Samba beat steps up Dempo tempo

Both sides know little about each other, adding to the intrigue that accompanies the fixture. Mahindras, placed eighth and last at the inaugural NFL last season, have picked up a point from their opener against Salgaocar last week. Dempo will be playing their first match after their original opener against Indian Bank in Chennai was washed out.

Dempo’s Brazilian coach Francis Gonsalves communicated through an interpreter — manager Custodio Almeida as his team practiced at the Cooperage.

Assisted by trainer and compatriot Louis Andre, the Dempo think-tank emphasised their aim to win the League and not just improve upon last season’s 4th spot.

The Goans will rely on striker Francis Silveira to score but the cynosure will be the Brazilians.

Marcello Antonio is noted for his tight marking and ability to shoot powerfully while another mid-fielder — the indefatigable Joao Soares — is the engine room of the side. Anderson Ribeiro is a ball player and according to coach Gonsalves, catches the eye with his immaculate dribbling skills.

Gonsalves is happy with the progress of the Brazilians under his tutelage. Appreciating the vast chasm between the world’s top soccer nation and another ranked below 100, he still believes that India are not short in talent.

But adjusting to differences in standards in a team sport did unsettle the Brazilians at the start. Not anymore. Playing together for some time has helped, Gonsalves said. After rumours of internal wrangling on the issue of foreigners that undermined Dempo in the Goa League earlier this season, the squad appear to have come to terms with themselves.

The inconsistencies of other teams in the league so far has given Mahindras’ coach Dereyk de Sousa some confidence. As does the induction of another Nepalese player — international striker Hari Khadka — who is likely to play tomorrow.

The Mumbai outfit will miss striker Khalid Jamil who is down with malaria. De Sousa reflects on what he felt was a creditable performance in the goalless draw against Salgaocar. However, local fans are still far from convinced about the jeepmen’s zest in attack where Abhay Kumar and Herbert Philip have left much to be desired especially when it has come to scoring.

It does not stop the Mahindras camp from exuding confidence much of it stemming from a splendid display by Nigerian Onyeka Okafor in defence, voted Man of the Match against Salgaocar.

Mahindras’ prospects appear to hinge on the African’s control over Dempo’s strike force that in all probability will include the in-form Gautam Ghosh and the dangerous Silveira, with the Brazilian Rebeiro also likely to play a major role.