Mumbai teams eye I-league thrrough Federation Cup

While their focus is on the Federation Cup that begins simultaneously in Kolkata and Pune on Saturday, the city-based clubs have their sights firmly set on the I-League season that begins next month. Hampered by the lack of pre-season training and injuries to key players, Air India and Mumbai FC are looking at the Cup to get their act right before rigours of the League begin.

For Mumbai FC, the pre-season has been rather disastrous. However, what worries them is they have not managed a proper practice session with the entire squad even once. “It’s not been ideal. We would have loved to be in a position where we could get a full practice session with the squad,” manager Henry Picardo said.

Mumbai’s biggest strength, though, lies in their coach Khalid Jamil. The former India international has been the driving force behind his side’s good showing last season but whether they can replicate the same at the Federation Cup remains to be seen.

For Air India, though, there have been no such worries. They enter the tournament well prepared, barring injuries to a couple of players. The squad looks promising and with the signing of defenders Lamine Tamba from Pune FC and Kali Alaudeen from Salgaocar along with striker Henry Ezeh from local rivals Mumbai FC they have bolstered their defence and attack line. Coach Santosh Kashyap has also had an extensive pre-season training, conducting camps in Pune and Goa.

“Practice has been pretty good and I am happy with the squad I have. But my main aim is to get the team composition right before the I-League,” Kashyap said.

Despite the contrasting preparations, both sides are optimistic to clear the group stage and reach the semifinals. Anything beyond that, both agree, would be a bonus. Mumbai FC, who will play their matches in Pune, are placed in Group B along with I-League champions Salgaocar, Pailan Arrows and HAL. Picardo identifies Salgaocar as the main threat and believes a good result would boost their chances of entering the last four.

Each of the four group winners will be advancing to the knockout stage. “Arrows are an unknown quantity while we have had success against HAL in the past. A win against Salgaocar will make things easier for us. But it’s easier said than done,” Picardo said.

Air India, meanwhile, are placed in a rather tricky group. Playing their matches in Kolkata, they will face Prayag United, Sporting Clube de Goa and Viva Kerala (Chirag United) — three sides who can be tough nuts to crack on their days. But Kashyap is confident to progress to the next round.