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IFA Shield: A New Rivalry Is Taking Birth - Gouramangi Singh
Gouramangi Singh believes that there is a rivalry building up between two of the best sides in India and it’s a good sight for Indian football fans...
12-Sep-2009 10:23:51 AM
Churchill Brothers and Mohun Bagan have a lot of unfinished
business between them. They shared the maximum trophies amongst themselves in
Indian football and were arguably the most entertaining and dramatic teams.
Their matches had a lot of excitement which is what one expects when the top
sides meet.
Karim Bencherifa was the mentor of this Churchill side before leaving for the Green and Maroons and much of it was because of a reported problem with Odafa Okolie. Carlos Pareira was replaced at Mohun Bagan by the Moroccan and since then, it’s the first time the two coaches come face-to-face.
Several Churchill players were expected to join Mohun Bagan but in the end, only Genius Zenith switched from Goa to Kolkata. Before the final round of the I-League, Bagan officials had questioned the authenticity of the 9-1 victory of Churchill over Vasco as the I-League winners could have been decided on goal difference.
The last time Bagan were without their star striker, they lost miserably to Churchill in Goa when Bhaichung was suspended. This time around, it’s Chidi.
After Churchill lost to Mohun Bagan in the away match, their coach blamed the referee for siding with the home side. Churchill Alemao dismissed claims that Karim Bencherifa made his current squad what it is and the list goes on. The rivalry is just growing with each tournament and every time they come in the other’s path.
“I think it’s good as the top two sides of the country are facing each other. A rivalry is building up,” said Gouramangi.
However, he added that his side want to have the IFA Shield in their bag as they have never won this tournament.
“Personally too, I haven’t won this tournament.”
The Manipuri has played several finals in the course of last three years with his club and the national team and states that though one claims that it should be viewed as any other game but that’s seldom the case.
“Final is a final and no one wants to lose. I am happy that I had the opportunity to play in several finals. It’s always different to be in it.”
While Mohun Bagan are without their star striker, Gouramangi believes that there’s much more to Bagan than just a single player.
“We are playing Mohun Bagan and not any particular player. They have enough players to deal with the situation.
“We will try to give our everything and hope for the best.”
Rahul Bali.
Karim Bencherifa was the mentor of this Churchill side before leaving for the Green and Maroons and much of it was because of a reported problem with Odafa Okolie. Carlos Pareira was replaced at Mohun Bagan by the Moroccan and since then, it’s the first time the two coaches come face-to-face.
Several Churchill players were expected to join Mohun Bagan but in the end, only Genius Zenith switched from Goa to Kolkata. Before the final round of the I-League, Bagan officials had questioned the authenticity of the 9-1 victory of Churchill over Vasco as the I-League winners could have been decided on goal difference.
The last time Bagan were without their star striker, they lost miserably to Churchill in Goa when Bhaichung was suspended. This time around, it’s Chidi.
After Churchill lost to Mohun Bagan in the away match, their coach blamed the referee for siding with the home side. Churchill Alemao dismissed claims that Karim Bencherifa made his current squad what it is and the list goes on. The rivalry is just growing with each tournament and every time they come in the other’s path.
“I think it’s good as the top two sides of the country are facing each other. A rivalry is building up,” said Gouramangi.
However, he added that his side want to have the IFA Shield in their bag as they have never won this tournament.
“Personally too, I haven’t won this tournament.”
The Manipuri has played several finals in the course of last three years with his club and the national team and states that though one claims that it should be viewed as any other game but that’s seldom the case.
“Final is a final and no one wants to lose. I am happy that I had the opportunity to play in several finals. It’s always different to be in it.”
While Mohun Bagan are without their star striker, Gouramangi believes that there’s much more to Bagan than just a single player.
“We are playing Mohun Bagan and not any particular player. They have enough players to deal with the situation.
“We will try to give our everything and hope for the best.”
Rahul Bali.
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