Pune: Pune based DSK Shivajians FC, today, announced a New Look squad for the 2017 Hero I-League. Sole representation of Pune in the I-League will go into the season under the leadership of Englishman Dave Rogers as the First Team Manager.
Shivajians kick off their campaign with an away game against state rivals Mumbai FC in the “Maha Derby” on 8th January 2017. Under Dave Rogers, who headed DSK Shivajians Youth Academy earlier, a partner of Liverpool FC, the club have promoted a number of Youngsters from the academy under his guidance over the past two-and-a-half years.
Rogers has strengthened the squad by acquiring top-quality professionals who he has identified by watching many I-League games over the past two seasons. These players include Sanju Pradhan, Soram Poirei, Ricky L. and Nirmal Chettri along with stalwart Subrata Paul. Keeping in line with his policy of developing Young Talents, Rogers has also recruited Jerry Lalrinzuala, Holicharan Narzary and Sumeet Passi, all of whom are still eligible to represent India at the U23 Level and fits into the philosophy and direction the club is heading into.
In the international hires, while the club has retained Former Real Madrid Youth Academy product Juan Quero, they have also brought in North Korean International Kim Song Yong under the Asian quota, who, joins after winning last season’s I-League with his previous club. Irish Midfielder Shane McFaul and towering Serbian Centre Back Sasha Kolunija complete the Shivajians’ Foreign Player Lineup.
Speaking about the I-League campaign, Dave Rogers said, “We are now entering an exciting and positive era at DSK Shivajians Football Club. As we approach our Club’s 30th anniversary, I am delighted and honoured to be tasked with leading our great club forward. With an abundance of tradition and success over the years, my aim now is to make us the most unique and dynamic football club both on and off the pitch. Through my vision and philosophy we aim to carry on this tradition into the coming years. I am inspired and motivated from our history and achievements in the past and present, and hope the football fans in Pune will relate to us and come out in force and be our twelfth man.”
Speaking about the preparations, Shirish Kulkarni, President, DSK Shivajians FC, said, “I am happy to see the new team that Dave has prepared along with his staff and from whatever I have seen in the past few weeks, I am confident that this team is going to give a tough fight to every opponent they play against whether at home or away. I would also urge the fans in Pune to turn out in large numbers for our home games and show their support towards Pune’s only professional football club in the country’s premier league. I wish all the very best to this young and dynamic squad for the upcoming season.”
Speaking about the strength of the team, Neel Shah, CEO of DSK Shivajians FC added, “Our players and the technical staff are equipped with one of the best facility and infrastructure for football in India. Dave and his technical staff have done a tremendous job in building this fantastic team. With a winning mentality and the confidence that he has instilled amongst them, I am sure we are due to witness a great season ahead.”
DSK Shivajians FC fixtures for the 1st half of I-League season 2017
| Date & Time | Day | Fixture | Venue |
| 08/01/2017
7 PM |
Sunday | Mumbai FC vs DSK Shivajians FC | Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai |
| 14/01/2017
7 PM |
Saturday | DSK Shivajians FC vs Kingfisher East Bengal FC | Balewadi Stadium, Pune |
| 17/01/2017
7 PM |
Tuesday | DSK Shivajians FC vs Chennai City FC | Balewadi Stadium, Pune |
| 21/01/2017
7 PM |
Saturday | DSK Shivajians FC vs Churchill Brothers SC | Balewadi Stadium, Pune |
| 27/01/2017
7 PM |
Friday | DSK Shivajians FC vs Mohun Bagan AC | Balewadi Stadium, Pune |
| 31/01/2017
1:30 PM |
Tuesday | DSK Shivajians FC vs Aizawl FC | Balewadi Stadium, Pune |
| 11/02/2017
4:30 PM |
Saturday | Shillong Lajong FC vs DSK Shivajians FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
| 15/02/2017
7 PM |
Wednesday | Minerva Punjab FC vs DSK Shivajians FC | Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana |