USFC and DBFC warm up for I-League clashes

SAGAR CHHETRI
With the release of the fixture for the preliminary round of the 2nd Division I-League, the two Sikkim clubs - Denzong Boyz FC and United Sikkim FC – in the fray have begun opponent-specific training now that they know who they are pitted against.
As per the AIFF fixture, the United Sikkim FC has been placed in Group “A”, while the Denzong Boyz FC is in Group “B”.
The United Sikkim FC will play its preliminary matches in Guwahati against Langsing SC, Shillong on 27 March, Nisa, Manipur on 31 March, Southern Samiti, Kolkata on 2 April, Golden Threads on 4 April, Guwahati Town Club on 6 April and last match against Simla Youngs on 9 April.

On the other hand, Denzong Boyz will play their preliminary matches at Ranchi against Josco FC on 2 April, Ar-Hima on 5 April, Md. Sporting on 8 April, Sesa, Goa on 10 April, Malabar United on 12 April and Kenkre FC on 17 April.
As a part of the preparation, the 33-member team of United Sikkim Football Club has been undergoing residential coaching and playing friendly matches in Kolkata.
Senior Manager, United Sikkim Football Club, Arjun Rai, informs that the team is all set to give its debut performance in the I-League this season.
He explained that for better team-work and understanding, the players have been undergoing through the residential coaching camp.
He mentioned that the players are very happy training along side Bhaichung Bhutia everyday from 09 to 11 AM under coach Stanley Rozario, and assistant coach, Satya Bhatra Bhowmik.
United Sikkim Football Club had already played four friendly matches in Kolkata, in which drew with ONGC by 1-1, won against West Bengal Police 1-0, lost to Md Sporting 1-3 and won against Kolkata Academy 1-0.
It is informed that Bhaichung also played in the first 45 minutes in the first friendly match against ONGC.
USFC is now playing its next friendly match against SAIL on Monday.
The team is scheduled to fly to Guwahati on 24 March from Kolkata.
At present, the 28-member Denzong Boys’ FC has been undergoing rigorous training sessions at Sukna ground till 18 March and then the club plans to move to Kolkata as well for further training and conditioning.
After the completion of training session at Kolkata, the club has scheduled to move directly to Ranchi for their preliminary matches.
Managing Director, Denzong Boys’ Football Club, Phurba Sherpa, mentioned that the players have been undergoing rigorous training sessions and the club is now all set to play its preliminary matches in the I-League at Ranchi.
He further mentioned that seeing the form and preparation of the players, the club has high expectation from its players to do well in the preliminary round to go further.
The 28-member squad of the club has 3 foreigners including 2 from Cameroon and 1 Liberia, and other players from across the country with 17 local players from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong.
The executive members of Denzong Boys’ FC have also called on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today, who is also the Chief Patron of the club, at his official resident at Mintokgang.
It was informed that while convening his best wishes to the team, the Chief Minister encouraged the club to play well and the good name of Sikkim and place it on the top in the whole country.
The CM also mentioned that the state needs to do well not only in football but in every other field now.
The Chief Minister also made a financial contribution to the club for the I-League effort.
On behalf of the whole club, Mr. Sherpa has conveyed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his encouragement and support to the club.