GANGTOK, May 11: Karim Bencherifa failed to tame the Snow Lions twice in I-League but in a strange twist of fate, he gets a third chance in a single season to try and register a victory over United Sikkim FC. Interestingly, the opportunity comes in the final match of I-League season in Mohun Bagan colours.
United Sikkim, already relegated, host Mohun Bagan coached by Bencherifa on Sunday at Paljor Stadium here in Gangtok. The match would be the final match of I-League season and would bring down curtains on 8-months stay of Sikkim football in national football map as the home team is out of the elite divison.
“I had lost my first match in Gangtok and I want to have a win in the last match of the season. My team (Salgaocar) had played well but lost. On Sunday, I want my team (Mohun Bagan) to play well and win”, said Bencherifa. He also pointed out the importance of Sunday’s match for the Kolkata club.
“For us, it is not our last match. We still have two matches against Prayag United and East Bengal left in the Calcutta League. If we win both matches, we would win the league and the trophy is very important for us. Hence, the Sunday match is very important for us. I want finish I-League with a positive result and have a good buildup for our two Calcutta League matches”.
Mohun Bagan arrived at Gangtok yesterday evening with a star-studded squad including Odafa Okalie, Tolgay Obzey and local boy Nirmal Chettri. The squad also has Quinton Jacobs, who has created a good rapport with Gangtok crowd during his United Sikkim days.
For Chettri, it is a rare opportunity to play before the home crowd ever since leaving Sikkim to play professional football some years ago. “After joining Air India, this is the first time I am playing here in Paljor Stadium. It would be emotionally tough to play against home team United Sikkim but I am a professional footballer and desire for a positive result for my Mohun Bagan team”, he said.
The Mohun Bagan stopper believes that United Sikkim, despite being relegated, would be giving a strong performance in its home ground. “United Sikkim players know this ground. We also have to consider the weather factor considering we have been playing in hot conditions before coming here”, he said.
Chettri appealed the football loving people of Sikkim to come to Paljor Stadium in numbers for the match. “It is the last match of I-League this season. Bhaichung (Bhaichung Bhutia) has done his job to bring top football clubs to Gangtok through United Sikkim. Please come for the match and appreciate the contributions given by Agya Bhaichung and United Sikkim for Sikkim football. Come and support both the teams”, he said.
Meanwhile, United Sikkim are also preparing to give a tough fight to Mohun Bagan at their home ground
“Even though we have been relegated, United Sikkim will give a tough fight. It is our last I-League match and it is matter of prestige for us in our home ground. We will give our best for our fans”, said senior manager Arjun Rai.
United Sikkim, already relegated, host Mohun Bagan coached by Bencherifa on Sunday at Paljor Stadium here in Gangtok. The match would be the final match of I-League season and would bring down curtains on 8-months stay of Sikkim football in national football map as the home team is out of the elite divison.
“I had lost my first match in Gangtok and I want to have a win in the last match of the season. My team (Salgaocar) had played well but lost. On Sunday, I want my team (Mohun Bagan) to play well and win”, said Bencherifa. He also pointed out the importance of Sunday’s match for the Kolkata club.
“For us, it is not our last match. We still have two matches against Prayag United and East Bengal left in the Calcutta League. If we win both matches, we would win the league and the trophy is very important for us. Hence, the Sunday match is very important for us. I want finish I-League with a positive result and have a good buildup for our two Calcutta League matches”.
Mohun Bagan arrived at Gangtok yesterday evening with a star-studded squad including Odafa Okalie, Tolgay Obzey and local boy Nirmal Chettri. The squad also has Quinton Jacobs, who has created a good rapport with Gangtok crowd during his United Sikkim days.
For Chettri, it is a rare opportunity to play before the home crowd ever since leaving Sikkim to play professional football some years ago. “After joining Air India, this is the first time I am playing here in Paljor Stadium. It would be emotionally tough to play against home team United Sikkim but I am a professional footballer and desire for a positive result for my Mohun Bagan team”, he said.
The Mohun Bagan stopper believes that United Sikkim, despite being relegated, would be giving a strong performance in its home ground. “United Sikkim players know this ground. We also have to consider the weather factor considering we have been playing in hot conditions before coming here”, he said.
Chettri appealed the football loving people of Sikkim to come to Paljor Stadium in numbers for the match. “It is the last match of I-League this season. Bhaichung (Bhaichung Bhutia) has done his job to bring top football clubs to Gangtok through United Sikkim. Please come for the match and appreciate the contributions given by Agya Bhaichung and United Sikkim for Sikkim football. Come and support both the teams”, he said.
Meanwhile, United Sikkim are also preparing to give a tough fight to Mohun Bagan at their home ground
“Even though we have been relegated, United Sikkim will give a tough fight. It is our last I-League match and it is matter of prestige for us in our home ground. We will give our best for our fans”, said senior manager Arjun Rai.
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