Sporting clube de Goa start title defence against Churchill Brothers

Goa, Aug 22: Reigning champions Sporting Clube de Goa will open their Goa Pro League title defence against Churchill Brothers at Duler Stadium here tomorrow.

The two football giants clashed in group stages of the just concluded Goa Police Cup 2016, where Sporting got better of the Red Machines'.

However, Churchill Brothers will remember their performance in the opening match of the previous edition of the League where they managed to upset the Flaming Oranje'.

Speaking about preparations for the match, Sporting coach Mateus Costa today 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 stressed it will be a 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 tomorrow.

"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," Costa maintained.

"Tomorrow's match is important because we will leave for Durand Cup after this round so a win here can be a good moral boost."

Speaking about the previous season, Costa said "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."

On the current squad at disposal, he 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."

PTI