All eyes can be on Brazil star Marcelinho Leite Pereira when Rajasthan United FC make their I-League debut in opposition to Roundglass Punjab FC within the opening day’s match on the Kalyani Stadium right here on Sunday.
The 34-year-old, who made it to the Indian Super League by successful the Golden Boot in his first season in 2016, is among the greatest points of interest of this I-League season.
Starting with Delhi Dynamos, the attacking midfielder made 79 appearances and scored 33 targets in FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and ATK Mohun Bagan.
The ahead scored 10 targets in his first season on his option to successful the Golden Boot and with 18 assists, he’s at the moment ranked third within the ISL charts.
He will now attempt to increase the bar for RUFC which is the primary workforce from Rajasthan to qualify for the I-League.
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“This is a new team, and I want to set an example for young players. At the same time, I want to enjoy my football with the team and let everyone enjoy it,” Brazil mentioned.
Of his aim, he mentioned: “To be on top.”
“The goal is always to be the champion. Nothing else matters.”
They even have I-League winners Comoron Turunov, Diego Bilkiewicz, Akim Abioye and Fabiano Alves of their lineup of foreigners.
On the opposite hand, Punjab FC, coached by Ashley Westwood, have English defender Joseph Yarney, Spanish midfielder Joseba Bettiah, English striker Kurtis Guthrie and Australian ahead Travis Major.
Local gamers Gurtej Singh, Rinto Anto and Bikash Yumnam would be the middle of their defence, whereas the midfield can be commanded by gamers like CK Vineet, Keane Lewis and Ashish Pradhan.
In assault, the membership will depend on Sumeet Passi and Robin Singh to attain targets.
Applauding the success of RUFC, Westwood admitted that they’re up for an uphill battle.
“He has trained well and probably prepared better considering the fact that he has played competitive matches for a long time. They will have the advantage,” Westwood mentioned in a digital dialog on the eve of their match.
“We are expecting a tough game. We need to perform well otherwise we will come back without any points.”
Former JCT defender Gurtej Singh is ready to return to his homeland.
“I have played for JCT before. After a long time, I am getting a chance to play for Punjab again. It is indeed a proud moment for me,” Gurtej mentioned.
In the opening day’s encounter, the holders of Gokulam Kerala may even face former champions Churchill Brothers in one other match on the Kalyani Stadium.
The Malabarians gained their first I-League title final season by defeating the Red Machines by the narrowest margin.
With an purpose to deliver dwelling the trophy as soon as once more, the Goa workforce has assembled a top quality squad underneath head coach Petre Gigiu, who took them to the fourth place in 2018-19.
Gokulam Kerala, coached by Italian Vincenzo Alberto Aeneas, will miss the Ghanaian trio of Denny Antwi, Philippe Adjah and Mohamed Awal who’ve left the membership.
In his place, he has introduced ahead defenders Amino Bouba and Rahim Osumanu.
“We have a lot of youngsters who will make their I-League debut. It is great to continue to have players from last season like Alex Saji, who are now part of the national camp,” mentioned their Italian coach.
“Churchill is our large rival from final season however I do not pay a lot consideration to my opponents. I solely examine them cleverly. If we deal with our workforce, we are able to beat all of them.”
Indian Arrows, a improvement group of the All India Football Federation, based mostly out of Bhubaneswar, will tackle TRAI FC on the Mohun Bagan floor right here.
Local heavyweight Mohammedan SC, underneath new head coach Andrey Chernyshov, can be trying to win their first I-League title with a lot of high quality signings, together with 26-year-old Serbian Nikola Stojanovic, who had beforehand been inspiring in his CFL victories. yr, one thing that got here after 40 years.
They may even have skilled Trinidad and Tobago supporters Marcus Joseph and Brandon Vanlalremdika, Montenegrin midfielder Andjelo Rudovic and six-foot-five Bosnian ahead Ismar Tandir.
Real Kashmir, with star gamers like Fran Gonzalez and Mason Robertson, can be driving excessive on their second consecutive win of the IFA Shield earlier this month.
With the addition of three new sides – Andhra Pradesh’s Srinidi Deccan FC, Rajasthan United FC and Kolhapur’s Kenkere FC – the upcoming version will see 13 groups from 11 cities.
The I-League champion workforce will play within the prime tier Indian Super League on the premise of “Sporting” qualification from 2023.
After two years there can be promotion (from I-League to ISL) and relegation (from ISL and I-League) between the 2 leagues.
Like final yr, the I-League can be performed in a bio-secure setting with strict COVID-19 protocols.
The matches can be performed at three venues – Mohun Bagan Ground, Kalyani Stadium and Naihati Stadium in Kolkata.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
