The Hindu : Sport / Football : ‘Emergence of new clubs a good sign’

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Tuesday, Dec 09, 2008
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‘Emergence of new clubs a good sign’

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: For Osian’s New Delhi Heroes, a spot in the ongoing Federation Cup is a significant step towards achieving its goal of becoming a professional football outfit.

And playing the role to perfection in this journey are its three foreign investments.

ND Heroes has traditionally been among the top clubs in the Capital and former Nigerian international Chima Okorie has played an important part after taking over the responsibility as its coach.

Okorie was an acknowledged crowd-puller in Indian club football and was happy with his stint in the Capital.

“I have had fun at ND Heroes; very fulfilling, indeed. My players have shown splendid spirit and they have played to my expectations, at times even surpassed it. They are a great bunch.”

Hot spot

How does he rate football in Delhi and where does ND Heroes stand in comparison?

“I think, at some point, the demand for good players will be more than the supply. Delhi is going to be a hot spot for football. My club will make tremendous strides to be in line,” he stressed.

Endorsing Okorie was fellow Nigerian Stanley Cyprian.

“Football for me is the same everywhere I play. It’s about confidence and determination. How big or small is the game doesn’t matter to me.

“I have same feeling, same hunger and same goal in every match. I feel by playing more and more, I get to know about my strong and weak points.”

For Brazilian import Itaue de Rossa, the task is simple. “To put in place what the coach has taught me and score as many goals as I can. I aim to play against big teams.”

ND Heroes figuring in the ongoing Federation Cup is being seen as a boost to Delhi football.

The club will participate in the Federation Cup after 20 years.

As Okorie noted, it symbolised the new culture of football in the country.

“More and more new clubs and teams are emerging on the horizon. It is good for football in the country,” he observed.

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