Panchkula: Had Minerva Punjab carried on the wonderful run that they were in when the league kick-started in late November, this season’s I-League title would have for the first time in it’s 11 year journey travelled northwards. It would have also killed the many hopes of Neroca, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal all of who still remain with a chance to clinch the title.
Twice in the space of 12 games were Minerva in an undefeated run of five, but that they faltered at crucial junctures of the league meant their last match against Churchill Brothers which would have by now become inconsequential, starkly is their most vital match across the entire season. A lot will be at stake when both Minerva And Churchill clash-off in a league deciding battle at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium here on Thursday.
But unlike the other three teams, all of who have no control over their chances, Minerva’s fate lies in its own hands. A win against the Red Machines will directly lead the ‘Warriors’ to their maiden league title in only two years of top-division football. That they have transformed so deep and far in only two years time should come as a no surprise given how the team overturned defences with their quick counter-attacks and a new brand of football.
That they don’t have to depend on other teams to decide their own fate is perhaps their biggest advantage felt Minerva coach Khogen Singh.
“We don’t need to think about others, we have to just concentrate on our game. We have to win our game. Our aim, our objective, our motto is to win the match. If we win this match, we will end up as the winners. We think about our game,” he said according to a press release.
Minerva currently lead the pack with 32 points after 17 games just three above East Bengal, their furthest title-rival going into the final day. A win should be enough for them but even if they fail to do so, they might still become the champions given other results go their way.
Khogen however was not ready to think of anything other than a victory. But defeating Churchill Brothers who fight their own battle on Thursday — a battle to survive — won’t be easy. The ‘Red Machines’ are currently ninth, on 17 points from as many games and require nothing less than a win to keep themselves alive.
“It’s a very important match for the team. For Minerva it’s a do or die match for them to win the I-League and for us also it’s a do or die match for survival in the I-League. It’s a tough match and whoever will take their chances, will come out as winners,” said Churchill head coach Alfred Fernandes.
Despite the threat, he was however full of praise for both Minerva and Neroca for successfully breaking the jinx of not being able to keep pace with bigger teams.
“Earlier, the legacy clubs were walking away with the honours. Now it’s good for the Indian football that smaller clubs are fighting neck-to-neck with the clubs. Only Indian football will benefit from this”, he added.