MARGAO
Sesa Football Academy’s recent success in I-League 3 is expected to bolster their confidence as they embark on the 2024-25 I-League 3 Group Stage campaign. The fourth-tier league’s second season will feature matches across five venues in India.
The ten teams advancing to the Final Round include Diamond Harbour FC (Group A winners), SAT Tirur (Group A runners-up), Sesa FA (Group B winners), Dalbir FA (Group B runners-up), Chanmari FC (Group C winners), MYJ-GMSC (Group C runners-up), KLASA FC (Group D winners), Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (Group D runners-up), Abbas Union FC (Group E winners), and Downtown Heroes FC (Group E runners-up). The Final Round will take place from September 20 to 30, 2024.
Head coach Charles Dias is optimistic about the team’s prospects. “Our recent achievements in I-League 3 have been a significant morale booster,” Dias said. “The team has grown considerably since the last I-League season and has shown its capabilities by topping Group I recently. We know we can qualify, it’s all about performing to our best when it matters.”
Dias emphasized a match-by-match approach, expressing confidence in his team’s resilience and determination. “We will approach each match with the aim of giving our best performance. Our goal is to not only compete but to excel,” he added.
Reflecting on the team’s performance so far, Dias acknowledged some missed chances but attributed them to the adjustment from artificial turf to grass. “We’ve had to adapt from playing on artificial surfaces to grass, which has affected our finishing,” Dias explained. “We’re creating chances, and with more practice, we will improve our finishing.”
Dias also addressed perceptions of the team being on the backfoot in early matches. “I don’t think we were ever on the backfoot. Our focus was on securing three points first and then considering goal-scoring opportunities,” he said.
Lastly, Dias expressed gratitude to the management team, including Melroy Moura, Leena Verenkar, Franky Fernandes, and Arjun Parab, for their unwavering support.
