I-League: Lajong take on Mumbai FC on Dec-11 in Guwahati
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Despite remaining undefeated in all the four home matches of this year’s I-League, Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) coach Pradyum Reddy still feels that his team is yet to play to its full potentials.
With a bunch of talented players in the team, Reddy said the team still has the capacity to perform better.
“I am hoping that the team would play to its full potentials in the coming matches of the I-League,” Reddy said while addressing newsmen here on Wednesday.
While admitting that the injury to several key players had affected the performance of the team, he said the gap would be bridged by fielding in some under-19 players who are playing in different tournaments for the club.
Referring to filling up of the Asian quota (of players), Reddy said the team management would not like to sign any player of Asian origin just to fill up the quota.
“We would definitely fill-up our Asian quota if we come across any player who could do wonders for the team. After all we can field only three foreign players in a match,” SLFC coach said.
Referring to ongoing I-League, the coach rued defeat against Dempo Sports Club (who tops the points tally). Goa team drubbed Lajong 5-0.
Lajong won against HAL and Pailan Arrows but shared one point each with Air India and Mohun Bagan.
Shillong team will play against Mumbai FC and Prayag United on December 11 and 29 respectively.
“After playing four homes matches in Imphal, I am really happy to play in Guwahati which is not far from the team’s home ground,” the SLFC coach said. “I hope that fans from the State would be traveling to Guwahati to watch the December-11 match. Presence of local fans would boost the morale of my team,” Reddy.
Replying to query, SLFC coach said that they would really like to come back and play in the home ground.
“Playing before the home crowd has always been an advantage,” he said.
With the laying of the artificial turf at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex (JNSC) is scheduled to be completed by January next year, SLFC general secretary Larsing M Sawian said they are hoping they would be able to play their first home match in the I-League before against Churchill Brothers on January 17.
Replying to a query, Sawian said relegation from the I-league was a major concern. He said the team was very lucky to qualify to participate in the I-League after last year’s relegation.
“Our main focus at the moment is to remain in the I-League scene for the next three years. After which we would think of fighting for the first three spots in the League. We would prepare a long-term strategy to make it big in the Indian football,” he said.
It may be mentioned that the tickets for the SLFC match against Mumbai FC at Nehru Stadium, Guwahati on December 11 would be available at the few select Aircel outlets in city from Friday onwards.