MARGAO
Churchill Brothers FC, two-time national champions, are gearing up for an I-League 2024-25 match against SC Bengaluru on Monday. The match will kick off at 3:30 pm at Raia Panchayat Ground and will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network.
In a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Churchill Brothers head coach Dimitris Dimitriou expressed confidence in securing a positive result despite the short turnaround time. He highlighted that the previous encounter between the two teams in the I-League saw the Red Machines emerge victorious with a commanding 3-1 scoreline.
Dimitriou noted that in the away game, his squad seemed demotivated and lacked the intensity needed to challenge a strong Bengaluru side.
“The team was mentally unprepared to face a high-flying side, who were relentless in their pursuit of a win,” Dimitriou said.
He praised key players like Wayde Leekay, who scored in the previous match, as well as Trijoy Dias and Rama Gaonkar, who played vital roles both in attack and defence.
Although Churchill Brothers only had three days of rest ahead of the game, Dimitriou remained hopeful that fatigue would not affect their performance. “The boys are ready, and we hope to be competitive against a very good opponent,” he added.
Dimitriou also acknowledged that this match would be different from the first encounter, with SC Bengaluru having made new additions to their squad. “The opponent has improved a lot, so we are prepared for a tough game,” he said.
As the I-League enters its critical stages, this match is an opportunity for Churchill Brothers to solidify their position as strong contenders for the title. Currently, at 22 points from 11 matches, including seven wins, one draw, and three losses, Churchill Brothers are keen to extend their lead.
SC Bengaluru, struggling at the bottom with just eight points from as many matches, face an uphill challenge against the seasoned side.
Dimitriou’s comments also reflect the intense competition in the league, with six points separating the top seven teams.
At the other end, clubs are fighting to escape relegation. SC Bengaluru’s head coach, Chinta Chandreshekar, emphasised the importance of responsibility when facing a team like Churchill Brothers, urging his players to play for the team.
