Jamshedpur: Pune FC runs into Tata Football Academy in what turns out to be crunch encounter of the Under-20 I-League (Final Phase) at the Gopal Stadium, on Friday.
The Round-4 match for several reasons has a lot of stake and begins with both teams going into the game unbeaten.
Pune FC (9 points) holds the advantage, with their Jamshedpur-based opponents breathing close with seven points.
But above all, the game on the morrow also turns out to be a matter of pride pitting talents of youngest established academy against the oldest.
Pune FC Head of Youth Development Ranjan Chowdhury, says, “TFA has been around for the past 25-years. It’s a great opportunity to play against them for the first time.”
While defending champions Pune FC will be up against a side all favour in the Steel City of Jamshedpur, Chowdhury himself faces a test against the institution (TFA) where he spent most of his career before moving to Pune FC.
“All my boys are set to give their best against TFA. They are ready and so am I,” he adds after a pre-match workout at the JRD Sports Complex (Archery ground).
With many tipping the encounter as a title-decider, the Pune FC Head Youth vows that the game will be a “high intensity one.” Victory would seal the title for Pune FC, a draw would mean winning the last round against East Bengal, while a loss is something Pune FC will hope to avoid.
Pune FC Head Youth adds, “Being a professional the only intention is to win. And yes in Jamshedpur the game will be a test.”
Having battled three rounds; against Sesa FA (2-1), Salgaocar FC (3-2) and Mohun Bagan (2-0), Pune FC has set the pace and expects to continue. On the other hand, TFA themselves have bounced back with 2 wins on the trot –versue Sesa (2-1) and Salgaocar (2-0) after beginning with a draw against East Bengal (1-1) at Gopal Stadium.
The venue, for Pune FC, has been a happy hunting ground and will be hoping for the good luck to intact in a contest they so desperately want to prove themselves. “We have done our bit. The boys are well aware of the gravity of the situation, are eager and raring to go. To ma that’s what matters,” adds the Head Youth.
Pune FC, meanwhile, will miss the services of central midfielder F. Lalrempuia. He serves a one-match suspension owing to a double booking they carry forward.
Says Head Youth, “Although I am very disappointed with unavailability of the players for this prestigious match, I have other players who will step up.”
The likely alternates to fill in the position will be Abung Meetie.
“Pune FC is a new academy and we are out to prove that we are in the right direction, which includes crossing the several hurdles that come by,” explains PFC Head Youth.
“Our intention is clear. The boys know the hard work put in so far to reach this stage of the league,” he adds.
The match kicks off at 3.00pm.