All eyes on ISL big name Marcelinho as I-League kicks off
All eyes could be on Brazilian big name Marcelinho Leite Pereira when a spirited Rajasthan United FC make their I-League debut in opposition to RoundGlass Punjab FC within the opening day’s fixture on the Kalyani Stadium right here on Sunday.
The 34-year-old, who had taken the Indian Tremendous League through hurricane successful the Golden Boot in his maiden season in 2016, is without doubt one of the greatest points of interest this I-League season.
Having began off with the Delhi Dynamos, the attacking midfielder loved spells at FC Pune Town, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, making 79 appearances and scoring 33 targets.
The ahead scored 10 targets en path to successful the Golden Boot in his maiden season and with 18 assists, he’s additionally at 3rd position lately within the all-time ISL charts.
Now he’ll glance to lift the bar for RUFC who’s the primary group from Rajasthan to qualify for the I-League.
15th version of the Hero I-League to kick off on Boxing Day
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“It’s a brand new group, and I need to set an instance for the younger avid gamers. On the similar time, I need to experience my soccer with the group, and let all experience it too,” the Brazilian stated.
About his goal, he stated: “To be on the height.”
“The objective is all the time to be champions. Not anything else issues.”
Additionally they have the likes of I-League winner Komron Turunov, Diego Bielkiewicz, Akeem Abioye and Fabiano Alves of their foreigners’ lineup.
The Ashley Westwood-coached Punjab FC, however, have the likes of English defender Josef Yarney, Spanish midfielder Joseba Beitia, English striker Kurtis Guthrie and Australian ahead Travis Main.
Native avid gamers Gurtej Singh, Rinto Anto and Bikash Yumnam will shape the core in their defence, whilst the midfield will likely be helmed through the likes of CK Vineeth, Kean Lewis and Ashish Pradhan.
In assault, the membership will financial institution on Sumeet Passi and Robin Singh to attain targets.
Hailing RUFC’s good fortune, Westwood said that they’re equipped for a tricky battle.
“They’ve educated neatly and possibly higher ready taking into account the truth that they’ve performed aggressive fits longer. They are going to have the benefit,” Westwood stated in a digital interplay at the eve in their fit.
“We expect a tricky sport. We wish to carry out neatly differently we can coming again with out a issues,” he added.
Former JCT defender Gurtej Singh is taking a look ahead to his go back to his place of birth.
“I’ve performed for JCT ahead of. After a very long time, I’m getting an opportunity to play for Punjab once more. It’s in point of fact a proud second for me,” Gurtej stated.
The outlet day’s fixtures may even see holders Gokulam Kerala pass up in opposition to former champions Churchill Brothers in some other fit on the Kalyani Stadium.
The Malabarians edged out the Purple Machines through the narrowest of margins ultimate season to clinch their first ever I-League name.
Aiming to convey the trophy house as soon as once more, the Goan facet have assembled a high quality squad below head trainer Petre Gigiu, who had led them to a fourth-place end in 2018-19.
Gokulam Kerala, coached through Italian Vincenzo Alberto Annese, will pass over the Ghanaian trio of Denny Antwi, Philip Adjah and Mohamed Awal who’ve left the membership.
Of their puts, they have got roped in defender Aminou Bouba and ahead Rahim Osumanu.
“We now have numerous children who will make their I-League debuts. It’s additionally nice to have avid gamers proceeding from ultimate season as neatly, like Alex Saji who’s now part of the nationwide camp,” their Italian trainer stated.
“Churchill are our giant opponents from ultimate season however I don’t center of attention an excessive amount of on our combatants. I best learn about them tactically. If we be aware of our group, we will beat all of them,” he asserted.
The All India Soccer Federation’s developmental outfit Indian Arrows who’re based totally out of Bhubaneswar will tackle TRAU FC on the Mohun Bagan flooring right here.
Native heavyweights Mohammedan SC, below new head trainer Andrey Chernyshov, can also be prepared to win their first I-League name with a bunch of high quality signings, together with 26-year-old Serbian Nikola Stojanovic, who was once inspirational of their CFL win previous this yr, one thing that got here after 40 years.
They are going to even have the likes of skilled professional Marcus Joseph from Trinidad and Tobago and Brandon Vanlalremdika, Montenegrin midfielder Andjelo Rudovic and six-foot-five Bosnian ahead Ismar Tandir.
Actual Kashmir, with big name avid gamers like Fran Gonzalez and Mason Robertson, will likely be driving top on their 2d successive IFA Defend victory that got here previous this month.
With the inclusion of 3 new aspects — Sreenidi Deccan FC of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan United FC and Kenkre FC of Kolhapur — the impending version will function 13 groups from 11 towns.
The I-League champion facet will play within the top-tier Indian Tremendous League from 2023 onwards on “wearing” benefit.
Two years after this, there will likely be promotion (from I-League to ISL) and relegation (from ISL and I-League) between the 2 leagues.
Identical to ultimate yr, the I-League will likely be held in a bio-secure atmosphere with strict COVID-19 protocols.
The fits will likely be performed throughout 3 venues — Mohun Bagan Floor in Kolkata, Kalyani Stadium and Naihati Stadium.
