I-League: Pune FC to lock horns with Bharat FC in first ever derby clash

Pune FC are to host debutants Bharat FC in the city's first ever I League football derby tomorrow at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here.

The I-League round 14 encounter would be the first time the city rivals face off at any level, thus making it an interesting clash. With the I-League entering its second half, the game will be an important one for both teams. As both sides aim to make a move up the table, the three points at stake in the game will be very crucial. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, an excited Pune FC Head Coach Karim Bencherifa said it would be a 'historic' game.

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"Every derby clash is important with the hype that surrounds it. It is an important game for the fans. It is definitely a historic game as it is the first time that Pune has two teams, and both of them are very professional," he said.

Bharat FC Head Coach Stuart Watkiss expects this to be a 'pivotal fixture' in the context of their debut season. "This is going to be one grand football match and everyone is eagerly looking forward to it. The first ever Pune derby carries a lot of weight," he said.