Putting aside their conflicting interests with the AIFF and ISL, Dempo Sports Club have begun their pre-season training at Duler Stadium, Mapusa under the watchful eyes of experienced Head Coach Mauricio Afonso. Basil Sylvester Pinto caught up with the Dempo gaffer for an exclusive interview. Following are the excerpts.
Q: Tell us something about the season ahead…
MA: After having our prehab which was on July 21 and 22, on Monday we started our preparations at Duler. We are preparing ourselves for the Goa Pro League and the subsequent Durand Cup which will be our first engagements. Almost all our players are fit barring one or two.
Q That you mention players unfit, which are these players and how long would they be out from the game?
MA: Our striker, Myron Fernandes will take at least three weeks to recover from a knee injury while our other player in the infirmary, Milagres Gonsalves, has a toe problem which will take him another two weeks to recuperate.
Q: How would you assist the team composition comparatively to that of the previous season?
MA: We have retained almost the same contingent leaving out 3 or 4 players. We have included defender Adil Ahmed Khan, Joaquim Abranches as a striker, Mario Mascarenhas as midfielder, while promoting left winger, Assumption Soares through the ranks from our youth development programme. We also have drafted in Priyank Kumar Singh and Flexburn Souza as custodians.
Q: From the current roster of 30 players, I have noticed two major names missing “ Debabrata Roy and Laxmikant Kattimani. What may be the reason from their omission?
MA: They do not have a contract with us right now. They may join FC Goa (for ISL 3). After finishing their agreement with FC Goa, they may join us.
Q: But would this not hamper Dempo SC’s prospects?
MA: It was the same last year as well with Romeo, Mandar, Kattimani and Debabrata missing out from the Goa Pro League as they were playing for FC Goa.
Q: But Mandar and Romeo are significant names on the 30-player roster …
MA: Yes, Romeo is practicing with us as he has a valid contract with Dempo SC. Mandar, on the other hand was with us for the prehab, but all of a sudden he received a call (La Liga “ Villareal CF in Spain) and the club upheld his request and released him for two weeks.
Q: Has the Club evinced interest in re-signing their star players, Kattimani and Debu Roy?
MA: It depends on the players themselves if they would like to rejoin the team after their obligations with FC Goa.
Q: If Kattimani is not under the horizontal bar who are the possible replacements with the gloves?
MA: There is Tyson Caiado, and then we have the Kolkatan, Priyank Kumar Singh and an emerging talent, Flexburn Souza.
Q: But what happens when players contracted with Dempo SC, have an opportunity to represent their ISL side, FC Goa?
MA: That would depend on FC Goa. If they ask us, we may release our players in the same way as we did last year on a mutual agreement. It depends on the players as well. If they want to join FC Goa, they will have to ask the Club.
Q: Who do you expect to step up the plate with a more competitive season ahead to the previous one gone by?
MA: It is too early to say. We have completed just our second day at practice. It takes time to realise who are the players doing well, who is improving and who are not. It depends on our practice sessions.
Q: Do you feel the team has found the right balance to be competitive this forthcoming season?
MA: Yes, I feel so. For now though we are without the services of our Nigerian import Felix Odili Chidi, who is having visa problems and is expected to join the squad by the end of this month. While among the other absentees at practice, Kolkatan, Germanpreet Singh is away with the national team and would be back with his Club only after another two weeks while Joaquim Abranches could not make it today. (It also came to our notice that Samir Naik, another player who doubles up as assistant coach has not trained yet with the team).
Q: What made the team sign an ageing striker in Abranches for the season ahead?
MA: He played last season for FC Goa and had expressed his willingness to join Dempos. And we felt he could be a good addition.
Q: What is the aim and expectations of the team for the forthcoming season?
MA: If we are playing the I-League, we would have to include some more players to prepare ourselves. But this would be possible only after ISL 3. While for now, we have retained most of the players, I think we will give our best for the Goa Pro League and Durand Cup up ahead.
Q: But can you tell us when the call will materialise to play the forthcoming I-League or not?
MA: AIFF has not finalised the date. I, for one would not know when the decision will come. That said, may be, the boss or management will convey to me the message after the meeting transpires.
Q: Your immediate priority is the Goa Pro League expected to start mid August. How do you view the competition?
MA: I believe that the forthcoming Goa Pro League will be a well-contested affair.
Q: There is a new side, FC Bardez participating. Your thoughts on the rookie club…
MA: I have heard a lot about the team but have not seen them play yet. Only after the Goa Pro League starts, when we are matched up against them, I would know. I respect their coach, Armando Colaco and his side, FC Bardez.
