With sights set on top scorer award, Zuniga hopes to add to tally against Mohammedan SC
KOLKATA: Churchill Brothers’ Honduran recruit Clayvin Zuniga had a Hero I-League debut to remember on Sunday (January 10, 2021) as he registered a hat-trick against the Indian Arrows and took his team to victory in their opening game of the new season. As the Red Machines get set to take on Kolkata giants Mohammedan SC in their next game, Zuniga is hoping to add to his tally.
“I’m very happy that I could score three goals in our first match and our team got the victory. Now for our next match against Mohammedan Sporting, I want to score more goals and want more wins for my team,” the 29-year-old told www.i-league.org.
The former Honduras age-group international currently leads the race for the Top Scorer award and stated that finishing as the league’s top marksman is an important target for him.
He quipped, “As a forward, scoring goals is very important for me and being the Top Scorer is an important target for me and something that I think about a lot. At the same time, playing as a team is very important and I hope to keep scoring and winning games for my team.”
With one round of fixtures complete and 10 out of 11 teams having played their opening games, Zuniga maintained that the level of competition will be really high throughout the competition but sounded confident in his team’s ability to go all the way to the title.
“The competition is not easy at all and each team has come with the objective of fighting for the trophy. It is important that we respect all our rivals and work together to get the three points in all our matches.”
“We have a good team and are strong in all areas of the pitch – from defence, to midfield, to attack. We are a balanced side that defends and attacks as a team. Starting off with a win was really good and now we’re looking forward to the next games,” he said.
After plying his trade in Honduras and El Salvador, Zuniga decided to make the long journey to play in the Hero I-League in India. While staying away from his family and adapting to a new culture is difficult, the Honduran feels that winning the league will make it all worth the effort.
“I made the decision to come to India as I wanted something different for myself and get a new experience along with new objectives in my career. I like the food here and even though I cannot go out and explore the city, I understand that this bio-bubble is for our own safety and well-being. Safety is important in times like these and I am happy to see that everything is been organized in such a good way to make this tournament possible,” he said.
“Being away from my family is difficult but I hope that I can help my team win the Hero I-League and go back home with the winners’ medal and the Top Scorer Award. I’m sure it’ll make everyone happy,” Zuniga smiled.
The upcoming Hero I-League clash between Churchill Brothers and Mohammedan SC will take place on Thursday (January 14, 2021) at the Kalyani Stadium, with both teams looking for their second win on the trot. The match will be telecast on 1Sports and can be streamed online on the 1Sports Facebook page.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: The resurgence of Raju Gaikwad
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…