NAGPUR: There are a number of international footballers plying their trade in the 70th National Championships for the Santosh Trophy. Look at Goa, for example. There’s Francis Fernandes, Peter Carvalho (Captain), Rowilson Rodrigues and even Laxmikant Kattimani under the bar.
Services, on the other hand boast of Arjun Tudu and Zain P, both of whom were called for the National Camp prior to the SAFF Suzuki Cup.
Will that be a factor? A day prior to the semifinal, both coaches ponder.
Shaji SP, the Coach of Services quips: “Experience always helps. Such Players can play safe whenever required. But we are from the Army and we will go out and fight. Goa are a good side who boast of several Players who have played both in the I-League and the ISL. But we will go for the kill,” he informs.
You put it across to Alfred Fernandes the Goan Coach, and he admits that his players do have the “experience.”
“Yeah, they have played on big occasions. But experience doesn’t win you matches. Hopefully our Players will go out and perform on the field,” he states.
Nevertheless, Captain Peter Carvalho says it’s a “motivation” to play for the state.
“We will go out and give our best. I have been part of a triumphant Santosh Trophy squad and I am dying to be a part of it again. You don’t get the chance to represent your State every day. We are motivated.”
Referring to Services’ envious track record in the Santosh Trophy in recent times, Shaji says it’s a “challenge to carry on the momentum.”
“Sustaining the consistency is a big challenge. It’s a motivation for the squad to carry on the legacy,” he quips. “In our last match, we tried out our bench as some of the Players were carrying Cards.”
HOSTS MAHARASHTRA TAKE ON TAMIL NADU
In the second semifinal hosts Maharashtra take on strong contenders Tamil Nadu, in a match which promises to be cracker.
Robin Charles Raj, Coach, Tamil Nadu made no secret that his Team wanted to top the Group, even that meant that they would be playing the hosts in the semis.
“I have trust in my Players. But we need to be consistent,” he had uttered immediately after his side had brushed aside Punjab in the last Group League match.
“I feel we are peaking at the right moment and it’s very significant for us,” he pronounces. “The guys from the local Leagues need the recognition and the motivation to do well. There’s a huge lot of talent in the State and if they are to make it big, we need to achieve this,” he adds.
For the record, Tamil Nadu are the sole Team among the four Teams in the semis who are yet to win the Tournament.
Charles Raj was a pleased man after Reagan scored a hat-trick in the last Group League match. “It’s good for him and the Team.
We are ready for the semis and will approach it systematically.”
Captain Sirajudeen promises that they will “give their best.”
“It’s understandable that the hosts will have the home support. We will put up a good fight.”
Maharashtra Coach Augusto D’Silva, meanwhile, made no secret of the fact that they look to bank on the home support.
“We have five local boys from Nagpur in the squad of 20. It’s understandable that the crowd will rally behind us,” he smiles.
“We respect Tamil Nadu as opponents. They are a strong side. But we don’t fear them,” he declares. “We are a young side and the Players are tactically very sound. As hosts, we will not take the pressure,” he stays specific.
Both the semifinals would be played on Friday (March 11).
By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team
