Sankarlal Chakraborty relying on youth to salvage Sudeva Delhi’s campaign
With no points in the first seven matches and the threat of relegation increasing with every passing week, Sudeva Delhi FC desperately required a quick turnaround to salvage their Hero I-League season.
In mid-December, Japanese head coach Atsushi Nakamura was let go, and in came Sankarlal Chakraborty, as the club placed its faith in a renowned Indian name.
The former Mohun Bagan head coach had an instant impact as Sudeva Delhi opened their account for the season with a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting in their last match before the winter break. Although conceding an injury-time equalizer denied the capital side all three points, Chakraborty was reasonably pleased with his team’s performance, where they netted just their fourth goal of the campaign.
Interestingly, this is the third time Chakraborty has taken over a club mid-season. After learning his trade as Sanjoy Sen’s assistant coach at Mohun Bagan for three seasons from 2014-15 to 2016-17 (winning the Hero I-League title in the first season), he was promoted to head coach in the middle of the 2017-18 campaign and led the Mariners to a third-place finish. Later that year, he won his first piece of silverware – the Calcutta Football League – as Mohun Bagan emerged unbeaten champion.
Chakraborty’s last Hero I-League assignment came in 2020-21 with Mohammedan Sporting. He actually began the season as the club’s technical director before being named head coach for the last seven matches, where he helped the Black and White Brigade qualify for the championship stage.
“After that, I took a break from coaching to fully concentrate on my Pro-Diploma. Just when I completed the course, Sudeva Delhi co-owner Anuj Gupta, who is also a close friend of mine, approached me for the head coach position at the club,” said Chakraborty.
“I took my time, watched some videos and learned about the players. I was impressed with how youngsters formed the majority of the squad. Coaching a team filled with young Indians was a challenge that attracted me, and it made me return to the Hero I-League dugout with Sudeva Delhi,” he added.
The winter break has come at the right time for Sudeva Delhi, giving Chakraborty a sort of mini pre-season to plan his strategy for the new year. “I’ve been here for only over a week now, and I’m still getting to know the players. I’m also aware that reinforcements to the squad are an urgent requirement. We are in talks with a few players and are awaiting their arrival at the club. We hope they can join us as soon as possible, so we can come back strong after the break.”
In its short history, Sudeva Delhi FC have been known to promote young Indian talent, as evidenced by their all-Indian squads in the previous two Hero I-League seasons. Replicating that, Chakraborty named an entirely domestic line-up in his first match in charge with an average age of just 22 years, the lowest in the league this season. “As an Indian, I’m strongly in favour of giving youth chances in big games, which will ultimately benefit Indian Football. We have plenty of youngsters on the team along with a few senior and mature players. The right mix of youth and experience is always helpful,” he stated
Right now, Sudeva Delhi are at the foot of the table, nine points away from safety, with just 14 matches left to play. And while ensuring Hero I-League football for next season is a big ask, it is not the only ask, according to Chakraborty. “Of course, avoiding relegation is our prime objective for the remainder of the season. But we also cannot overlook the development of young players, which is central to the philosophy of Sudeva Delhi,” he affirmed.
Also Read: NorthEast United FC score first points of the season, with a win over ATK Mohun Bagan
Also Read: Nagpur lift the WIFA Inter District Championship title
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
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…