match. A special mention goes to the Lajong players for displaying their character, mental strength, and attitude against the Airmen.
Also, Lajong so far has managed to win an away match. These matches are very difficult for any newly promted team and they are no exception to this, still they managed to win a match. Great show!
Applaudable is coach Stanley Rosario’s approach towards I-League, “Too dificult to predict in a marathon league like this. Forget saving relegation, aiming for a spot, et al., I would like to concentrate one match at a time. Aim for full 3 points at the home matches and 1 point in the away matches, anything more is bonus to me.
Also, commendable is the fact that the except for Gumpe Rime, Daniel Bedemi, and Aibor Khongjee, all the other players in the team are new to this format. They do not have any idea about I-League, yet they responded positively, and improving day by.
Veteran keeper, Gumpe Rime feels that the Lajong crowd by far is the most impressive home team crowd he has ever experienced in the I-League.
Gumpe remembered that once he told to IndianFootball.Com about the joining Lajong FC and be a part of the history. How does he feel now to be a part of the history?
Gumpe says, “I’m very happy, let’s not be content with this, and hope to continue with the same spirit.”
Unfortunately for Lajong, Gumpe will be sitting out in the next match due to a suspension over 2 yellow cards.
With a performance like this, Shillong Lajong FC can expect nothing but crowds support!
The Shillong Lajong FC fans thronged the stadium and the stadium was jam-packed with capacity crowd.
The expectation from the team was high, the team leaved upto it with a thrashing 3-0 margin, and finally the crowd went ecstatic!
Always a great acheivement to garner full points in the first ever I-League Division 1 home match. A special mention goes to the Lajong players for displaying their character, mental strength, and attitude against the Airmen.
Also, Lajong so far has managed to win an away match. These matches are very difficult for any newly promted team and they are no exception to this, still they managed to win a match. Great show!
Applaudable is coach Stanley Rosario’s approach towards I-League, “Too dificult to predict in a marathon league like this. Forget saving relegation, aiming for a spot, et al., I would like to concentrate one match at a time. Aim for full 3 points at the home matches and 1 point in the away matches, anything more is bonus to me.
Also, commendable is the fact that the except for Gumpe Rime, Daniel Bedemi, and Aibor Khongjee, all the other players in the team are new to this format. They do not have any idea about I-League, yet they responded positively, and improving day by.
Veteran keeper, Gumpe Rime feels that the Lajong crowd by far is the most impressive home team crowd he has ever experienced in the I-League.
Gumpe remembered that once he told to IndianFootball.Com about the joining Lajong FC and be a part of the history. How does he feel now to be a part of the history?
Gumpe says, “I’m very happy, let’s not be content with this, and hope to continue with the same spirit.”
Unfortunately for Lajong, Gumpe will be sitting out in the next match due to a suspension over 2 yellow cards.
With a performance like this, Shillong Lajong FC can expect nothing but crowds support!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Super Division teams for Puttaiah Cup
Top Super Division teams will be participating in the Puttaiah Cup, which gets started from October 21.
Puttaiah Cup is organized by the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) where top Bangalore teams like HAL, BEML, Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) Bangalore will be participating.
A total of 10 teams will be participating in the league-cum-knockout tounament. The teams are divided in 2 groups, 2 teams from each groups will qualify for semifinals. The final will be played on November 3.
In the opening encounter on October 21, RWF will take on Dharmaraja Union, and later in another match HAL will take on CIL.
The teams feel that this tournament will be a perfect build up for the BDFA Super Division league, which will be followed after Puttaiah Cup.
Team listing
Group A: CIL, Dharmaraja Union, HAL, MEG, and RWF
Group B: BEL, BEML, ISRO, KSP, and SAI
Puttaiah Cup is organized by the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) where top Bangalore teams like HAL, BEML, Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) Bangalore will be participating.
A total of 10 teams will be participating in the league-cum-knockout tounament. The teams are divided in 2 groups, 2 teams from each groups will qualify for semifinals. The final will be played on November 3.
In the opening encounter on October 21, RWF will take on Dharmaraja Union, and later in another match HAL will take on CIL.
The teams feel that this tournament will be a perfect build up for the BDFA Super Division league, which will be followed after Puttaiah Cup.
Team listing
Group A: CIL, Dharmaraja Union, HAL, MEG, and RWF
Group B: BEL, BEML, ISRO, KSP, and SAI
Friday, October 16, 2009
Football camp for girls in Bangalore
The Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) will conduct a coaching-cum- selection camp for the girls aged between 16 to 19 years.
The selected players will be participating in the Junior Girls National Football Championship. This tournament is for the girls who are aged below Under-19.
The 8th edition of the Junior Girls National Football Championship will be held in next month at Orissa.
Players from the Karnaka state who are born on or after January 1, 1991 and not later than December 31, 1993 are eligible to report to the camp at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Tuesday, October 20 at 8 am.
The selected players will be participating in the Junior Girls National Football Championship. This tournament is for the girls who are aged below Under-19.
The 8th edition of the Junior Girls National Football Championship will be held in next month at Orissa.
Players from the Karnaka state who are born on or after January 1, 1991 and not later than December 31, 1993 are eligible to report to the camp at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Tuesday, October 20 at 8 am.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Pune FC all set to clash with Sporting Club de Goa
In their first away match in the League Division 1, Pune Football Club (FC) is all set to lock horns with host, Sporting Club de Goa on Friday on October 17.
The team so far had a mixed outing - draw against Kingfisher East Bengal in their first match and a loss against Air India. All these matches were played on their home turf at Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune.
However, being an away match, Pune FC would be still looking for a positive outing. The host, Sporting Club de Goa, would be low on morale after their home loss against another new comer, Shillong Lajong FC.
Pune FC is bolstered with the addition of the striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who was away on duty for the India Under-19 team. His return would definitely give an edge to the team.
The team so far had a mixed outing - draw against Kingfisher East Bengal in their first match and a loss against Air India. All these matches were played on their home turf at Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune.
However, being an away match, Pune FC would be still looking for a positive outing. The host, Sporting Club de Goa, would be low on morale after their home loss against another new comer, Shillong Lajong FC.
Pune FC is bolstered with the addition of the striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who was away on duty for the India Under-19 team. His return would definitely give an edge to the team.
Pune FC signs striker P Muthu
New comer to the I-League Division 1, Pune Football Club (FC) has signed a striker, P Muthu to their roster.
Muthu hails from Chennai and he was awarded the Player of the Tournament in this year’s edition of Santosh Trophy.
Muthu has represented his state team, Tamil Nadu in the last 8 editions of Santosh Trophy. The striker stands 5’7’’ tall and had previously played for AGA Club, Chennai for last 10 years.
Muthu joins his team, Pune FC today in Goa. In all possibility, he will be making his debut in the I-League Division 1 by playing the match against Sporting Club De Goa on October 17.
Muthu hails from Chennai and he was awarded the Player of the Tournament in this year’s edition of Santosh Trophy.
Muthu has represented his state team, Tamil Nadu in the last 8 editions of Santosh Trophy. The striker stands 5’7’’ tall and had previously played for AGA Club, Chennai for last 10 years.
Muthu joins his team, Pune FC today in Goa. In all possibility, he will be making his debut in the I-League Division 1 by playing the match against Sporting Club De Goa on October 17.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Bagan will come back strongly: Manju
Backbone of the Indian and Mohun Bagan defence, Nanjangud Shivananju Manju is confident about his clubs good show in the ongoing I-League.
He has been the mainstay for the Mohun Bagan defence for last 2 seasons. But he is out of action since mid-August, thanks for a hairline fracture due during the match against Lebanon in the ONCG Nehru Cup.
N S Manju has been in the oblivion since then, silently recuperating from injury in his home town.
He is now ready to travel to Kolkata to consult his Physiotherapist, Dr. Jibak Mukherjee to decide the future course of action.
“I’ve started walking after one and half months, however it is not smooth as I limp while walking”, says Manju.
“I will meet Dr. Jibak Mukherjee on Thursday, October 15, I believe I need to undergo a series of physiotherapy.”
When asked about his team’s dismal performance at the beginning of the I-League, Manju sounded very nonchalant, “Even the start of the previous two editions of I-League were not smooth. We struggled at the beginning, yet we came back well, geared up at the right time, and in the last season we missed I-League by a whisker”.
“I am sure this will happen again, I have full faith in coach and my teammates”, Insists Manju.
He was light-heartedly asked that why does he always gets injured during National duty, Manju laughed, “Injury in not in my hand and similarly not in AIFFs hand.”
Manju supports the idea of the National body, the AIFF paying the players salary on behalf of the club if the player gets injured while playing for country.
“I think Bagan has every right to ask to AIFF”, he sounded cautious, “I do not want to rake up a controversy by saying this. I am not aware of the technicalities involved here and neither I am aware of the communication that happened between my club and the AIFF”.
“I have been totally aloof from the scene, whatever little information I’ve gathered is through reading newspaper and by learning from my friends”, says Manju.
Recently, Mohun Bagan secretary, Anjan Mitra had issued a letter to the AIFF, asking Manju's salary.
Manju is eager to come back to the game. He plans to work hard - undergo a proper treatment program, plan and work on his fitness level so that he is not bother about any minor niggles.
For the sake of Indian Football, IndianFootball.com wishes a fast recovery to Manju.
He has been the mainstay for the Mohun Bagan defence for last 2 seasons. But he is out of action since mid-August, thanks for a hairline fracture due during the match against Lebanon in the ONCG Nehru Cup.
N S Manju has been in the oblivion since then, silently recuperating from injury in his home town.
He is now ready to travel to Kolkata to consult his Physiotherapist, Dr. Jibak Mukherjee to decide the future course of action.
“I’ve started walking after one and half months, however it is not smooth as I limp while walking”, says Manju.
“I will meet Dr. Jibak Mukherjee on Thursday, October 15, I believe I need to undergo a series of physiotherapy.”
When asked about his team’s dismal performance at the beginning of the I-League, Manju sounded very nonchalant, “Even the start of the previous two editions of I-League were not smooth. We struggled at the beginning, yet we came back well, geared up at the right time, and in the last season we missed I-League by a whisker”.
“I am sure this will happen again, I have full faith in coach and my teammates”, Insists Manju.
He was light-heartedly asked that why does he always gets injured during National duty, Manju laughed, “Injury in not in my hand and similarly not in AIFFs hand.”
Manju supports the idea of the National body, the AIFF paying the players salary on behalf of the club if the player gets injured while playing for country.
“I think Bagan has every right to ask to AIFF”, he sounded cautious, “I do not want to rake up a controversy by saying this. I am not aware of the technicalities involved here and neither I am aware of the communication that happened between my club and the AIFF”.
“I have been totally aloof from the scene, whatever little information I’ve gathered is through reading newspaper and by learning from my friends”, says Manju.
Recently, Mohun Bagan secretary, Anjan Mitra had issued a letter to the AIFF, asking Manju's salary.
Manju is eager to come back to the game. He plans to work hard - undergo a proper treatment program, plan and work on his fitness level so that he is not bother about any minor niggles.
For the sake of Indian Football, IndianFootball.com wishes a fast recovery to Manju.
So far so good for Lajong: Gumpe
Shillong Lajong FC's captain Gumpe Rime sees the positive side of the performance of his team after their first three matches in the I-League's top Division.
“Three points from three away matches, that too for a team that is newly promoted into the I-League Division 1, this is a decent start!”, recons the veteran custodian of Shillong Lajong FC, Gumpe Rime.
The team was returning to Shillong after playing their away matches in Goa, while IndianFootball.Com caught up on Gumpe at the Mumbai Airport.
All said but Gumpe is very much concerned about the two big losses, 5-1 against JCT and 4-1 Dempo. “We do not have any big-bodied overseas player playing in the defence and need to work on that area.”
“I am sure our coach Stanley has made plans to fix it once we get started with practice after reaching Shillong”, says Gumpe.
Lajong will play their next match against Air India in Sunday, October 18. “It’s good that we will be playing our next three matches are home, we must utilise the home advantage.”
Air-India has always been a tough nut to crack. Though playing in the high altitude is a challenge for any visiting team, but Gumpe feels that it would not be that difficult for the Airmen. Bimal Ghosh’s team boasts of numerous Northeastern players who are well acclimatized playing in such conditions.
An interesting match would surely be on the cards and one would welcome Shillong as the latest I-League venue!
Ghosh wary of opponents’ competence
Air India coach Bimal Ghosh showed full respect for his opponents, newcomers Pune FC.
On Thursday evening, Air India will meet Pune FC in Pune to play their round 2 I-League match. In fact, this will be the first match for Air India as their earlier match was postponed due to heavy rainfall.
Ghosh is aware of the strengths of Pune FC. In their earlier encounter in the IFA Shield, Air India got the better of Pune FC (the match finished 2-1 in favour of Air India) but the Air India coach reiterated that come Thursday, it would be a different ball game all together – different format, different pitch and above all, different conditions with the backing of the home crowd.
Ghosh expects a stiff challenge from the Pune lads, especially, after their impressive debut match against East Bengal last week. Inclusion of the Brazillian striker, Edmar Figueira, has increased the striking ability of Pune FC. It is a definite worry for Air India as he is an unknown factor.
Meanwhile, in the Pune FC camp, the players were relaxed and the mood was upbeat. Izumi Arata, who scored the only goal against Air India in the previous encounter, was confident and insisted that he would just give his best!
Arata’s best performance against his former club
The Japanese Player of Indian Origin is happy with his play against East Bengal in Pune FC's I-League debut.
He had turned out for East Bengal in the I-League just two-seasons ago, however, East Bengal did not retain him. He had a mediocre last two seasons with Mahindra United. He has since joined the newly promoted I-League Division 1 team, Pune Football Club (PFC).
Meet the the attacking midfielder, who is filling the PIO quota for Pune FC, Neelkantha Narendra Khambolja, or popularly, Izuma Arata.
Arata yesterday played exceedingly well against his former club. His powerful shot pierced East Bengals’ defence, and only found the keeper before the goal-net.
Talking to IndianFootball.com, Arata insisted that there was no such urge to give the best agianst his former club, but there was enormous crowd support, so that motivated him to give his best.
When asked about his reaction when missing the man-of-the-match (MOM) award narrowly to defender Chika Wali, team man Arata promptly responded, “It really does not matter to me who gets the MOM award, we played well, and one of my teammate got the award.”
"I am happy!", laughs Arata.
Arata is gradually living up to his billing. Maybe this season of I-League will provide him the platform.
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