I-League: NEROCA FC ready to embark on season with Imphal derby

Challenges of staying in a bio-bubble for the entire duration of I-League notwithstanding, NEROCA FC look forward to spring a surprise when they open their 2021 season with an Imphal derby thousands of miles from home.
As they prepared to take on local rivals TRAU FC in their campaign opener at Kalyani Municipal Stadium near Kolkata on Friday, coach Gift Raikhan sounded confident despite the difficulties faced by his wards and club.
“The preparation during pre-season is not 100% with respect to what I thought initially. You know how we run the club in a shoestring budget and this pandemic dealt a heavy blow. So we had to budget accordingly and couldn’t prepare as would have liked because of lockdown, Covid-19 SOPs and all. I’m not complaining because this is a new experience for all clubs maybe. But football is not all about money, small clubs can surprise you sometimes, so let’s see what we can show you,” chuckled Raikhan on the eve of the match on Thursday.
Asked about the mental health of players, the Manipuri gaffer said: “Very difficult to maintain too many restrictions, living like prisoners but you have to look positively. I am telling players to motivate themselves by thinking about a fauji (army) who stays in his position for years without any relatives or entertainment, so we can do it for three months.”
About their opponents, Raikhan said: “We have to work hard and play for the win. It is a very big and important match for us against TRAU as it’s a local derby. TRAU is a very good team and they will present us with challenges. Our strength is the youth we have.”
After playing out a 1-1 draw against Real Kashmir in their first match where they took the lead through Tajik striker Komron Tursunov’s fastest goal (in nine seconds) of the I-League, TRAU will try to rectify defensive errors against NEROCA.
“We have to focus defensively. We can’t let go of the lead like in the last match. NEROCA are always a difficult opponent and tomorrow’s (Friday) clash will be tough both mentally and physically. If we can maintain our rhythm, we can get a positive result,” TRAU head coach Nandakumar said.