Kamal Ghorui
Panaji: Dempo SC are keen to return to the top tier of Indian football, a stage they dominated between 2005 and 2012, winning a record five national titles. Whether it was the National Football League (NFL) or later I-League, the Golden Eagles won it all.Now, they’ve set their eyes on the Indian Football League (IFL), the rebranded second tier of Indian football.“Whenever Dempo take part in any competition, we take it seriously,” coach Samir Naik told TOI after a training session at Dempo Football Academy in Ella, recently. “We want to become champions.”
The journey, although a delayed one this season, begins on Sunday as Dempo face Real Kashmir FC in their opener at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.The five-time national champions put up a good display on their return to I-League last season. They were second after five rounds but injuries and movements in the transfer market held them back. Dempo, however, bounced back to finish a respectable sixth.This season has been rather unpredictable with uncertainty surrounding Indian football. The season has been delayed, though there’s no denying that the start of IFL has come as a relief to the 10 participating teams.Dempo kickstarted their pre-season in August and were forced to take a lot of breaks as dates for the start of the country’s second-tier league were not finalised.“As a coach, and as professional player, it is not easy this season because so many adjustments are needed. We need to prepare for games and adjust the load. The fitness will also be in focus since some players are fit, while others who arrive late will need time,” said Samir.Dempo took part in the Super Cup and made heads turn by holding Kolkata giants East Bengal (2-2) and Mohun Bagan goalless in the group stages. Their performance with an all-Indian squad in the tournament has boosted their confidence.They will now have foreign ammunition to help the team fire in the IFL. Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Joseph, who scored 10 goals in nine appearances last season, returns to the club, while Aubin Kouakou, who played an instrumental role for Churchill Brothers FC last season, will strengthen the defence.Dempo have made two more signings from Churchill Bros, roping in Colombian midfielder Sebastian Gutierrez and centre-back Jose Moreno.Argentinian Damian Perez has not yet arrived in India due to visa issues, while Ghanian striker Richmond Owusu, who showed promise in Kolkata, completes the foreign lineup.“We finished sixth last season, and the first target now is to finish in the top five so that we have a chance to fight for promotion,” said Samir.“This season is challenging for coaches, but it’s not just me. There are others too with similar problems. We have to face it. We are ready,” the Dempo stalwart added.In the IFL, all teams will compete in a single-leg round-robin league stage and the top five in the standings will advance to the championship round, while the rest will compete in a centralised relegation round. The points accumulated during the league stage will be carried forward into the second phase of the competition.The IFL winners will win promotion to next season’s Indian Super League.
