By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Upbeat after their recent performance in the North East Lajong Super Series, Shillong Lajong FC are looking to carry the positive momentum into the Federation Cup, which kicks off in Jamshedpur on Wednesday.
Lajong have been grouped with Mumbai FC, Pailan Arrows and I-League champions Dempo SC in the tournament that marks the beginning of the national season for the Reds.
Promising to take the fight to the opposition, Lajong’s Scottish coach Desmond Bulpin said that the team will make a statement in the upcoming season. “We will not surrender. It is not possible to win every game, but even when we lose, we will be fighting till the last minute,” Bulpin asserted ahead of the team’s departure on Sunday.
After taking over as head coach, Bulpin has primarily stressed on the fitness of the players ahead of the I-League season. During a three-week preparation camp, the team has been practicing thrice a day, working on areas like defence and improving their coordination on the pitch.
Newly-appointed Lajong captain Rennedy Singh was also confident about the team doing well this season.
The former India skipper credited the new style of football and fitness regimen implemented by the coach as the key factors behind the team’s success of late.
Plagued by injuries last season, Rennedy said he is fit to play and looking forward to spending 45-50 minutes on the pitch in every match.
The skipper was also all praise for the support staff, who, along with the coach, have worked exceptionally hard to raise the fitness level of the squad.
“The boys are enjoying the training. The coordination has definitely improved”, he said.
Terming the victory against Wellington as a massive success Rennedy said, “I have been playing in the I-League since 1996 and have never played a better team than Wellington. If we could beat them, we can beat any team in the country.”
Meanwhile, Bulpin made it known that the club will sign a foreign player before the Federation Cup, besides roping in an Asian player later in the year.
Defence and the midfield have been the weak links for Lajong during 2011-12 season, but Bulpin was sure that there were no major issues in these areas. “All we need is the boys to stay positive and give their 100 per cent”, he said. His words may be some comfort for the fans, but the final proof will be seen in Lajong’s results.
The club has signed a few players ahead of the season, the most notable of whom is Friday Gbeneme, who has already scored seven goals in the three matches he has played for the side.
The team will hope he can carry that form forward, and he will probably get his chance on Wednesday when Lajong take on Mumbai FC in their first encounter of the Federation Cup.