Churchill Brothers host play Rajasthan United as I-League returns to Goa after two years

Ravish Narvekar

Afdal Varikkodan and Ponif Vaz will be unavailable for selection due to injury for Churchill Brothers, whereas Rajasthan Coach Pushpender Kundu will have all the players at his disposal.

Churchill Brothers FC will be looking to avenge the defeat of the Baji Raut Cup 2022 and start the season with a win when they host play the same opponent, Rajasthan United FC in the Hero I-League match on Tuesday evening at GMC Bambolim Athletic Stadium.

Rajasthan & Churchill have played just two matches and both sides have won each with five goals sharing in the Bio-Bubble. However, it will be different competition in front of fans when both sides will face each other.

Rajasthan coach Pushpender Kundu was confident about tomorrow's match in Goa as he said "It's a good feeling that on an opening day we will be facing former champions and one of the oldest clubs in the I-League. We are excited to take on them on an opening day."

He further added saying "We have already played against them in the pre-season, Baji Raut Cup. So, we almost know about them. As I mentioned in the previous interview that all the teams are equal. All are prepared. So anyone can take the trophy this season."

Though Rajasthan gaffer Pushpender is excited to play in front of the fans, he is also worried about his players' fatigue issues due to a hectic schedule.

"It's a good thing that this season, we will play infront of the fans. It will be more encouraging for players. However, the other part is that it will be difficult to travel to different cities. In a bubble, it is easy to travel and also you can keep the track of your players' fitness easily. But in the home & away format it will be difficult. It will be a bit challenging but we are in for that." He concluded.

Churchill coach Antonio Rueda who gave the team the much-needed belief and introduce a winning mentality, which helped the Goan side to finish fourth in the last season is also excited to play infront of supporters.

"For me, this is a different competition because playing in an empty stadium and playing with fans is completely different. Now you'll play in front of the fans. We are happy that fans will be back. Last two seasons, players played without fans and it is not a good thing. We are happy that the league is returning and fans will be allowed in the stadium after two years." the Spaniard expressed.

Rueda is well aware of the opponent ahead of their season-opening match in Goa as he said "Rajasthan is a good team. They played really well in the Baji Raut cup. They were a tough team last season. We just won by a single goal last season. They are more tougher this season. They have a good coach, and good players and I think we need to be focused during the entire match to win against them."

The Goan side participated in the Baji Raut Cup 2022 in Odisha, as a part of their pre-season where they fall short in the finals against Rajasthan outfits in the tie-breaker.