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I-League Special: The History Of Churchill Brothers SC
As part of our build-up to the I-League 2009-10, Goal.com continues to delve into the history of some of the biggest clubs in India, with the focus being on Churchill Brothers this time...
25-Sep-2009 8:51:57 PM
Mr.Churchill Alemao was the patron of his village club Varca
for a long time before corporate powerhouse Madras Rubber Factory, popularly
known as MRF, took over the club’s reins and named it the MRF Soccer Foundation
in the 1986-87 season.
After having received a proposal to field another team in his name, Mr.Alemao decided to name the new club ‘Churchill Brothers SC’ in 1988 to involve his three brothers as well. Thus, Churchill Brothers SC are the only family club in the top rung football in India.
Early Days…
Three years after its inception, Churchill Brothers SC made its foray into the top rung of the Goan league after starting in the third division. The club wasn’t as big as the other top three – Vasco SC, Salgaocar SC and Dempo SC but was steadily progressing towards the same. They participated in the ‘Naya Duniya Tournament’ in Indore and defeated favourites JCT on penalties.
Danny McLean Era…
The Scottish coach brought an era in Goan football which established Churchill Brothers dethroning the big clubs of the state and winning the state league thrice consecutively. McLean’s contribution is still being acknowledged by Mr.Alemao and was quoted saying,” Danny took the team to high levels.”
The shrewd coach that he was transformed Churchill Brothers into a lethal force on the national front as well when they finished runners-up to JCT in the inaugural National Football League (NFL). Needing a win on the final day of the season and leading JCT by a point, Churchill Brothers drew against Indian Bank to see the Punjab side lift the title.
Though there was frustration for the same, it nevertheless brought the club into the notice of the footballing fraternity. Churchill Brothers finished runners-up of the prestigious Rovers Cup in Mumbai in the 1996-97 season and ended third the following year. They also finished second in the IFA Shield in 1997.
The Goan side participated in the Dubai Shopping Festival International Tournament and once again, finished runners-up. They lost 4-2 to Al Wasl SC of UAE.
Time For A Change…
McLean left Churchill Brothers amidst health concerns though the club continued its success but not with the same alacrity as before. They were relegated for having finished ninth in the league, a huge dip in form which reflected the impact of the departure of McLean.
They won the Police Cup at the expense of Dempo, beating them 2-0 in the final. Churchill Brothers bounced back the following season and finished third in the national league with the format of the league undergoing changes to include 12 clubs.
They once again regained the Goan crown by winning the Goa Professional League thrice on a trot between 1999 and 2001. Thereafter, their performance in the National league kept on improving as they finished second in the 1990-00 season.
T.K.Chatunni...
The former defender took the reins of Churchill Brothers in his two year spell at the club; he almost helped them to win the National League. Churchill Brothers had everything in their favour – home advantage and a better goal difference going into the final day of the season. They faced fellow title contenders Mohun Bagan who had the same number of points as Churchill. In a packed stadium, the club famously lost to Bagan thanks to a goal by Abdul Wastu after being down to ten men with Mahesh Gawli being given marching orders for handling the ball.
Some Shake-Up…
Chatunni left the club and thereby the club’s fortunes began to dwindle with each season. They reached the finals of the Durand Cup only to be on the losing side again. Churchill finished fifth, fourth and were relegated in the 2004-05 season. In the second division, the Goan side finished second after losing to eventual winners Tata Football Academy on the final day of the season despite going into the match with equal number of points and goal difference.
King Of Good Times!
Enter Karim Bencherifa…
The Moroccan entered the scene and helped the club onto a fourth place finish in the National League. However, the time spent on the youngsters were to bring dividends in the next year. While the coach was in Singapore expecting the birth of his son, Churchill Brothers won their first major trophy in years by defeating Mahindra United 1-0 in the finals. Yes, they had won the finals at last! Much of the credit also went to Odafa Okolie who made everyone turn their attention over to him for his exceptional performance. Karim’s side went onto lose the I-League title to Dempo only by goal difference on the final day of the season.
The Serbian Inspiration
2008-09
While the Moroccan left for Mohun Bagan in the summer of 2008, he was replaced by former World Cupper Emeka Ezeugo. However, the finals curse continued as the team lost to Mahindra United in the finals of the Durand Cup.
Following some serious disagreements with the players, Emeka was booted out in favour of Zoran Djordjevic who created history by being the first foreign coach in his first season to win the I-League.
Glory Glory Churchill Brothers!
Now...
However, the club didn’t renew the contract of the Serbian coach and signed Carlos Pareira, the former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal coach.
Churchill Brothers broke all records by being the first Goan club to win the IFA Shield in 114 years, and followed it up with a Durand Cup triumph; thus being the first to do so in the history of Indian football.
Would they defend their I-League and do well in the AFC Cup remains to be seen?
After having received a proposal to field another team in his name, Mr.Alemao decided to name the new club ‘Churchill Brothers SC’ in 1988 to involve his three brothers as well. Thus, Churchill Brothers SC are the only family club in the top rung football in India.
Early Days…
Three years after its inception, Churchill Brothers SC made its foray into the top rung of the Goan league after starting in the third division. The club wasn’t as big as the other top three – Vasco SC, Salgaocar SC and Dempo SC but was steadily progressing towards the same. They participated in the ‘Naya Duniya Tournament’ in Indore and defeated favourites JCT on penalties.
Danny McLean Era…
The Scottish coach brought an era in Goan football which established Churchill Brothers dethroning the big clubs of the state and winning the state league thrice consecutively. McLean’s contribution is still being acknowledged by Mr.Alemao and was quoted saying,” Danny took the team to high levels.”
The shrewd coach that he was transformed Churchill Brothers into a lethal force on the national front as well when they finished runners-up to JCT in the inaugural National Football League (NFL). Needing a win on the final day of the season and leading JCT by a point, Churchill Brothers drew against Indian Bank to see the Punjab side lift the title.
Though there was frustration for the same, it nevertheless brought the club into the notice of the footballing fraternity. Churchill Brothers finished runners-up of the prestigious Rovers Cup in Mumbai in the 1996-97 season and ended third the following year. They also finished second in the IFA Shield in 1997.
The Goan side participated in the Dubai Shopping Festival International Tournament and once again, finished runners-up. They lost 4-2 to Al Wasl SC of UAE.
Time For A Change…
McLean left Churchill Brothers amidst health concerns though the club continued its success but not with the same alacrity as before. They were relegated for having finished ninth in the league, a huge dip in form which reflected the impact of the departure of McLean.
They won the Police Cup at the expense of Dempo, beating them 2-0 in the final. Churchill Brothers bounced back the following season and finished third in the national league with the format of the league undergoing changes to include 12 clubs.
They once again regained the Goan crown by winning the Goa Professional League thrice on a trot between 1999 and 2001. Thereafter, their performance in the National league kept on improving as they finished second in the 1990-00 season.
T.K.Chatunni...
The former defender took the reins of Churchill Brothers in his two year spell at the club; he almost helped them to win the National League. Churchill Brothers had everything in their favour – home advantage and a better goal difference going into the final day of the season. They faced fellow title contenders Mohun Bagan who had the same number of points as Churchill. In a packed stadium, the club famously lost to Bagan thanks to a goal by Abdul Wastu after being down to ten men with Mahesh Gawli being given marching orders for handling the ball.
Some Shake-Up…
Chatunni left the club and thereby the club’s fortunes began to dwindle with each season. They reached the finals of the Durand Cup only to be on the losing side again. Churchill finished fifth, fourth and were relegated in the 2004-05 season. In the second division, the Goan side finished second after losing to eventual winners Tata Football Academy on the final day of the season despite going into the match with equal number of points and goal difference.
King Of Good Times!
Enter Karim Bencherifa…
The Moroccan entered the scene and helped the club onto a fourth place finish in the National League. However, the time spent on the youngsters were to bring dividends in the next year. While the coach was in Singapore expecting the birth of his son, Churchill Brothers won their first major trophy in years by defeating Mahindra United 1-0 in the finals. Yes, they had won the finals at last! Much of the credit also went to Odafa Okolie who made everyone turn their attention over to him for his exceptional performance. Karim’s side went onto lose the I-League title to Dempo only by goal difference on the final day of the season.
The Serbian Inspiration
2008-09
While the Moroccan left for Mohun Bagan in the summer of 2008, he was replaced by former World Cupper Emeka Ezeugo. However, the finals curse continued as the team lost to Mahindra United in the finals of the Durand Cup.
Following some serious disagreements with the players, Emeka was booted out in favour of Zoran Djordjevic who created history by being the first foreign coach in his first season to win the I-League.
Glory Glory Churchill Brothers!
Now...
However, the club didn’t renew the contract of the Serbian coach and signed Carlos Pareira, the former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal coach.
Churchill Brothers broke all records by being the first Goan club to win the IFA Shield in 114 years, and followed it up with a Durand Cup triumph; thus being the first to do so in the history of Indian football.
Would they defend their I-League and do well in the AFC Cup remains to be seen?
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