Hyderabad: On the eve of a crucial tie against defending champions Gokulam Kerala at Kalyani Stadium on the outskirts of Kolkata, Hyderabad FC coach Shameel Chembakath said the comprehensive win over the regimental side Assam Rifles in the first match "made us feel proud, happy and overwhelmed".
Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC started their campaign in the 130-year-old Durand Cup with a massive 5-0 victory over Assam Rifles last Sunday.
Chembakath called the Durand Cup a dress rehearsal for the HFC reserve players to showcase their skills and make themselves ready for the first team ahead of the ISL 2021-2022, starting on November 19 in Goa.
"Our focus is to give an opportunity to reserve players as it will help them to develop their game and promote them to the first team. There are players with us who are going to be included in the first team post this Durand Cup," Chembakath told ETV Bharat in an exclusive chat.
Big Platform
Asked whether playing in the Durand Cup will be beneficial for HFC, the head coach of the HFC reserve team is quite confident about the gainings from the 28-day tournament, which is being held after a gap of a year.
"Definitely, it is going to help our young talent in many ways. It is a big platform for the youngsters and an opportunity to exhibit their skills to take their game to next level."
Chembakath welcomed the Durand Cup with both hands as the tournament came as a rare opportunity to play competitive football at a time when everything has become a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the ISL 2020-2021, where HFC finished commendable fifth, there was no competition for the Hyderabad based franchise.
"It is nice to be back among the players, and I am working closely with them. Initially, it was very stressful for not only the players for us also due to the pandemic and we hardly got time as a group to build up to a new season. We are trying to create an environment for the players to flourish and make sure they are in the best possible shape ahead of ISL," said the former Vasco defender.
HFC's reserve team, comprising a few players from the last season's ISL playing team, delivered a superlative performance in the opening match with Lalchungnunga Chhangte scoring a brace while Abdul Rabeeh, Rohlupuia and Arun Kabrabam scored a goal each to complete a 5-0 rout over the Assam Rifles at Mohun Bagan Ground.
In the meantime, the 35-year-old from Malappuram, Kerala did not hide his excitement of coaching the team in the oldest football tournament of Asia.
"I am overwhelmed and ecstatic. Playing in such a top-notch tournament gives us the strength to go ahead. Building a high performing team is tough. But when you bring together the right mix of skills and experience and nurture them, the result would be outstanding."
Focus is on nurturing homegrown talent
Talking about the signing of goalkeeper Abhinav M, HFC's first homegrown player, Shameel Chembakath emphasised, "One of our main focuses is on nurturing homegrown talent so that football can thrive locally and we build a talent pool. Abhinav is very young and has potential as well. If he continues with the same dedication and effort he will perform at the top level."
Ahead of Thursday's match against Gokulam Kerala, who earned a point after playing out a 2-2 draw against Army Red, Chenmbakath, despite the win in the first match, is wary of playing the Kozhikode based side in the rain-soaked field as his players are not used to the slushy conditions.
"Playing in Kolkata in the rainy season is very tough especially for the youngsters as they are not used to it. Fortunately, it was not raining during our first match but we will focus and make sure that they don't struggle in the upcoming matches and whether rain or shine, the show has to go on," stated Chenmbakath, who has the experience of playing a season in Kolkata for Mohammedan Sporting.
Full points
On being asked about HFC's strategy, who are currently placed second in Group D behind Army Red with three points, to stop Gokulam Kerala, the coach said his boys would go all out for full points though the former will be desperate for a win after a draw in the first match.
"We are very eager and excited about this big one. What happened with Gokulam during the first match was difficult to accept so they also surely try to win. But for us, what matters most is getting a much deserved three points against the defending champions. (I am) waiting for a spectacular match. Hoping for an incredible fight from my lads," said Chenmbakath.
— By Sudipta Biswas
