Dempo SC launch new kit, speak about the clubs future

I-League side Dempo SC, at a press conference at Dempo House in Campal, Panaji, unveiled their new home-and-away jerseys for the 2013/14 season along with their training shirts made by their kitting partner Nike.

The event showcased the new colours of the Dempo jerseys along with the chance for the media to interact with club president Srinivas V. Dempo and head coach Arthur Papas, who spoke about the future plans of the club, which they together hope to take back to the top of Indian club football.

Mr. Dempo said, “Unfortunately we could not retain the title last year. But this year we are confident our team will do well under the leadership of new coach Arthur Papas who has vast experience of coaching in Indian condition.”

“Our main stress is in youth development and very soon we are going to come up with new academy for the same,” Mr. Dempo added.

Dempo SC would model their youth development program on their Danish sister club FC Midtjylland in which the Dempo Group have a minority stake. The academy is in the planning stage, but no timeline was mentioned for the same.

Meanwhile new club coach Arthur Papas of Australia said, “It is a pleasure to be associated with a top club like Dempo. It’s been an honour to take up the challenge with this club.”

“We have good squad mixture with youth and experience, coupled with foreigner players. The boys are working on fitness right now and understanding my philosophy,” Papas added.

Arthur Papas has been the shooting star amongst the coaches in India over the last 12 to 18 months as he started off with the AIFF U-15 Regional Academy in Navi Mumbai, then the India Under-22 side and a whole season with the Pailan Arrows later he has joined one of the India’s top clubs in Dempo SC.

And the talented Australian coach will want to prove that he can work with stars and not only youngsters.