By Dempo SC Media
GANGTOK: Dempo Sports Club begin their pursuit for the lucrative berth in the Hero I-league 2016-17 as they take on Gangtok Himalayan FC in the first round match of the final phase of the Second Division League at the Paljor Stadium on Saturday.
The five-time I-League champions finished their first round just behind the leaders Minerva Academy but coach Maurcio Afonso has made his intentions clear, which is nothing less than finishing at the top and qualify for the Hero I-League before he set off his journey to play their away matches.
“We have to take one match at a time. We want to take maximum points keeping in mind our goal, that is to qualify for the Hero I-League next season,” said Afonso.
Gangtok Himalayan have also finished second in the Eastern Conference, behind the Kolkata outfit Mohammedan Sporting Club. The club, which was formed in the year 2015, showed great teamwork and determination to qualify in the final phase in their first competitive season.
Though the team doesn’t have any international player, the local talents can prove a serious threat to Mauricio’s men in their fortress.
However, on paper, Dempo SC appear stronger compared to any other team in the final round. Sampath Kattimani will be under the woodwork while Debabrata Das, Chika Wali, Mohammed Ali, Nickson Castanha and Meldon D’Silva will be deployed in the defensive half. Furthermore, the midfield comprises of Shaikh Jewell Raja, Holicharan Narzary, Vinit, Peter Carvalho. Meanwhile, the return of Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes has even bolstered the squad. Felix, Uttam Rai and Beevan D’Mello will play upfront.
After nearly being out of action for three months, Dempo SC winger Mandar Rao Dessai was delighted to be back into the squad, “I was waiting to play for my team and now that I’m cleared of the ban, I am very much delighted to play along with Romeo for Dempo SC,” said the speedy left winger.
“We missed the first phase and now we have to give our best. I will try my best to help my team to qualify in every way possible. That’s my main goal at the moment.” added Mandar.
The match kicks off at 2pm at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.
