Churchill Brothers search for elusive victory

Then followed their refusal to play East Bengal in Calcutta on January 1.

The reason being that the ball used in the inaugural match was Umbro. Instead of Umbro, a Cosco ball was given by the referee. Amal Dutta, Churchill coach refused to accept the change. Result, match was abandoned.

Air-India’s flight has been smooth so far. The Mumbai side have picked up seven points from three matches — all at home — after a fine start that saw them put it across Mohun Bagan. Another win over Salgaocar followed by a draw against Dempo (Goa) have brought on an atmosphere of confidence on the airmen’s camp.

Bimal Ghosh, manager and coach of Air-India is planning to reshuffle the starting line-up to surprise the visitors. Defender Henry Picardo will miss another match as he still has not recovered from injury. Striker Nitin Shetty will be sitting out with two bookings.

With a good record so far in the league, Air-India could be worried about the performance of custodian Shyam Sawant, who appears a little hesitant. On one occasion, he collided with his own team defender Ajay Acharya.

Churchill have problems as well. First-choice goalkeeper Virender Singh is injured and deputy Chandrakant Naik is a doubtful starter. Reserve ‘keeper Joe Gomes looks likely to don gloves.

Further problems in the form of new Iraqi recruit — international mid-fielder Yonan Basim — being booked twice. His second booking was followed by the abandoned match against East Bengal. The All-India Football Federation is yet to arrive at a decision. Fifa rules, however, do not permit the team management to play him in the next match.

Air-India’s attack will be spearheaded by their star medio Godfrey Periera. There is a possibility that the forward-line might come up with a surprise or two for the visitors. PJ Jose could start with Anthony Fernandes (who had a muscle injury) and Abaas Ali Rizvi. Defenders Ajay Acharya, Subir Sinha and Jeevan Moras will be tested to hilt by the Churchill’s strike force.

Almando Colaso, Churchill’s technical director, is confident about the team but at the same time feels the pressure that playing the local champions will bring. Manager Alex Rebello’s faith in his players is certainly commendable. He said, “They are going to live up to the expectation in this match.” But he also called A-I “a balanced side”.

Churchill captain Tejinder Kumar was down with the fever and missed couple of practice sessions yesterday. He will, however, will be fit enough to start tomorrow. Gurinder Pal Singh is still out of contention because of the knee injury he sustained during the Rovers Cup final. Emeka Okeke, Surmani Singh and Sanny D’Costa will be heading the defence to check the Air-India strike force. Akheel Ansari, Oscar Hunda and Tejinder will take care of the mid-field.

The three-man forward line comprising Chibuzor, Marcus Coehlo and Kasif Jamal, who shone during the Rovers semifinal against East Bengal, are capable of breaking through any defence line.

No ball problems

A manager’s meeting was called by the Western India Football Association (WIFA) today in which both managers agreed to play with the ball by the brand name Sparton instead of the official Umbro. Air-India manager S Santan, who attended the meeting on behalf of coach Bimal Ghosh, said, “We have no problem with the ball. We are ready to play with any ball that is provided.” Alex Rebello, Churchill manager, agreed likewise.

Churchill refused to play East Bengal on January 1 in Calcutta, protesting the use of an unofficial ball.

Also, Air-India will be playing in their second colours — white — instead of the familiar red. The first edition of the National League had strictly stipulated teams to sport their first colour while playing at home and second colours in their away fixtures.