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.
Showing posts with label Pune FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pune FC. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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
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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Three Pune FC players in the Junior camp
Jeje Lal Pekhlua, Lal Rozama, and Ajinkya Desai of Pune Football Club (FC) have been called up for the final selection of the junior camp to be held at Goa.
Senior Pune FC team members, Jeje Lal Pekhlua and Lal Rozama will attend the National under-19 camp and under-17 Pune FC team member, Ajinkya Desai will attend the National under-16 camp.
The under-19 team will participate in the AFC Championship qualifiers in November and the under-16 team will participate in the AFC Championship qualifiers at Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi in October this year.
Interestingly, all the 3 players have been a part of Pune FC since inception. This is indeed a great day for Pune FC, who has taken up the youth development program with utmost sincerity.
Senior Pune FC team members, Jeje Lal Pekhlua and Lal Rozama will attend the National under-19 camp and under-17 Pune FC team member, Ajinkya Desai will attend the National under-16 camp.
The under-19 team will participate in the AFC Championship qualifiers in November and the under-16 team will participate in the AFC Championship qualifiers at Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi in October this year.
Interestingly, all the 3 players have been a part of Pune FC since inception. This is indeed a great day for Pune FC, who has taken up the youth development program with utmost sincerity.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Pune Football Club – on the right track…
When I look at the progression of Pune Football Club (FC), one question always comes to my mind – after qualifying for the first division I-league, now what?
Within second year of formation, Pune FC has been promoted to the first division I-league. This indeed is a commendable achievement. My recent trip to Pune provided me an opportunity to visit their office and ask the officials about the same.
Backed by a corporate partner, Pune FC is probably the only club that runs a professional football club in India. In the era of professionalizing Indian football, one would get a true sense of how a professional club operates, when you visit their facility at Pune.
The reception center was flooded with youths that have come to enroll themselves for the under-17 trials.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, who is the general manager of Pune FC, since its inception shared his views about the team composition for the coming season and nurturing local talents as a part of the youth development program.
The team is almost set, however, the players list could not be disclosed until the official formalities are done. But definitely national keeper Subrata Paul is the prize catch. Team management is also finalizing the quota of overseas players. 3+1 formation (three overseas players plus one from the Asian origin) has provided them an opportunity to look out for a top quality Asian player.
New coach, Derrick Perrira has taken charge of the team. He has met the players, prepared training schedule, and handed over the schedule to each of the players. This will ensure that the players keep themselves fit during off-season.
Pune FC, will kick-off the training session in the first week of July. Two newly-laid pitches are prepared near Hinjewadi, outskirts of Pune. Come this season, the team will be practicing there. Later, July 13, they will move to Goa for the preconditioning camp. This training would involve practicing in the artificial pitches.
As a preparation to I-League, the team is pinning hopes on participating in the Western India Football Association (WIFA) initiated Maharashtra State league. This league would provide exposure to play with the top teams in the state. “I am hopeful the state league starts in this season”. Adds Dr. Ashok.
Later Pune FC will be participating in the IFA Shield, Durand Cup, and Federation Cup. This should give the team to play at least 9-10 matches. “Good built-up for going to the main stage – I-league”, recons Dr. Askhok Kumar.
“Team is mostly likely going to play their I-league home matches at the Balewadi Sports complex”, confirms Chirag Tanna. Only concern is the distance that the fans needs to travel, as the Balewadi Sports complex falls in one corner of the city
Pune FC is emphasizing a lot on youth development program. This year they are introducing an under-17 team, they already have under-15 and under-19 teams on board. However, team management felt that there is an utmost need to bridge the gap, hence forming a team for the intermediate level. There are not many tournaments for the under-15 team, once they come out of the age group, it becomes difficult to retain the skills till under-19 level.
The new under-17 team will ensure that the talent is not gone lost, they will be smoothly transitioned to under-19, and finally they will be graduated to play for the senior team. The current senior teams boasts of two such under-19 players. Also, the new under-17 team will participate in the local league B division.
Norbert Gonsalves is heading the youth development program, ably supported by former Pune FC player, Gift Raikan. The youth development program is fully focused on spotting local talents.
Professional outlook towards the game has not yet come here. But the Pune lads are intelligent and possess good game sense. However, they don’t take the game seriously at the later stage. Hopefully, the youth development initiatives would do a world of good to the rookies, and they too can dream of making it big to the national and international level.
The team footballers are slowly getting recognized among the masses, thanks for the consistent good show over the last year. Numbers of enrollments for the age group team trials are doubled this year.
All set for a bright football season!
Within second year of formation, Pune FC has been promoted to the first division I-league. This indeed is a commendable achievement. My recent trip to Pune provided me an opportunity to visit their office and ask the officials about the same.
Backed by a corporate partner, Pune FC is probably the only club that runs a professional football club in India. In the era of professionalizing Indian football, one would get a true sense of how a professional club operates, when you visit their facility at Pune.
The reception center was flooded with youths that have come to enroll themselves for the under-17 trials.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, who is the general manager of Pune FC, since its inception shared his views about the team composition for the coming season and nurturing local talents as a part of the youth development program.
The team is almost set, however, the players list could not be disclosed until the official formalities are done. But definitely national keeper Subrata Paul is the prize catch. Team management is also finalizing the quota of overseas players. 3+1 formation (three overseas players plus one from the Asian origin) has provided them an opportunity to look out for a top quality Asian player.
New coach, Derrick Perrira has taken charge of the team. He has met the players, prepared training schedule, and handed over the schedule to each of the players. This will ensure that the players keep themselves fit during off-season.
Pune FC, will kick-off the training session in the first week of July. Two newly-laid pitches are prepared near Hinjewadi, outskirts of Pune. Come this season, the team will be practicing there. Later, July 13, they will move to Goa for the preconditioning camp. This training would involve practicing in the artificial pitches.
As a preparation to I-League, the team is pinning hopes on participating in the Western India Football Association (WIFA) initiated Maharashtra State league. This league would provide exposure to play with the top teams in the state. “I am hopeful the state league starts in this season”. Adds Dr. Ashok.
Later Pune FC will be participating in the IFA Shield, Durand Cup, and Federation Cup. This should give the team to play at least 9-10 matches. “Good built-up for going to the main stage – I-league”, recons Dr. Askhok Kumar.
“Team is mostly likely going to play their I-league home matches at the Balewadi Sports complex”, confirms Chirag Tanna. Only concern is the distance that the fans needs to travel, as the Balewadi Sports complex falls in one corner of the city
Pune FC is emphasizing a lot on youth development program. This year they are introducing an under-17 team, they already have under-15 and under-19 teams on board. However, team management felt that there is an utmost need to bridge the gap, hence forming a team for the intermediate level. There are not many tournaments for the under-15 team, once they come out of the age group, it becomes difficult to retain the skills till under-19 level.
The new under-17 team will ensure that the talent is not gone lost, they will be smoothly transitioned to under-19, and finally they will be graduated to play for the senior team. The current senior teams boasts of two such under-19 players. Also, the new under-17 team will participate in the local league B division.
Norbert Gonsalves is heading the youth development program, ably supported by former Pune FC player, Gift Raikan. The youth development program is fully focused on spotting local talents.
Professional outlook towards the game has not yet come here. But the Pune lads are intelligent and possess good game sense. However, they don’t take the game seriously at the later stage. Hopefully, the youth development initiatives would do a world of good to the rookies, and they too can dream of making it big to the national and international level.
The team footballers are slowly getting recognized among the masses, thanks for the consistent good show over the last year. Numbers of enrollments for the age group team trials are doubled this year.
All set for a bright football season!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
HAL defeats Pune FC
It was a day to remember for the football fans of Bangalore. City giants HAL, defeated Pune FC, and entered the final rounds of the Federation Cup 2008. It was a combined effort of tight defence, operating midfield, and sharp attack to overcome the challenge of Pune FC.
HAL got the better of their opponent in every department the game. They dominated the proceeding right from the beginning. Veteran war horse, RC Prakash scored the most important goal in the 38th minute of the match. Local lad, RC Prakash, who is back to Bangalore after playing eight seasons for different clubs in Kolkata and Goa, started his career for ITI.
The combination of captain, Xavier Vijay Kumar and RC Prakash really played well and entertained the crowd. Pune FC tried hard to come back to the game with some goods work from hard working Kamal Thapa. Mid fielder, Asim Hassan tried some lovely long rangers, which missed the goal by a whisker.
Teams
HAL: 30-Amar Deb; 8- Xavier Vijay Kumar (90'+4', 15-Satish Jr), 6-Satish Kumar; 14-Rajendra Prasad; 9-Dada Nabeel; 18-Goutam Debnath; 17-RC Prakash (75', 7-Karthigayan); 2-Sumit Thapa; 4-Naveen Babu; 26-Joseph Femi Adeola; 10-Fredrik Okwagbe
Pune FC: 1-Balaji Narsimhan; 2-Othallo Tabia; 3-Caitano Costa; 4-Kamal Thapa; 6-S Venkatesh; 7-M Sudeesh (61', 18-Crispin Chettri) 8-Asim Hassan; 10-Jeje Lalpekhlwa; 15-Lalrojama (59' 9-Santa Kumar); 27-Chika Wali; 28-Gobin Sewaram (79' Sandesh Gadkari)
Yellow card: 85' Kamal Thapa
Referee: G Thambiraj
Assistant referee: Nazir Ahmad, Kamil
HAL got the better of their opponent in every department the game. They dominated the proceeding right from the beginning. Veteran war horse, RC Prakash scored the most important goal in the 38th minute of the match. Local lad, RC Prakash, who is back to Bangalore after playing eight seasons for different clubs in Kolkata and Goa, started his career for ITI.
The combination of captain, Xavier Vijay Kumar and RC Prakash really played well and entertained the crowd. Pune FC tried hard to come back to the game with some goods work from hard working Kamal Thapa. Mid fielder, Asim Hassan tried some lovely long rangers, which missed the goal by a whisker.
Teams
HAL: 30-Amar Deb; 8- Xavier Vijay Kumar (90'+4', 15-Satish Jr), 6-Satish Kumar; 14-Rajendra Prasad; 9-Dada Nabeel; 18-Goutam Debnath; 17-RC Prakash (75', 7-Karthigayan); 2-Sumit Thapa; 4-Naveen Babu; 26-Joseph Femi Adeola; 10-Fredrik Okwagbe
Pune FC: 1-Balaji Narsimhan; 2-Othallo Tabia; 3-Caitano Costa; 4-Kamal Thapa; 6-S Venkatesh; 7-M Sudeesh (61', 18-Crispin Chettri) 8-Asim Hassan; 10-Jeje Lalpekhlwa; 15-Lalrojama (59' 9-Santa Kumar); 27-Chika Wali; 28-Gobin Sewaram (79' Sandesh Gadkari)
Yellow card: 85' Kamal Thapa
Referee: G Thambiraj
Assistant referee: Nazir Ahmad, Kamil
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