Dempo to begin the I-League campaign against Shillong Lajong

A new look Dempo side will kick-ff their campaign tomorrow in Goa

Dempo SC is set to open a new chapter in its history as the Arthur Papas’s side being their campaign against Shillong Lajong FC in the Airtel I-League at the Duler Stadium on Sunday.

“Our preparations have gathered momentum as we have continued. We are in a period of transformation with numerous changes in personnel however the group is united, working harmoniously and showing a strong desire to put on a positive showing for the coming season,” said the Dempo coach, Arthur Papas, who will be looking to start his camping with the Goan team with a win.

Dempo, regarded as one of the most successful team in recent times, have won a record number of five I-League titles and will be looking to add another one to their trophy cabinet, which also includes the prestigious Federation Cup, the Rovers Cup and the Goan league titles. Though things didn’t end on a happy note for Dempo last season, which the departure of the long serving coach Cloaco, his place has been taken over by Papas, the former Pailan Arrows coach, who knows where his young squad is headed.

“Our targets are very simple and that is to compete for both the I-League and Federation Cup, we are aware that we are operating with a much smaller sized squad than the past so the key to this would be to keep our squad healthy and fit. As a team we are constantly evolving our style of play, so right now it is important to have a positive start and this will go a long way to continuing the momentum we have built,” said the Australian who is aware of the challenge that is headed of him.

Defence will be of great concern for Dempo the team as the Australian Simon Colosimo and Japanese S Honda are the only recognised players in that position. And with Mahesh Gawli in Australia for treatment, Papas is expected to field a make-shift defence for the opening game.

Dempo’s weakness at the back will be good news for rivals Shillong Lajong Football Club who will be looking for their first ever win against the Goan giants.

With a clutch of quality foreign signings, Coach Thangboi Singto will look to start on a positive note even though he would know that his team would start as underdogs against the former champions in their own backyard.

Much of Lajong’s strategy could focus around Cornelius Glen, the Trinidad & Tobago international striker. If Cornelius gets going against a comparatively weaker defence, the visitors will be able to take something away from this game.