KOLKATA, Nov 9: Inspired by the presence of their new Dutch coach Eelco Schattorie Prayag United SC will seek to get back into winning rhythm when they meet first-timers United Sikkim FC in a fifth round fixture of the I-League at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Though one cannot expect much of Oranje flair from Prayag United tomorrow as Schattorie joined the team only on Friday morning, there definitely will a new enthusiasm in the team as the coach joins the squad on the bench.
There will be lot of interest around the match with both the sides experiencing some novelties. While Prayag United have their new coach to boast about, United Sikkim will climb down their Himalayan home in Gangtok to play their first ‘away’ match. United Sikkim’s Belgian coach Philippe de Ridder termed it a big challenge for the rookie team that is playing the I-League for the first time.
Having four points from as many rounds, United Sikkim lost two matches after starting with a win against 3-2 win against Salgaocar. They redeemed some pride holding Pailan Arrows goalless in the previous round but their performance overall has not been very encouraging. “It is a new team but we hope to bounce back as there no dearth of talent in the side,” De Ridder said after his team’s practice on Friday.
United Sikkim will be missing its principal owner Baichung Bhutia, who is suspended for having seen a red card in the previous round against the Arrows. Defender Sandesh Jhingan will also have sit out with double booking while injuries to striker Budhiram Tudu and Raju Debnath will have some pressure on De Ridder. “Four points for a new team is not bad to start with. We will give our best to pick some points for the match tomorrow,” De Ridder was specific about his approach.
Barely a day after the resignation of its previous coach Sanjoy Sen, Prayag United team received its new Dutch coach in the day’s practice session. Schattorie took the team through some new drills setting in motion the age of Dutch influence. The coach next joined compatriot Wim Koevermans, the Indian national team coach, to have a first-hand experience of the I-League match between Pailan Arrows and Pune FC, at the venue.
“I am received some feedback about Prayag United and Indian football from my countrymen Wim Koevermans and Rob Baan (the Technical Director of India’s football development) and hope to get more idea in the days to come,” Schattorie said after Prayag United’s practice. The coach said he will speak to the players in the evening ahead of tomorrow’s match.
The Prayag United team management has apparently informed the I-League technical committee about Schattorie’s appointment and the coach will not have any problem in getting into the technical area during the match.
The Kolkata side, which has stars like Ranty Martins and Carlos Hernandes, will seek to get back into winning rhythm and give its new coach the confidence to chart a higher path of success for the team. Prayag United is currently placed fifth in the League standings with seven points from two wins, a draw and a loss.
There will be lot of interest around the match with both the sides experiencing some novelties. While Prayag United have their new coach to boast about, United Sikkim will climb down their Himalayan home in Gangtok to play their first ‘away’ match. United Sikkim’s Belgian coach Philippe de Ridder termed it a big challenge for the rookie team that is playing the I-League for the first time.
Having four points from as many rounds, United Sikkim lost two matches after starting with a win against 3-2 win against Salgaocar. They redeemed some pride holding Pailan Arrows goalless in the previous round but their performance overall has not been very encouraging. “It is a new team but we hope to bounce back as there no dearth of talent in the side,” De Ridder said after his team’s practice on Friday.
United Sikkim will be missing its principal owner Baichung Bhutia, who is suspended for having seen a red card in the previous round against the Arrows. Defender Sandesh Jhingan will also have sit out with double booking while injuries to striker Budhiram Tudu and Raju Debnath will have some pressure on De Ridder. “Four points for a new team is not bad to start with. We will give our best to pick some points for the match tomorrow,” De Ridder was specific about his approach.
Barely a day after the resignation of its previous coach Sanjoy Sen, Prayag United team received its new Dutch coach in the day’s practice session. Schattorie took the team through some new drills setting in motion the age of Dutch influence. The coach next joined compatriot Wim Koevermans, the Indian national team coach, to have a first-hand experience of the I-League match between Pailan Arrows and Pune FC, at the venue.
“I am received some feedback about Prayag United and Indian football from my countrymen Wim Koevermans and Rob Baan (the Technical Director of India’s football development) and hope to get more idea in the days to come,” Schattorie said after Prayag United’s practice. The coach said he will speak to the players in the evening ahead of tomorrow’s match.
The Prayag United team management has apparently informed the I-League technical committee about Schattorie’s appointment and the coach will not have any problem in getting into the technical area during the match.
The Kolkata side, which has stars like Ranty Martins and Carlos Hernandes, will seek to get back into winning rhythm and give its new coach the confidence to chart a higher path of success for the team. Prayag United is currently placed fifth in the League standings with seven points from two wins, a draw and a loss.
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