Imphal: Manipur’s Neroca FC, who ran a fairytale debut campaign last season, are all set to renew their love affair with the I-League as they get ready to host Kolkata giants East Bengal at the Khuman Lumpak stadium on Saturday.
The game will be the second of the 12th I-League edition and both teams look equally balanced on paper, with both outfits having Spanish coaches locking horns for the initial bragging rights, as a fresh season beckons.
Neroca almost pulled off a sensational debut title win last season before finishing an honourable second, while East Bengal could only manage a fourth-place finish at the end of a nerve-wracking final day where four teams had a chance at the title before Minerva Punjab clinched the crown.
Veteran custodian and captain Lalit Thapa should be a safe house guarding the Neroca goal, but Italian Mauro Boerchio’s presence in the goalkeeping quartet, someone who was with coach Fraile in Mongolia, suggests Thapa might face tough competition.
Coach Fraile seemed undaunted at the prospect of facing East Bengal, sounding positive at the pre-match press conference when asked about their opponent’s pre-season in Malaysia.
“We are a small club with a big heart. Every team has their own training methods. I am here to win every match and feel at the moment Neroca is the best team in the world,” he said.
Given their stature in Indian football, East Bengal’s desperation to win the tournament is not surprising.
Coach Garcia has also had immense success in Thailand and China and would be looking to help the Red and Golds break their I-League jinx.
For East Bengal to fulfil their I-League dreams they will surely have to score many goals and Esqueda might just be the answer to that problem. (IANS)
