Five-time champions aim to build on last season’s stability as the Golden Eagles kick off their 2026 campaign
PANAJI
Five-time National Champions Dempo SC begin their second season since returning to the I-League now rebranded as the Indian Football League (IFL) determined to convert last year’s stability into sustained momentum. The campaign has arrived later than expected amid administrative uncertainty in Indian football, but kick-off in Fatorda signals a reset.
Head coach Samir Naik struck a measured tone on the eve of the opener.
“We have prepared really well over the past few months and very rigorously in recent weeks,” Naik said. “The most important thing is that the league has finally started. There was uncertainty, yes, and although the season begins late and the weather conditions in Goa are tough with summer approaching, we have to adapt and compete.”
The afternoon heat at Fatorda is expected to test both sides, but Naik insisted the focus remains internal.
“Real Kashmir are a strong team and the match will be challenging,” he said. “But we are ready. Our approach is to take it game by game and give our absolute best in every fixture.”
Dempo have assembled a balanced squad, blending experienced foreign recruits with a strong Indian core. While some overseas signings arrived late due to scheduling delays, Naik expressed confidence in the group.
“I have trained with five foreign players already. A few joined slightly later because of the uncertainty around the league,” he explained. “It will take time to assess match fitness fully. But more than the foreigners, I have immense faith in our Indian players. They are equally capable and ready to step up.”
Inside the dressing room, belief appears intact. Midfielder Ariston Costa, reflecting on lessons from last season, underlined the squad’s clarity of purpose.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is strong and motivated with the new squad in place,” Costa said. “The experience I gained last season was tremendous. Hopefully I will be able to give my best again. Our mentality is to win and carry that forward. Our goal is promotion.”
The fixture kicks off at 4:00 pm on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Margao. Seating for spectators will be available in the South Stand and the upper tier of the Shri Francisco Monte Cruz Stand (West Stand), with public entry through Gate No. 8. Entry is free for all fans.
Dempo Sports Club have called on supporters across Goa to turn out in strong numbers as the Golden Eagles begin another chapter in their pursuit of a return to the summit of Indian football.
