Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
Real Kashmir FC are the first team from the valley to play in the first division of I-league. The team from Kashmir beat Hindustan FC in the last match of I-League 2nd division to qualify for the Premier Division. Real Kashmir FC made a dream I-League debut on Wednesday, 31 October against defending champions Minerva Punjab in Panchkula, defeating them by a solitary goal.
According to Real Kashmir’s Scottish coach Dave Robertson, it was only during the mid-stage in the league last season, that his side realised their potential and believed that they were in with a chance to clinch the spot in the senior division.
“The journey with the I-league 2 was an experience. I don’t think so we realised until halfway in the league that we have a chance to win the league. We went unbeaten. We beat Hindustan FC in the last game, until then we were unbeaten,” said Robertson.
Danish Farooqi, who is a midfielder with the side, has become a star in the valley and why not. He scored the decisive penalty against Hindustan FC to beat them 3-2 and put his side in the top bracket of Indian football.
But the road to the top wasn’t an easy one for the team from Kashmir. One of the major concern for the side was the dearth of playing field back home. If that wasn’t enough, harsh weather conditions and dearth of funds didn’t make things easier for the David Robertson and his boys.
Even if they managed themselves a training session at the designated spot, continuous snowfall made matters tad difficult. As Danish puts it, in the end the entire side was too used playing in the snow.
The game of football is returning to the valley after a span of twenty years. The harsh weather conditions, which was one of their biggest challenges, has now become one the biggest weapons in their Arsenal.
The other teams in the I-League are yet to play a match in the valley. The opposition may find it tough to get used to the extreme weather condition.
Real Kashmir FC has roped in former Minerva Punjab player Loveday Enyinnaya, who will be leading the side this season. This season will be his second season with Real Kashmir. Loveday aims to finish in the top three in their maiden season.
Apart from him, coach Dave Robertson is confident regarding the balance of the side, which also includes his son, who will be seen in the defender’s role.
One of the biggest attraction for lads fropm Kashmir, will be their matches against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
Danish, who has been a Mohun Bagan fan all throughout his life, said he might have goosebumps when they face his dream side Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake stadium and again back home.
But the coach played down the whole situation and said instead of his side being under pressure, it will the perennial giants who might have their reputation at stake.
“We are obviously the underdogs in every game we play in the early part of the season. We have nothing to lose.So, we will go there and have a go at these teams. Remember, I have played for big clubs before and there is lot of pressure to win games,” said Dave
When Danish and his teammates take the field against Minerva Punjab on Wednesday, it will surely be a new milestone in Indian football.
And with the trend in the I-League for the past few seasons, Real Kashmir FC can’t blamed for being an optimistic bunch and hoping to continue their fairy tale as well as the one in I-League.
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