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The I-league title could be Churchill Brothers SC’s tomorrow evening, if they at least draw against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC under floodlights at the Tilak Maidan. Churchill Brothers have currently 51 points with two matches to play, while Pune FC have 49 points from 25 matches and the head-to-head record is in favour of the Goans.
The team management and players are still cautious about the outcome, then the club would love to celebrate the title triumph at the Tilak Maidan rather then five days later after the game against Air India in Pune.
And that was evident in what striker Sunil Chhetri said pre-match, “With regards to the match, we are playing at home, we have been very strong at home this season. All the boys know the importance of the match and we will surely play to win the game.”
Club CEO Valanka Alemao added, “We require one point from the remaining two matches, i.e. Mohun Bagan and Air India. I have faith in the boys and I am sure we will emerge victorious and win our second I-League title!”
Club president Churchill Alemao, who has been the driving force behind the club, said, “I have full faith in God and this team. I am sure the players will give their best and try to get all three points against Mohun Bagan. It would be great to win the title in front of all our fans.”
Club Patron Savio Alemao also said, “It’s a very promising team, the squad has been outstanding this season. We have had a lot of injuries this season, but the players on the bench have stood up when it counted the most. I would request the fans to come out and show your support and to help in cheering the Red Machines, so that the I-League title remains in Goa.”
When you talk about this Churchill Brothers team, then one would always realise that the big stars aren’t really there if you take out Beto, Chhetri and one or the other players. The team has been the strength of the Red Machines.
Club CEO Valanka Alemao said, “I have believed in this team since the start of the season. It’s has been a team effort and hats off to the team spirit!”
“We have got our team’s combination right this year, there is a proper mix of youth and experience. Our senior players have been a guiding force for the youngsters and have surely proved a great motivating unit,” Valanka added.
India captain Sunil Chhetri, who joined the squad mid-season, said, “The team unity has been the most important factor. The team does not contain too many big name players, the way we have come together and played has helped us in being in the position that we are in right now.”
Former Churchill Brothers coach Karim Bencharifa and his Mohun Bagan could spoil the party. After avoiding relegation, the Mariners are for once not under pressure and that could be the danger for the Goans.
