the goan I network
PANAJI
FC Goa are keen to add a silverware to their cabinet this season and Super Cup is their only opportunity now to do that. Under Spanish coach Sergio Lobera, the Gaurs narrowly lost in the ISL5 final to Bengaluru FC earlier this month. Now, the Gaurs are training under the guidance of their head coach for the upcoming knock-out tournament. FC Goa face the dangerous Indian Arrows at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
FC Goa are almost full-strength with midfield lieutenant Ahmed Jahouh being the only unavailable foreigner for the Super Cup. However, local hero Mandar Rao Dessai will have to be on the sidelines as the captain has not recovered from a hamstring tear sustained in the ISL final.
Mandar’s replacement in the final, talented left-back Saviour Gama is in an upbeat mood as he braces for the challenge of Super Cup. “We know the level of competition and we are prepared. We have to keep working hard,” Saviour told ‘The Goan’ ahead of their training session at SAG athletics stadium, Bambolim on Wednesday.
Experienced midfielder Lenny Rodrigues is still hurt by the final loss to Bengaluru FC. “I am sad we did not win ISL trophy, hopefully we will win next season. We have a good team and are doing the job in training now to be ready for Super Cup. I am ready for Super Cup,” remarked Lenny.
The 31-year-old defensive midfielder does not believe that the scenario of a knock-out format should add to the pressure. “We are training for a football match. Whether we play in the league or a Cup match, does not matter. (Ultimately) we have to consider and plan on per-match basis,” explained the former Bengaluru FC player, who played for his home franchise for the first time this season since the start of ISL. “The season was special and I loved the atmosphere at Fatorda stadium. I thank the people who came in. I also thank FC Goa for signing me,” signed off Lenny.
Meanwhile, the final round of the Super Cup will kick-off on March 29 when Chennaiyin FC take on Mumbai City FC at 8.30pm. All the matches will be telecast live on Star Sports Network. Since the matches of the final round will be played on a knock-out format, the penalty shoot-out will be enforced to decide the winner in case of both teams stay tied, despite 30 minutes of extra time.
The first edition of the Hero Super Cup was won by JSW Bengaluru FC which was played at the same venue. Iconic striker Sunil Chhetri had bagged the top-scorer’s award with six goals, while fellow striker Miku was adjudged as the best player of the tournament.
