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My Memories: SAFF Cup Was Like A Dream For Me - Former India Defender Debjit Ghosh
The former East Bengal player spoke about his time at the SAFF Cup...
02-Dec-2009 8:22:56 PM
Former India and East Bengal defender Debjit Ghosh spoke to Goal.com, sharing his views about the upcoming SAFF Cup and his memories in the continental Championships as a particiapant.
Debjit Ghosh has participated in three editions of SAFF Cup. He made his international debut playing against Bhutan in the SAFF Cup in the year 1997 under Coach Sayed Nayeemuddin. That very year itself India became the SAFF Champions for the third time in their history.
In 2003, Debjit was appointed as the captain of the squad heading for SAFF Cup to be played in Bangladesh. However, he and his boys failed to retain the title for the third time as they finished in third place after losing to Bangladesh in the semis.
Speaking about his experience in the SAFF Cup as a participant, Debjit said, "SAFF Cup is a tournament with hardly any significance nowadays, however I am thankful to SAFF Cup as I was given a chance to start for India for the first time in this tournament.
“I still remember the moment when we were crowned the Champions in 1997. I had a dream debut, winning the SAFF Cup and also gaining good appreciation from the coach and other senior players like Chapman and Courtinho.”
Speaking about India’s chances this time around, he said, “I do not fully support the decision to send U-23 team to particpate in the SAFF Cup, but it is good to have an alternative set up for the national senior team.
“Maldives have a very strong team and so does Pakistan. I was reading that Pakistan has some players playing regularly in Europe so it will be difficult for the India U-23 team to win the tournament.”
Debjit Ghosh signed off by sending his best wishes to the Indian Team for the SAFF Cup 2009.
Rahul Sengupta
Debjit Ghosh has participated in three editions of SAFF Cup. He made his international debut playing against Bhutan in the SAFF Cup in the year 1997 under Coach Sayed Nayeemuddin. That very year itself India became the SAFF Champions for the third time in their history.
In 2003, Debjit was appointed as the captain of the squad heading for SAFF Cup to be played in Bangladesh. However, he and his boys failed to retain the title for the third time as they finished in third place after losing to Bangladesh in the semis.
Speaking about his experience in the SAFF Cup as a participant, Debjit said, "SAFF Cup is a tournament with hardly any significance nowadays, however I am thankful to SAFF Cup as I was given a chance to start for India for the first time in this tournament.
“I still remember the moment when we were crowned the Champions in 1997. I had a dream debut, winning the SAFF Cup and also gaining good appreciation from the coach and other senior players like Chapman and Courtinho.”
Speaking about India’s chances this time around, he said, “I do not fully support the decision to send U-23 team to particpate in the SAFF Cup, but it is good to have an alternative set up for the national senior team.
“Maldives have a very strong team and so does Pakistan. I was reading that Pakistan has some players playing regularly in Europe so it will be difficult for the India U-23 team to win the tournament.”
Debjit Ghosh signed off by sending his best wishes to the Indian Team for the SAFF Cup 2009.
Rahul Sengupta
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