fffff
The fourth edition of the I-league kicks-off today. The Super Cup, on Tuesday, showed Dempo are still the team to beat. But, then, East Bengal’s brilliant run and Chirag United’s purple patch have given hope that the I-League title may return to Calcutta after a long time. The Telegraph gives a lowdown on the city’s top three clubs who will feature in the 14-team league.
STRENGTHS
Mohun Bagan’s strike force of Jose Ramirez Barreto, Edeh Chidi and Subair Murithala Ali will give a torrid time to the rival defence. Agreed that Barreto’s age has slowed him down, but still, he remains Bagan’s main stay up front. Murithala and Chidi together, on their day, can be very lethal. In the midfield, much will depend on youngster Manish Maithani while on the flanks, Snehasish Chakraborty would like to stake his claim for a place in the national team.
WEAKNESSES
Mohun Bagan’s defence have left a lot to be desired. The likes of Karan Atwal, Sagram Mandi, Harpreet Singh and Sheikh Azim do not have the wherewithal to last the distance. They have been so bad this season that even you could fancy your chances. Over dependence on Barreto is another problem for the green and maroon brigade. At his age, it will be foolhardy to expect the Brazilian to deliver day in and day out. In the I-league, coach Stanley Rozario’s tactical acumen will be tested. He hasn’t showed any maturity till now. The CFL match against East Bengal proved that the amiable Rozario needs more time to settle down. Whether the club is ready for that remains to be seen. If he lasts the I-League, that itself will be quite an achievement.
PROSPECTS
Bagan do not look champion material. However, if everything goes well, they may finish in the top seven. That will be good enough given the line-up they have.
STRENGTHS
Bengal football has new colours — purple and white. Read the billboard after Chirag United’s Durand Cup performance. If you think the Chirag officials have gone overboard then you are wrong. Because within a short span of time, Chirag have made rapid strides. Subrata Bhattacharya is the smartest Indian coach, probably after Sukhwinder Singh, and the Durand Cup triumph proved that. In Joshimar they have a good striker and their defence has also looked compact under the leadership of Chika Wali. Up and coming youngster Mohammed Rafique has also impressed fans.
WEAKNESSES
Lack of depth in the squad may hinder Chirag United’s progress in the I-League. Winning a Durand Cup may be easy, but I-League will be a different game altogether. You have to pace your team according to the needs, and, whether Bhattacharya can do that, needs to be seen. Also Bhattaharya’s inverted snobbery had led to his team’s downfall. The less he talks, the better it will be for Chirag.
PROSPECTS
A top-seven finish in the I-League is what Bhattacharya will be looking at.
STRENGTHS
Mehtab Hussain continues to be the vital cog in East Bengal’s armour while the central defensive partnership of Uga Okpara and Nirmal Chetri has been in fine form for the red and gold brigade this season. Penn Orji is enjoying his role of an attacking playmaker, while the strike duo of Robin Singh and Tolgay Ozebe have already shown glimpses of what the opponents can expect. Naoba Singh and R Vashum’s understanding on the right flank makes them one of the most fearsome partnerships in Indian football.
Coach Trevor Morgan has already grabbed the headlines after East Bengal’s success in the Federation Cup and Calcutta Football League (CFL). But, the I-league will be his biggest test. After CFL, where the competition is really not that great, the I-League will be a different ball game altogether.
WEAKNESSES
Till now the officials have not interfered in the team composition. But once the club elections are over, they will surely ‘do’ their bit to ruin the team’s chances. How Morgan handles those ‘football know-alls’ remains to be seen. Also, the team hasn’t been tested yet. The Super Cup match on Wednesday showed that Dempo are still miles ahead. Then comes the next big question. How will Morgan fit the India players into his scheme of things? Add to that, a fear creeps up that his team may have peaked a bit too early.
PROSPECTS
Fans are hoping that this time the trophy will be in the hands of East Bengal. But to be honest, a top-three finish will be good enough for the red and gold brigade.
