I-League: Thankfully Emeka Wasn't Around - Gouramangi Singh

After being the eternal runners-up of Indian football, the Goan champions at last had their finest hour last week.

“I guess we have a grown as a team. We are the youngest team in the league and for the second year, we have come close though the difference is that we won this year which we very weel deserve.

“I would say that it has been the reward of the hard work put in the last three years and it feels great to be part of this side,” said Gouramangi.

What makes their training sessions different from those of the other side’s is the brilliant camaraderie they share amongst each other.

“I love to go out and be part of those sessions. The understanding amongst us is just right. We take each other’s case and at the same time enjoy our football. I have enjoyed my two seasons here.”

At the start of the season, Emeka Ezeugo was the coach of the side and the problems between the players and the coach didn’t remain internal anymore as the former World Cupper publicly criticized Gouramangi Singh and Govin Singh questioning as to on what basis were the Churchill duo selected for the Indian national team.

“I would thank one person for this. Everyone wasn’t very happy with the coach and Odafa stood up and said that it just can’t be this way. We can’t work like this. At last the coach changed. We sat down amongst ourselves and decided to fight the demons. We stayed together throughout and we are here today.”

So what role has coach Zoran Djordjevic played in their side’s title triumph?

“He was finding it difficult to adapt but he tried his best. We supported him and he was very approachable. Things worked out for us,” concluded Gouramangi.      

Rahul Bali.