GOA: Reigning Champions Sporting Clube de Goa open their Goa Pro League title defense against the South Goa giants Churchill Brothers at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday. The two already played each other in the Goa Police Cup 2016 group stages in which Sporting got better of the Red Machines. However Churchill Bros will remember their performance in the opening match of the previous edition of Goa Pro League where they managed to upset the Flaming Oranje.
Speaking about preparations for the match Sporting Gaffer Mateus Costa said. “Tomorrow will be a good game for all of us; it won’t be easy because Churchill Bros are a strong team with some good players. The win in our previous encounter will definitely give some additional confidence to our boys.”
But Costa also stressed on the point that this is completely a new start “Well at the back of our minds we do know we have beaten them but this is a new day and a new start. What happened was good but we are not relaxed, we will give our best on the pitch tomorrow.”
He further added “We need to send the right message, the first few matches are always very important. A good start will set the momentum right. We want to start on a positive note and go home with 3 points.”
He also mentioned “Tomorrows match is important because we leave for Durand Cup after this round so a win here can be a good moral boost.”
Speaking about the previous season Costa mentioned “We remember how things went south last time around; we do not want to repeat those mistakes. We faltered in maintaining our focus and that’s what cost us the first two matches last time. We will ensure that doesn’t happen now.”
Speaking about the current squad at disposal Costa said “At Sporting we try to improve all our players – it’s not important if he is the best player, young player or any other. What is important to us is he is our player and we will make sure to bring out the best in him.”
As this will be the first heavy weight clash of Goa Pro League this season one can expect an exciting encounter on the cards.
