By Dempo SC Media

GOA: Dempo SC begin their U-18 Zonal I-League campaign against Sporting Club de Goa in an away fixture at Don Bosco ground, Panaji on Tuesday.

Dempo SC had an unforgettable season last summer but the rejuvenated side is poised for a strong start in the city derby against the local rivals, with the arrival of new technical team at the club headed by Technical Director, Katz Naidoo.

“It’s a big game for both teams and knowing the status of the tournament, I think Dempo have done fair amount of work on the team to take on this challenge,” said Naidoo.

“Both the teams are well balanced and I would like to be positive of the outcome if this result is in Dempo’s favour,” he concluded.

With many new faces and some departed there is stability at the core that few can now match, and opponents underestimate the strength of their peril.

Kapil Hoble, Aaron Rodrigues, Vinent Bugde and Jason Lucas being regular in the senior squad, the quartet will look to boost the teamsmorale with their experience and exposure.

Dempo SC U-18 coach Anthony De Souza along with Asst. coach Marcelino Pereira have been working with the squad molding and shaping it for last three months and are looking forward for a good season.

“The preparations are going according to our plans and the boys are eager to play. They are raring to go,” said Anthony DeSouza.

The former SESA academy coach stressed that he would take each game at a time, knowing the competition level and the teams participating in the tournament.

On Tuesday, Sporting will test the new look Dempo SC, with coach Anthony and asst. coach Marcelino hoping to get off to a good start.