Kalyani, Mar 10 (Football News) Real Kashmir FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC will look to return to winning ways after suffering defeats in their previous ties, when they face each other in a Hero I-League match here at the Kalyani Stadium here on Friday.

While Real Kashmir were thrashed by defending champions Gokulam Kerala 5-1, Sreenidi went down fighting against league leaders Mohammedan SC 1-3 in their previous match.

Real Kashmir are placed sixth in the league standings with four points from three games, while Sreenidi are a rung below with three points same number of matches.

Even though his side was battered by Gokulam in its last match, Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson has moved on from that disappointing outing.

"The morale in the team is fantastic. Going down to 10 men so early in the game is not ideal but we have to look past that now," he said.

In what would be their first rematch after the 2021 IFA Shield final, the Snow Leopards take on Sreenidi, whom they beat 2-1 to claim the crown last year.

But Robertson knows the challenge that awaits them.

"They (Sreenidi) are a fantastic team with some great players and it is not going to be an easy game for sure," the Scotsman said.

"As they are also coming into this game on the back of a defeat, they will be up for it and that should make for a great game." Sreenidi Deccan head coach Fernando Santiago Varela is confident that his team will learn from their mistakes going forward.

"They have shown for a long time that they are a strong team and have been competing at the top," said Varela.

"It was unfortunate that they had to play almost the entire game with a man down so we will be ready for a reaction from them." In another tie, Rajasthan United FC and Sudeva Delhi FC will face off against each other riding high on confidence as both the sides registered wins in their previous matches.

Rajasthan United head coach Francesc Bonet is aiming for consistency in their upcoming matches.

"Every win gives confidence. The boys are working hard every day. It always helps the team to believe what we want to achieve. Like in the last match, we would fight until the end." "Sudeva Delhi is a tough opponent to play against. They defend very well. We have seen their performances in the last few matches. We have our plans and will be aiming to get the victory," Bonet said.

Sudeva head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo is looking at the positives but wants his players to cut down on their mistakes.

"The last match was good. The players gave their hundred per cent and executed the plans successfully. If we want to be somewhere around the top, we should win matches. As a team, we need to minimise mistakes and go for positive results," he said. 

Also Read : Barcelona host Galatasaray in Europa League RO16

News Source : PTI

Kalyani (West Bengal), Mar 6 (Football News) Defending champions Gokulam Kerala would look for revenge of their IFA Shield defeat when they lock horns against Real Kashmir FC in an I-League match here on Monday.

Gokulam were defeated in the semifinals of the IFA Shield by Real Kashmir FC in December last.

The Malabarians drew their previous match against NEROCA and will be looking to improve their performance on Monday.

"We need to create more space in the build-up and more opportunities in attack. We have concentrated on quality passing and the team needs to understand to get more possession to create more chances and get control in the game," coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese said.

The Kerala side have scored just one goal in two matches and they are looking to improve in that count also.

"We are not worried about the lack of goals because we have a quality striker like Luka (Majcen) but have to create chances for him, which we have not done in the previous matches," the coach said.

The Snow Leopards, on the other hand, were pleased with their performance against Kenkre FC in their earlier match.

"In the first half, it took a little while for the team to get going due to quarantine and lack of training, but in the second half we were very good and deserved to win, but unfortunately we couldn't get our second goal, but the performance was excellent," head coach David Robertson said.

Real Kashmir have a good record against Gokulam Kerala, having won two and lost none of their previous five games.

In Monday's second match, table-toppers Mohammedan Sporting and the new entrants Sreenidi Deccan FC will clash at the Naihati Stadium.

After securing back-to-back victories, the Black and White Brigade will be looking to extend their lead at the top. Head coach Andrey Chernyshov is targeting a hat-trick of wins.

"Sreenidi played two games and got a victory in the last match. They have some quality players with good experience. I will analyse them and talk with my players about the plan. We are focusing on our game and looking forward to the game," Chernyshov said.

Manipur sides TRAU FC and NEROCA FC face each other in Imphal derby at Kalyani stadium in the third match of the day. 

Also Read : Jamshedpur FC to miss Mobashir in League Shield decider

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Dec 30 (Football News) The All India Football Federation on Thursday condoled the death of former Indian national team goalkeeper Kanai Sarkar.

Sarkar died on Thursday, according to AIFF.

He made his national team debut in September 1971, in a friendly match against the USSR, and was also a part of the Bengal team which went to Tehran to participate in the Asian Club Cup in 1970.

Sarkar won numerous honours at domestic level as well. He won the Bordoloi Trophy with Aryans in 1966, the Santosh Trophy with Bengal in 1969 and 1971. Sarkar's most glorious days came with the two giants of Kolkata football, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

In a two-year stint with East Bengal, Sarkar won the Calcutta Football League twice, the IFA Shield once and the Durand cup as well. In his solitary year with Mohun Bagan, Sarkar won the Bordoloi Trophy and the Durand Cup, which added to an already stacked trophy cabinet.

AIFF President Praful Patel, in his condolence message, said, "It is really sad to hear that Mr Sarkar is no longer among us. His invaluable contribution to Indian football will always remain with us. I share the grief." AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "Mr Sarkar was an exceptional goalkeeper who enjoyed great success at the international and domestic levels. My sincere condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace." 

Also Read : Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivallero out of ongoing ISL season due to injury

News Source : PTI

Kalyani (WB), Dec 26 (Football News) An in-form Real Kashmir FC is confident of beginning its I-League campaign with a win when it faces former champions Aizawl FC here on Monday.

Real Kashmir have come into the I-League high on confidence after successfully defending their IFA Shield title earlier this month in Kolkata.

Their head coach David Robertson sounded confident of doing well in the league.

"Our preparation was very good. We came early to Kolkata. The team played a few friendlies and took part in IFA Shield. We played four I-League teams, and the team is looking solid in terms of fitness," Robertson said at the pre-match conference.

"Aizawl is a very competitive side. They have some quality players. It will be a tough game for sure. We will make sure that we turn up and get all three points." He said his side will take one game at a time as any team is capable of defeating any other on a given day.

"We are ready for the challenge. We are looking forward to the season.” In another match on Monday, Manipur side Neroca FC will be up against debutants Sreenidi Deccan FC in their opening match at the Naihati stadium.

NEROCA head coach Khogen Singh said his players are looking forward to begin with a win.

"Sreenidi is a very good team. We have seen them play the IFA Shield. They have many young players and their coach is experienced. They are a competitive side. We will analyze them and we are looking to getting the three points from the match," Khogen said.

Sreenidi head coach Fernando Varela is also confident about the capabilities of his squad.

"We have had a very good preseason in Hyderabad. We played the IFA Shield to figure out our level. Our players have character and personality. They will try their best to get all three points in the first match." In the third match of the day, Mohammedan Sporting of Kolkata will lock horns against Sudeva Delhi FC at the Naihati Stadium.

It has been a good year for Mohammedan Sporting with Durand Cup final appearance followed by their first Calcutta Football League title win in 40 years.

However, head coach Andrey Chernyshov stated that the I-League will be a different ball game.

"We've waited for this game for four months. The first game is always special. We'll take one game at a time in the league. There are many teams who are favourites to win the trophy," said Chernyshov.

The Black Panthers have signed former Gokulam Kerala striker Marcus Joseph, known for his clinical finishing.

"We respect Sudeva Delhi. They have a lot of young players who have the hunger and desire to win," the Russian coach said.

Sudeva Delhi had a competitive debut season in 2020-21, finishing eighth. They have once again opted to compete with an all-Indian squad under new head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo this season. 

Also Read : Bizarre beginning to I-League: Debutants Rajasthan United left to play with 9 players

Newt Source : PTI

New Delhi, Dec 15 (Football News) India will host South Asian Football Federation's (SAFF) U-18 and U-19 Women's Championships next year.

The SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship will be held from March 3-14 while the SAFF U-19 Championship will take place from July 25 to August 3, the All India Football Federation said on Wednesday.

An Indian team is currently playing in the Women's SAFF U-19 Championships in Dhaka.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and hosts India will compete in the SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship. The five teams will face each other once in a round-robin format before the top two sides square off in the final.

The SAFF U-19 Championship will be a six-team affair. Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka will be the other teams apart from hosts India.

The six teams will be divided into two groups of three each. The group stage will be played in a round-robin format with each team facing each other once. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals. 

Also Read : IFA Shield: Real Kashmir FC win thriller for back-to-back title triumphs

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Dec 15 (Football News) Real Kashmir FC showed tremendous resilience to pull off a stunning 2-1 win over a spirited Sreenidi Deccan FC and lift their second successive IFA Shield title here on Wednesday.

The David Robertson-coached side endured a below-par outing in the first half as the I-League debutants from Vizag dominated with their superior tactical and technical display, with a 30th-minute strike by their Colombian centre-forward David Castaneda Munoz.

Deccan FC staved off some valiant attacks by RKFC in the second half and all they had to do was to see through the final three minutes to cap their dream journey with a maiden title on debut.

But their inexperience came to the fore as RKFC made a dramatic turnaround riding on their dependable Spaniard and Scottish duo of Fran Gonzalez and Mason Lee Robertson who struck one each to help their side emerge winners.

In the last edition too, RKFC had pulled off an identical 2-1 win over George Telegraph with their goalkeeper Mithun Samanta saving a penalty in the closing minutes.

The club's elated owner, Sandeep Chattoo, dedicated the win to the die-hard fans and supporters of RKFC in the valley.

"The boys have made Kashmir proud. Indeed it's a glory that will bring lots and lots of cheers to the supporters of RKFC back in the valley," Chattoo told PTI.

"Three local boys were playing in the squad. It gives me immense pleasure and all kudos to the team for keeping the flag of Snow Leopards high and flying despite all odds." "A team as young as five years old has made history after a decade by clinching the IFA shield twice in a row. I would also like to thank coach David and must say that my belief in my coach is impeccable." The Fernando Santiago Varela-coached outfit, which was the latest entrant in this year's I-League and was launched less than six months ago, dominated the proceedings early on.

Their attacking midfielder Girik Khosla set it up from the left as David tapped the ball brilliantly and turned it around to fire in a powerful right-footer to give Deccan the early advantage and score his fourth goal of the tournament.

In the second half, RKFC stepped it up but could not convert their chances with Thoi Singh missing two sitters in front of the goalmouth.

In the 66th minute, Thoi squandered a fine opportunity when he was set up brilliantly by a Mason throw-in but Thoi's shot hit the upright.

Time was fast running out for RKFC with the match getting into the second-half stoppage time as Sanchez brought up the equaliser in the 90+3rd minute to take the match into the extra time.

It was Mason who set it up with a clinical centre from the right as Sanchez chested the ball before shooting from an acute angle.

In the 100th minute, Mason seized on a superbly connected centre from Pratesh Shirodkar and towered above his rival defender for a winning header.

Deccan FC gave it their all and also brought in their goalkeeper CK Ubaid into the attack in the dying minutes of the extra-time but RKFC defence held on. 

Also Read : Real Kashmir storm into second successive IFA Shield final

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Dec 14 (Football News) I-League debutants Sreenidi Deccan FC, with their resolute and compact defence, stand in the way of Real Kashmir's bid for a second successive title when the two teams clash in the IFA Shield final here on Wednesday.

Less than six months after being launched, the Vizag outfit is in the middle of a fairytale campaign making into the final of the second oldest football tournament of the country on debut.

The Santiago Varela-coached outfit showed supreme ball control and maintained intensity to edge out Railway FC 2-1 in the extra-time at the East Bengal ground.

The Deccan club has showcased a high level of finesse and executed their plans meticulously throughout the tournament.

But what has stood out has been their resolute defence conceding just two goals from five matches as the likes of Mason Robertson and Fran Gonzalez will have a tough ask in hand when the two teams clash it out.

That they have already played in the same venue will act as an advantage for Deccan outfit.

"We are fully prepared for the match. Yes they have played the final last year too but that's not playing in our mind," defender Samad Ali Mallick, who is well aware of the conditions with his past experience in East Bengal, said.

"We are focused on our game. We have trained in Hyderabad for last two months and it's showing in our collective game in this tournament.

"We're very excited to play the final in such a short duration. No team will look to afford an inch, it will be a strong fight," he added.

Coach Varela said, "We have showed good football in each of our game. But RKFC would be a tough challenge. We will try to do our job, control the game." Real Kashmir have been supreme in the attack with the likes of Mason, Gonzalez and Shahnawaz Bashir putting up a cohesive display in the midfield.

The only blip has been against the Calcutta Customs when they lost out by a solitary goal in their league outing.

"We have played three I-League teams so far, it gives a lot of confidence to be in the final of a tournament ahead of the I-League," David said.

"We enjoyed our last season and somehow managed to be in the final this time. We will play with the same intensity." David further said the Deccan outfit would pose a big challengeand it does not matter that they're debutants.

"They know our team quite well, they have an experienced coach. It would be a very, very difficult team game. Anything can happen," David said.

"I don't think we start as strong favourites. It all comes down to hard work on the pitch," Mason Robertson said.

Kickoff: 1.30pm IST. 

Also Read : Real Kashmir storm into second successive IFA Shield final

News Source : PTI

Fatroda, Dec 11 (Football News) ATK Mohun Bagan settled for a 1-1 draw against unbeaten Chennaiyin FC in an Indian Super League match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Saturday.

Liston Colaco's 18th-minute strike was cancelled out by Vladimir Koman (45th) right before half-time.

Chennaiyin are yet to face defeat as they are placed third on the table with 8 points. The Mariners continue to be outside the top four with 7 points.

After creating a few chances in the opening moments, ATK Mohun Bagan finally got the breakthrough in the 18th minute. Colaco banged home albeit after the ball kissed the bar as Roy Krishna played a brilliant through ball to open the scoring.

Earlier in the 16th minute, Ashutosh Mehta showed excellent skills and tried to create a chance from the right flank. CFC defenders intercepted the attack before he could hand the ball over to Manvir Singh.

ATKMB's Tiri got a yellow card in the 22nd minute. Tiri was booked by the referee for a harsh tackle on Edwin Vanspaul. Similarly, in the 25th minute, Reagan Singh of Chennaiyin was cautioned for a mistimed tackle on Roy.

Chennaiyin FC grew into the game with captain Anirudh Thapa and Lallianzuala Chhangte at the center of the attacks around the half-hour mark but they could not do any damage to ATKMB.

In the 41st minute, CFC got a corner which could have been a goal but ATKMB goalkeeper Amrinder Singh was on point. However, in the 45th minute, Vladimir Koman gave Amrinder no chance and equalised. Polish striker Lukasz assisted Koman from a throw-in which caught the Bagan defence off-guard.

Post the break, Hugo Boumous and Roy showed glimpses of their link-up play but Chennaiyin remained resolute. It was Edwin from Chennaiyin who could have handed his team the lead but was unlucky in his attempt.

Bagan brought in David Williams surprisingly in the dying minutes of the game but the Australian failed to create an impact as both sides split points.

Also Read : Real Kashmir storm into second successive IFA Shield final

News Source : PTI

Kalyani (WB), Dec 12 (Football News) Defending champions Real Kashmir FC beat Gokulam Kerala FC 2-1 to enter the final of the IFA Shield football tournament here on Sunday.

The Malabarians dominated possession but the David Robertson-coached RKFC put up a cohesive display and converted their chances to storm into their second final on the trot.

In the summit clash of the 124th IFA Shield on Wednesday, the Snow Leopards will face Sreenidi Deccan FC who scored a hard-fought 2-1 win over Railway FC in extra-time.

Mason Lee Robertson scored the opening goal with his 23rd minute header, while Thoi Singh doubled the lead from a Surchandra Chandam Singh corner in a space of eight minutes.

Shahnawaz Bashir was brilliant in the role of the playmaker and was instrumental in setting it up from the corner as he was adjudged man-of-the-match.

The Kerala outfit pulled one back through Robin Singh in the 45+3rd minute, capitalising on a momentary lapse from the goalkeeper Bilal Husain Khan.

"It's really commendable for the fact that we defeated two top I-League clubs -- first local heavyweights Mohammedan Sporting and now Gokulam Kerala FC -- to make the final. The boys have put up a spirited show," RKFC founder Sandeep Chattoo told PTI.

"Hard work does pay off and so have the boys of RKFC done today. Kudos to them especially today's man of the match Shahnawaz Bashir who was exceptionally brilliant.

"The RKFC led by its coach David will surely repeat their performance in the final." Mason Lee Robertson looked threatening up front and almost scored in the 21st minute but his shot came off the crosspiece.

Two minutes later, he finally gave the lead after Pratesh Shirodkar set it up with a clinical centre as the GKFC defenders were nowhere to be seen.

An unmarked Mason just had to head the ball into the far corner with goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar in no position to collect it to give them the lead.

Shahnawaz got to a perfect position and set it up for Thoi from a goalmouth melee as the Manipur midfielder showed fine reflexes to turn it around and score from the rebound to give them a 2-0 cushion.

RKFC almost scored a third in the 42nd minute but Mason's header missed the target this time.

Against the run of play, GKFC pulled one back after RKFC goalkeeper Bilal Husain Khan failed to collect the ball.

But that was the lone moment of joy for the Kerala outfit who failed to make further inroads with RKFC putting up a resolute defensive display after the changeover.

"We're delighted to win today, we played extremely well in the first half and deserved to be 2-0 up, we lost a goal in the last minute of the first half and had to defend well in the second half. We showed so much grit and passion," RKFC's Scottish gaffer David Robertson said.

"We look forward to playing in our second consecutive IFA shield final which alone is a fantastic achievement for the club but we want to give it our all to retain the Shield," he added. 

Also Read : It'll take a decade for Indian women’s football team to play World cup: Bembem Devi

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Dec 8 (Football news) Defending champions Real Kashmir FC fought hard to beat local heavyweights Mohammedan Sporting 1-0 in the extra time to advance to the semi-finals of the 124th IFA Shield in Kalyani on Wednesday.

RKFC's Mizoram recruit Lalchhawnkima struck the all-important goal in the 98th minute to take them to their second successive semi-finals of the IFA Shield.

Earlier both the teams pressed hard but could not get a decisive goal taking the match into the extra time.

In another quarterfinal at the East Bengal ground, Sreenidi Deccan FC beat George Telegraph, riding on a 70th minute goal from Lalromawia.

Also Read : Former Bengaluru title-winning coach Westwood says Punjab FC can challenge for I-League crown

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Nov 28 (Football news) Real Kashmir FC suffered a setback in their concluding group league match of the 124th IFA Shield, going down to Calcutta Customs by a solitary goal here on Sunday.

Rabi Hansda struck the all-important goal in the first half added time (45+2) to be adjudged the man-of-the-match.

Real Kashmir failed to find an equaliser as the local outfit Calcutta Customs defended well.

Experienced Spanish midfielder Fran Gonzalez failed to make an impact for Real Kashmir.

Three Customs players -- Kallon (40+6), Soubik Bal (62nd) and Sourav Dasgupta (85th) -- were booked by the referee while RKFC's Mason Robertson received a yellow card in the 85th minute.

With the result, RKFC have three points from two matches.

Calcutta Customs and Indian Arrows also have three points each and their match on December 1 will determine which two teams qualify for the last-eight from their group.

Also Read : We need to improve upon weak clearances in defence: Dennerby

News Source : PTI

Fatorda, Nov 25 (Football News) NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC shared the spoils after playing out a goalless draw at the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) here on Thursday.

Ivan Vukomanovic handed young Vincy Barretto an ISL debut on the right wing, while Enes Sipovic made his debut in yellow at the heart of defence.

NorthEast United, also lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, dropped goal-scorer from the last game, Mathias Coureur and opted for 24-year-old Australian centre-back Patrick Flottmann.

While neither side could carve out clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges, NorthEast did look threatening a couple of times.

VP Suhair was the architect of Deshorn Brown and Khassa Camara getting half-chances to convert. The latter did slice a couple over the net from distance.

However, the highlight remained a right-footed free-kick from Hernan Santana that went inches above after Enes Sipovic had brought down Deshorn on the run.

At the half-hour mark, Blasters captain Jessel Carneiro swung in a cross that ultimately found Adrian Luna. His chip over the defensive line had Jorge Diaz almost head in the opener of the night.

Both teams remained compact in the first period as both sets of strikers found it incredibly tough to get going in the opposition half.

Five minutes into the second half, Sahal Abdul Samad missed a golden opportunity. Vincy blazed through the pitch after winning a second ball. He squared it into the box but with only the keeper to beat, Sahal grazed it wide.

Vincy kept trying hard to help his forwards but playmaker Adrian Luna was not clinical enough in the box. Both managers switched personnel with Alvaro Vazquez and Coureur arriving into the game for Blasters and NorthEast respectively.

In a change of formation, Sahal was taken off for wing-back Nishu Kumar, returning after being sidelined for up to 10 months through injury for the final quarter hour.

Kerala had their best chance of the night towards the final minutes, courtesy a brilliant pass by Nishu but teammate Alvaro Vazquez could not finish a rather easy header thanks to a spectacular save by NEUFC goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury.

Both teams cancelled each other out, visibly frustrating both Jamil and Vukomanovic in an intense battle of tactics.

Blasters face arch-rivals Bengaluru next, while NorthEast meet Chennaiyin next week. 

Also Read : HFC reserve side gears up for IFA Shield debut

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Nov 25 (Football news) Hyderabad FC on Thursday announced a 22-member reserve side for the 124th edition of the IFA Shield which kicked off on Wednesday in Kolkata.

The squad will play as HFC B and will make their debut in the competition, which is one of the oldest in the world.

Coached by Shameel Chembakath, Hyderabad FC B will be one of five outstation teams invited to the competition, and are set to be the only reserve side of an ISL club to participate in the tournament.

The competition will also be the second all-India tournament of the current season for the squad that earlier featured in the Durand Cup in September, also held in West Bengal.

The team is drawn in Group B of the competition, alongside Peerless Sports Club and Aryan Club, and will begin their campaign against the latter, on Saturday, at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani.

The Squad: Goalkeepers: Aman Kumar Sahani, Rewang Dorjee Lepcha, Abhinav Mulagada Defenders: Amritpal Singh, Paogoumang Singdon, Dipu Halder, Md Safique Ahmed, Md Rafi, Deep Samanta, Jeremy Zohminghlua Midfielders: Koustav Dutta, Suhit Chhetry, Crespo Vanlalhriatpuia, Abijith P A, Amosa Lalnundanga, Lalchungnunga Chhangte, Lalrintluanga, R Swapana Jeevan R T Forwards: Ishan Dey, Arun Kabrabam, Joseph Sunny, Rohlupuia Staff: Shameel Chembakath (Head Coach), Joel Prabhakar (Goalkeeper Coach), Vinu Varghese (Physiotherapist), Nithin Mohan (Team Manager).

Also Read : FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC eye ISL season's first win

News Source : PTI

Kolkata, Nov 24 (Football news) Real Kashmir FC kicked off their IFA Shield campaign with a facile 3-0 win over Indian Arrows here on Wednesday.

Spanish midfielder Fran Gonzalez drew first blood for Real Kashmir in the 18th minute before Pratesh Shirodkar doubled the lead in the space of five minutes at the East Bengal ground.

Khangebam Thoi Singh sealed the issue with his 88th minute strike as Real Kashmir jumped to the top spot with three points in Group A.

Calcutta Customs is the third team in the group.

Twelve teams are divided into four groups whose winners will be joined by the four semifinalists of the Calcutta Football League Premier Division -- Mohammedan Sporting, Railway FC, George Telegraph and United Sports -- in the last-eight stage.

The quarterfinals will start from December 8, while the two semifinals are slated on December 12. The summit clash is on December 15.

Also Read : Football Delhi names 20-member squad for senior women's national football c'ships

News Source : PTI

Bengaluru, Jul 25 (Football news) Former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC on Sunday announced the signing of Jammu and Kashmir's Danish Farooq on a two-year contract.

The 25-year-old attacker, who is the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to sign for the club, has joined the Blues ahead of their upcoming AFC Cup playoff stage clash against Eagles FC.

Danish spent his youth career playing for the J&K Bank football academy, where he wore the armband across age groups and led them to as many as 12 titles. His performances earned him a move to Lonestar Kashmir in the I-League second division, and a season later to Real Kashmir.

"BFC is one of the best clubs in the country, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of it. My immediate challenge is to do well in the AFC Cup and the Indian Super League. My ultimate goal is to achieve success with the club and to grow as a player," said Danish.

He was the side's joint top-scorer in a campaign that saw the Snow Leopards clinch the I-League 2nd Division title and earn promotion to the top flight.

In their first season in the I-League, Real Kashmir managed to finish third in the table, ahead of the likes of Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers and Gokulam Kerala FC.

"When I got a call from my agent, who told me that BFC was interested in signing me, we felt it was the best option for me to grow as both a player and to showcase my talent at the highest level," added Danish.

Also read: ISL: Chennaiyin FC ropes in striker Jobby Justin

An attacking player by trade, the Kashmir-born player is adept at playing on the flank and has previously turned out in midfield. Having amassed as many as 48 appearances over the last three seasons in the I-League, Farooq has registered seven goals and five assists in that time.

With Farooq in attack, Real Kashmir clinched the first major domestic title in the club’s history by winning the 2020 IFA Shield.

“Danish has the experience of playing in many positions; as a striker, a winger and gives us a lot of options in attack. He’s a good character, has gelled well with the team and with his style of football gives the team a bit of technical quality.

"Danish was the captain of one of his previous teams, and also brings a bit of his leadership onto the pitch” said Blues' head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli.

News source: PTI 

Kolkata, Jul 14 (Football news) Former India goalkeeper Shibaji Banerjee, who stood out against Pele-led Cosmos Club in an exhibition match here in 1977, will be conferred with Mohun Bagan Ratna posthumously, the club announced on Wednesday.

The executive committee members also unanimously adjudged Fijian striker Roy Krishna as the Best Footballer of 2020-21, having guided ATK Mohun Bagan to the runners-up finish in the Indian Super League.

Bengal skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran was chosen as the Best Cricketer, while Bidisha Kundu, who won the 100m hurdles and high jump in the National Championship, was named as the Best Athlete.

"Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, this year also the Mohun Bagan Day Celebration (on July 29) would be organised digitally," the club said in a statement.

Legendary Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Banerjee, who died at the age of 68 four years ago, is best remembered for denying legendary Pele from scoring off a free-kick in an exhibition match against visiting Cosmos in 1977.

Also read: Bengaluru Football Club sign defender Sarthak Golui

He dived to snatch the ball from the Brazilian legend's feet in the match played in front of a capacity crowd at Eden Gardens.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw and Banerjee received a lot of praise.

During his eight-year long professional career with the Green and Maroons, Banerjee won four Calcutta Football League, five Durand Cup, five IFA Shield, four Federation Cup, two Rovers Cup titles. News source: PTI

New Delhi, Jun 12 David Alexander Robertson, coach of Kashmir's famous football club Real Kashmir FC, has been honoured with British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community in the valley and strengthening UK-India relations, a feat he dedicated to the people of Kashmir and the team he has been engaged with.

According to the list released on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's birthday on Friday evening, "Manager, Real Kashmir Football Club, India, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Kashmir and UK-India relations." The awards were announced on Saturday by the British government to mark the monarch's official birthday.

The 52-year-old Robertson, who has been coach of Real Kashmir Football Club, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to the local community.

"The award recognises Mr Robertson's outstanding contribution to the sport and the community as head coach of RKFC since January 2017. This included guiding the football team into the I-League – the first time the team has competed at this level," the official list read.

"The last season of the I-League saw RKFC attain the highest number of home ground match attendees, averaging 25,000 people per match." Robertson said he was "absolutely delighted" and honoured to have been recognised and awarded this honour for his work in Kashmir.

"I have enjoyed every minute spent in Kashmir. It has been a real pleasure to have worked and met so many wonderful people. I think of Kashmir as my second home," he said.

The BEM is a British and Commonwealth award for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

When contacted, Robertson told PTI from his home in Scotland that it has been an amazing journey of almost five years of working with the people of Kashmir and the club.

"I remember the initial days when barely a few dozen turned up for a match of RKFC to a crowd watching from even trees and nearby building tops and cheering the team," Robertson said.

"I dedicate this to my club especially my owner Sandeep Chattoo and people of Kashmir." The story of RKFC is all about determination to achieve the best in football and win millions of hearts across the globe, he said.

Talking about his owner, David said Chattoo is unlike other club owners and added, "He treats everyone in the club as his own family member. This definitely makes a difference." "I thank him for all the support extended to the club because his aim is to win hearts of the people in the Valley through the game of football." Chattoo congratulated Robertson for being awarded the medal by the British government and said this would help in further boosting the morale of people as well as the team.

"David Robertson has been associated with the team since 2017 and once I made it clear to him about my dreams of RKFC, there was no looking back.

"A minute observer of the game, he used to mark every move of his team and later tell the players about the shortcoming irrespective of whether we won or lost," Chattoo told PTI from Srinagar.

He said the last season was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped that the forthcoming one would bring the game back to the home crowd.

The club, which came into existence in 2016, shot to limelight by winning the second division I-league in May 2018. They stood third in the main I-league in their maiden season.

Popularly known as 'Snow leopards', the team won last year's IFA Shield tournament, the club's first major victory since its inception.

The club has received attention the world over and BBC Scotland made a documentary named "Return to Real Kashmir FC" that followed the team and their Scottish manager Robertson.

The documentary won the 'Single Documentary' category award at the British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). New source PTI

Doha, Jun 10 Forward Manvir Singh says the Indian football team needs to sustain the momentum in the upcoming 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup joint qualifier against Afghanistan, having beaten Bangladesh in the previous outing.

India rode on a Sunil Chhetri brace to down Bangladesh 2-0 here on Monday for their first away win in a World Cup qualifier in 20 years.

"We need to sustain the momentum gathered in the match against Bangladesh and even in the 0-1 loss against Qatar. But everyone is aware that all of that is past," Manvir said.

"The match on 15th is a fresh canvas. We need to paint it the right manner. The coach has been constantly working with us. We need to pay him back," he said.

Manvir says he is always trying to learn from national team captain Sunil Chhetri and his ISL club ATK Mohun Bagan teammate Roy Krishna.

Manvir, who made it to the national team after a successful domestic season, feels nothing is constant as a striker.

"My job becomes easier when I play alongside top strikers. I just watch Sunil-bhai and try to imitate his calm in front of the goal. At the end of the day, that ice-cool head makes all the difference. That's education for me. In a match a striker won't get a million chances," Manvir told AIFF.

"There will be days when you will get just one chance, or maybe a half chance. If you are able to make it count, you have done your job. I also need to mention that I look up to Roy Krishna's calm in front of the goal. They are my heroes." He also spoke about his progress as a striker since the beginning of his journey in competitive football.

"A striker is all about the confidence and that only comes though the game time he gets. The more you get to play, the more mature you become.

"It's all about your intuition, the movements inside the box, sniffing it, and eventually the finishing. I reiterate, you can only get all of that when you get to play. Otherwise, your talent and determination will always be on the bench." The 2022 FIFA World Cup first-leg match against Qatar in 2019 changed the international career of Manvir.

Before that match, the 25-year-old was never a regular starter for India, but the performance against Qatar made him a permanent feature in Igor Stimac's team.

Asked how he describe himself as a player -- a winger or a striker -- and he said, "At the outset, I was an out and out striker. But a player needs to be flexible." "Modern-day football is not just about sticking to one position and role. I have been playing on the wings -- both on the right wing and left wing in recent times.

"I feel that has helped me understand the dynamics of a team's attacking philosophy. It is a plus point for any player." Manvir said his father played against Chhetri and advised to always learn from the Indian talisman.

"My dad Kuldip Singh who played for PSEB as a striker and scored quite a few goals in the Federation Cup, Durand Cup and the IFA Shield besides a host of other tournaments always mentions to me to learn from Sunil-bhai the art of longevity.

"In fact, he had played against him, and always tells me 'when you are seeing him from close, learn as much as you can. Sunil's speciality is that he has been there for so long. And that is extremely hard work'." New source PTI

Srinagar, May 22 Football coaches from across Jammu and Kashmir took part in a virtual workshop designed to enhance their knowledge-base and skills, conducted by former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo and ex national women's team coach Sajid Dar.

The workshop was held to give budding coaches an opportunity to interact with domain experts on different aspects of their role as on-ground activities were stalled due to coronavirus-forced lockdown.

The three-day workshop was organised by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) in collaboration with the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC).

It was attended by 32 coaches from educational institutes in Srinagar, Jammu, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag Kathua, Shopia, Budgam and Baramula.

Over the course of two hour sessions, the coaches were provided insight into the code of conduct expected from them towards players, parents, referees and fellow coaches.

The challenges of protecting children under their watch from physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial exploitation were also elaborated upon.

"In the four years I have spent working as a team manager and assistant coach, this was honestly the first such workshop I attended," said Sameer Gowhar from the Sports Council Football Academy in Anantnag.

"There are some good coaches around who are already doing a great job but we need to reach out to places where we don't have any qualified coaches," explained Dar.

Wadoo, who played for India from 2005 to 2011, has a glittering CV that includes Federation Cup, IFA Shield and Nehru Cup titles.

He was also a member of the Chennaiyin FC squad that won the ISL trophy in 2015 and is currently serving as assistant coach of Hyderabad FC.

Dar, who has represented Jammu and Kashmir in the Santosh Trophy, is an AIFF C License Coach Educator and an AFC A License holder. He was also a former coach of the Indian national youth team. News source: PTI 

Kolkata, Apr 24 Former India and Mohun Bagan winger Pronab Ganguly, who is best remembered for his double strike against East Bengal in the club's 1969 IFA Shield win, died after suffering a cardiac arrest here. Ganguly, 75, was having breathing problems for the past few days and suffered a cardiac arrest at his Park Circus residence on Friday, according to sources in his former club. Ganguly was a member of the Indian team in the Merdeka Cup in 1969. After he switched over to Mohun Bagan from Howrah Union in 1967, Ganguly wowed the Kolkata Maidan with his deft dribbling skills and amazing ball control. He played eight seasons on the trot for the Mariners. His best moment came under Amal Dutta's 4-2-4 formation in the high-voltage 1969 IFA Shield final when his brace handed Mohun Bagan a 3-1 win over arch-rivals East Bengal. Sukalyan Ghoshdastidar had scored the other goal. Despite playing as a left-winger, Ganguly had a penchant for scoring goals and showed his talent in his second match of the Calcutta League for Mohun Bagan when his free-kick downed Rajasthan Club. With him in the team, Mohun Bagan won every major trophy -- Calcutta League, IFA Shield, Durand Cup, Rovers Cup. His career highlights also include a brilliant hat-trick in the Rovers Cup. He was also successful for Bengal in Santosh Trophy, participating from 1967 to 1969 and 1971, winning the title in 1969 and 1971. In 1969, Ganguly was brilliant in the Santosh semi-final against a strong Andhra Pradesh team, scoring four times over two legs. After retirement he was involved as a coach with Calcutta Cricket and Football Club and also several academies. He was bestowed with Mohun Bagan's Lifetime Achievement award in 2020. News Source : PTI