Once a force to reckon with in the domestic circuit Mohammedan Sporting made it to the Hero I-League 2020-21 as Champions of the Qualifiers held in October. The Kolkata outfit, however, is keen to regain its past glory and its technical; director made it clear that they are not just there to just make up number.

The Hero I-League kick-starts from January 09, and Mohammedan will face debutant Sudeva Delhi in the opening match “We are aiming to be champions and we are preparing hard and facing a lot of challenges to make our dream come true. " Technical Director Sankarlal at the virtual press conference adding "Mohammedan always plays to win and our eyes are set on the prize.”

He was confident that the team will perform. “There are challenges in front of everyone given the pandemic situation but we have to make the most out of that and continue to train.”

“We will take the season step by step and focus on one match after the other. First, we have to play Sudeva Delhi FC and win to start the season on a good note, but the first match is always tough and it will not be an easy outing against them.

“Sudeva is a very good team and when they play against us, they will be looking to defeat a legacy club like ours and we know how big a challenge it will be for us if we are to beat them,” he added.

Midfielder Subash Singh Singam said, “We have a squad mixed with youth and experience. The Hero I-League season is a long one and we are ready and raring to go.

“I always think of the team first and you have to be a team player in a club like Mohammedan SC. We want to win the Hero I-League and be crowned as the champions. I am ready to give my hundred per cent for that,” he added.

Meanwhile, making their debut in the Hero I-League this season, Sudeva Delhi have high hopes from their maiden season. Head Coach Chencho Dorji wants his team to play to the best of their abilities while maintaining a healthy win to loss ratio and even fight for the title.

Speaking at the Virtual Media Dorji said, “We have to give our cent per cent in each and every match. We would want to fight for the title and learn from our defeats. If possible we want to win all of our matches and make a statement. It will be a challenge for everyone involved but there could be no bigger platform for young talent than playing in the Hero I-League.”

“I want my players to enjoy every second on the field and play with a desire to win,” he added.

Sudeva Delhi is an all-Indian squad. “Since the inception of the club’s participation in the Hero I-League, the message was clear that we will go with an all-Indian squad”, said Dorji. “Playing in the Hero I-League is a privilege and we want to give as many opportunities as possible to Indian talent.”

Sudeva face Mohammedan in their opening clash and Dorji wants to start the season on a winning note. “Starting the season with a win will tell us where we are heading and where we have to put in more hard work. It would boost our hopes for a good debut season."

“We have a possession-based style of playing football and we want to start the season on a positive note. The players have the capability of doing so, hence we are very excited to be finally playing in the Hero I-League,” he added.