Of all the games played till date in the I-league, theheaviness of the defeat that United Sikkim FC had to bear at the hands ofPrayag United is what impacted me the most. It took a lot to absorb the 10-1humiliation. Ranti Martin’s 5 goals stimulated his side to the victory but morethan that I believe the growth of Prayag is solely credited to the new coach,Eelco Schattorie. Taking into account all the controversy surrounding his roleat the club, the Dutchman could not have asked for a better start. For UnitedSikkim FC, few but voluminous changes took place, one being former Indiacaptain and United Sikkim squad member Bhaichung Bhutia taking over asplayer-manager.
Armando Colaco’s boys and defending champions Dempo SportsClub, secured their position with 4-1 score against Shillong Lajong FC. Colacowas relieved at the victory as he acknowledged that Lajong was a tough team tobeat since they were playing Dempo after wins against Mohun Bagan and PrayagUnited. The plot point arrived when a Lajong defender handled the ball and thehome side was awarded a penalty. If that had to not happen, the situation couldhave been different. But Armando’s current concern is defending the chargesimposed on him by the AIFF of allegedly forcibly entering the field of playduring their match against East Bengal. The Goan coach stated that he wouldquit coaching if the charge was proven against him.
Round 5 witnessed Churchill Brother slipping to secondposition. Churchill Brothers didn’t go easy on Salgaoncar FC and cataloguedtheir fourth win with a score of 2-1. On asking Churchill Alemao what hethought about his team’s performance till date. “Football is a game and a teamkeeps improving. As far as Churchill Brother’s inability to maintain a topposition, “the I-League has just begun and I am confidant of us reclaiming thetop position.”
Mariano Dias, head coach to the team doesn’t share thepatron’s enthusiasm. In their last game against East Bengal, they witnessed adefeat due to their game strategy not going as planned. After letting EastBengal score the first goal, Churchill Brothers could just not make a comeback.According to Dias, the strikers were not up to the mark and were impaired evenmore due to lack of support from the midfielders.
I couldn’t end thisarticle without a mention of Mumbai FC, a club going through some turbulenttimes due to limited resources. Coach Jamil has truly done wonders with histeam, and witnessing recent wins and a climb up in the standings, I believethis team is to watch out for.
