I-League: We Have A Team Capable Of Being In The Top Five - Chirag United Coach Nizam Packeer Ali

Chirag United Kerala reduced the deficit between themselves and Mumbai FC to three points with a 2-0 win against Khalid Jamil’s men at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune.

The Kerala-based side’s coach Nizam Packeer Ali was needless to say, ecstatic after the match and spoke optimistically about his team’s chances to avoid the drop this season.

“Yes, the win was very important for us. If we had lost then we would have been eight-to-nine points behind the rest of the pack. Now I'm sure our boys will take courage from this win and will do well as they are a talented lot. They showed their qualities against a tough side.”

The Sri Lankan also spoke about how frustrating the last few weeks of 2011 had been for the team. He said, “In most of the matches we played well but goals were lacking. We have played brilliantly against all sides, even top outfits like Mohun Bagan but we kept missing sitters. The past few days I have been working exclusively on our finishing.”

“Beginning of 2012 has been kinder to us. The goals have started coming and now I hope we keep improving. If it wasn’t for the missed chances, we would be in the top five or six,” he added.

Packeer Ali also expressed his wish to sign a couple of players to bolster his squad if possible. He revealed, “If I could then I would have liked to add players in the goalkeeping and striking departments. We have been short of numbers at the back as injury to Arindam Ghosh has left K. Sharath as our only senior keeper while another striker would help us score a few more goals.”