DELHI: The 128th edition of the Durand Cup kicks off on August 28, with an enthralling Pool A match between Sporting Clube de Goa and DSK Shivajians at Ambedkar Stadium. The 128th Durand tournament has the highest ever prize fund worth Rs 75 lakh owing to newly roped in sponsors. The winning team will get Rs 45 lakh, the runners-up Rs 20 lakh and the losing semi-finalists Rs 5 lakh each. After a brief sojourn in Goa, the Durand football tournament has returned to its original home, Delhi. It was last held here in 2013. In 2014 it was shifted to Goa and last season it was not held. The 128th edition will be held simultaneously at the Ambedkar and Harbaksh Singh Stadiums from August 28 to September 11. Overall, 12 teams, divided into two groups are participating. The top two from each group will reach the knock out semi-finals.
Three I-League first division participants this season are, Sporting Clube de Goa, DSK Shivajians and Aizawl FC (both debutants). Five teams have been roped in from the second division, Dempo SC, Minerva FC, Neroca FC, Gangtok Himalayan and Real Kashmir FC. Except for 2006 Durand champions Dempo, the other four are making their debut. The remaining four teams are from the Services, Army Red, Army Green, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The pools have been divided as follows;
Pool A: DSK Shivajians, SC de Goa, Minerva Academy FC, Gangtok Himalyan SC, Indian Navy & Army Green.
Pool B: Aizawl FC, Dempo SC, Neroca FC, Real Kashmir FC, Indian Air Force, Army Red.
Minerva AFC have created history by being the first team from Chandigarh to qualify for the main draw of the prestigious Durand Cup and are hopeful of a good showing as they have been undergoing rigorous training for the past few months in preparation for the tournament. This season Minerva has roped in some experienced players to give stability and direction to the team along with the usual crop of talented local youngsters. Clifford Rayes Miranda, Ex India Captain has been commissioned for the Durand cup to step into the leadership role. Other crucial signings include Manandeep Singh of ISL, Kerala Blaster fame; Victor Amobi, Captain of the Nepal Premier League Champions (3 Star Club) and last minute singing of Asian Origin Foreign striker Marcus PJ Lopez of Guam National Team. Despite being pinned against the best teams of the country, the football world is abuzz with predictions of Minerva AFC as title contenders. The Asian Age recently called Minerva AFC, “The Dark Horse” of the tournament. Head Coach Surinder Singh is happy with the team, “We have put in the hard work and if God is on our side, we will not come back empty handed!”
Minerva AFC 26 Member Squad for Durand Cup:
PLAYERS:
ARSHDEEP SINGH
ARSHDEEP SINGH
KAMALPREET SINGH
JARMANJIT SINGH
AKASHDEEP SINGH
AMANDEEP SINGH
JAISON VALES
GIRIK KHOSLA
HARPREET BEDI
GAGANDEEP SINGH
STEVEN FERNANDES
MOINUDDIN
AKASH SANGWAN
KORHENA A BOAKAI (F)
CLIFFORD MIRANDA
THOUNAOJAM JEAKSON SINGH
VICTOR AMBOI OZOANIBUEZE (F)
LAGO DOGBO BEI (F)
SHAMSHER SINGH
MANANDEEP SINGH
MARCUS PJ LOPEZ (F) (A)
SUKHJIT SINGH
RAJAN NEGI
JAIRAM
NARENDRA VAKARE
SALMAN LATEEF
COACH:
SURINDER SINGH