MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club head coach Samir Naik has emphasized the importance of his team delivering a strong performance against Real Kashmir FC in their penultimate I-League match at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday at 4:30 PM.
Naik, a former National Football League champion, stated, "Our goal is to showcase the level of Goan football and achieve the desired result. I can feel the great desire and determination in every player. They are eager to make our club proud."
Dempo, currently in 9th place with 25 points, hopes to leverage a blend of youth and experience in this crucial encounter. However, they will be without the experienced Juan Mera S due to food poisoning.
Assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed, also a former Dempo player, acknowledged the challenge posed by Real Kashmir FC, who are currently third in the standings with 35 points. "They are a tough opponent. My boys understand the importance of this match, and we aim to secure a positive result for our fans," Ahmed said.
He further added, "Every team seeks to impose its style of play by reading the opponent. The match will reveal many facts. With Dempo players from our academy and quality foreign players, it will be a tough match."
Dempo is also aware that winning their final match against Churchill Brothers is crucial.
Ahmed also acknowledged the high stakes of the remaining I-League matches, stating, "As Round 21 kicks off, every match, every goal, and every point will carry massive implications — from title dreams to survival scraps — making this one of the most dramatic finishes the I-League has seen in years."
