Salim Pathan: “Dempo is a big club, everyone knows that.”

by Siddharth Yadav December 15, 2015

Later today, Kenkre FC will be looking to bounce back against Dempo Sports Club when they host the 3 time HERO I-League winners in the 2nd Division of I-League at Cooperage Stadium.

Dempo S.C who are lying 3rd in the Western Conference B Group has only registered one win so far, which came against another Mumbai based club PIFA Colaba, winning the match 1-0 a month back. Whereas the host Kenkre FC are just one place below the visitors, who are yet to register their first win of the campaign.

Ahead of their vital clash, Kenkre FC’s head coach Salim Pathan said: “Dempo is a big club, everyone knows that. As Samir (Dempo’s coach and defender) said they were unlucky last year to get relegated. We are both in 2^nd division right now so there is not much pressure on facing Dempo.”

When asked about how important will be the win against Dempo will be, head coach Salim Pathan added: “We are one win away from getting back on the track. The win against Dempo will be special and will surely boost our squad.”

Kenkre FC will leapfrog Dempo S.C with a win at Cooperage Stadium, their lack of scoring goals has been the talking point in this season so far.

Captain Nitesh Aswani was quoted as saying, “We were unlucky in all three games. We played well but were unable to score, our finishing needs to be improved.”

With their star striker Yao Bernard fit for the clash and the return of winger Taha Kachwala will not only boost Kenkre’s side but will also add a much needed spark in the team.

Dempo SC’s player cum coach Samir Naik: “Playing in the 2^nd Division of the I-League is almost same as playing in the 1^st Division.” when asked about how difference it is to play in the lower division.

“We are trying to win the group. We have to give our best and taking the match positively will further help us.” he added.

Dempo S.C, who has been crowned three time as HERO I-League winners in  2007–08, 2009–10 and 2011–12 season unfortunately relegated last season to the 2nd Division of the I-League.

“We have same group of players. Last season we were unlucky and to further improve ourselves we are trying new training regimes.” Former Indian International, Samir Naik added.

On the availability of the squad, Samir replied: “Other than Josimar, everyone is available for the match tomorrow.”

It will be an exciting match at Cooperage Stadium. On one hand, Kenkre FC are looking to qualify for their maiden I-League campaign whereas Dempo SC has set their sight to make a incredible return into the top tier of Indian Football.