Real Kashmir FC Will Look to Continue The Fairy Tale in I-League

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.

I think a lot was with our fighting spirit, good spirit and the team spirit. I think that is what pushed us till the end. We scored a lot of goals in the last minute or two either to win or draw the game, which also proves our physical fitness.We were one of the fittest team in the league. We have prepared for last seven to six weeks and now I think we are ready.

David Robertson, Coach, Real Kashmir FC

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.

There was lot of pressure since it was the final match. Either our team would have qualified for the I-league main division or we would have to struggle till the last minute. My focus was to score for my team.Thankfully I scored the penalty and we also qualified     

Danish Farooqi, Midfielder, Real Kashmir FC

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.

The biggest problem was we had one field, one pitch where another clubs used to play their home game and the field used to satisfy the need of 8 to 9 teams. So, even getting training slot was tough. As we were waiting to get on there was a team already training and as were planning to come off there was again a team waiting to come on.

David Robertson, Coach, Real Kashmir FC

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.

We had to get the snow cleared from the field. Many times, we used to practice while the snow was falling. We have practised in the snow. We are now used to all of this. 

Danish Farooqi, Midfielder, Real Kashmir FC

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.

We know it is going to be difficult for the teams that will be coming in. The weather is not great, there is high altitude. Obviously, it is a smaller stadium and compact. The surface is different from other surfaces. So, we have to use it to our advantage. 

David Robertson, Coach, Real Kashmir FC

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.

I think the team we have got has depth in it. There is both ISL and I-League experience. Plus, there is a good core from last year. We have got four new foreign players. Until you play the first game, you don’t know how it is going to go but I am certainly, optimistic that we are going to go and make a good character for ourselves.     

David Robertson, Coach, Real Kashmir FC

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

Kolkata teams are under pressure to win games. If we get something from the game, it is great and we don’t, no one expects us to.And the pressure is all on those guys.     

David Robertson, Coach, Real Kashmir FC

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.

Can’t say anything about the result but will give our best to make sure the fairy tale in I-League continues.     

Danish Farooqi, Midfielder, Real Kashmir FC