Sporting Club Delhi Gears Up for Home Matches in ISL with High Hopes
Excitement Builds for Home Matches
New Delhi, March 17: The captain of Sporting Club Delhi, Lamgoulen Gou Hangshing, shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming home matches in the Indian Super League (ISL), describing the experience of leading the team as a divine blessing. Meanwhile, the club's CEO, Dhruv Sood, emphasized that the team is part of a long-term vision aimed at establishing a strong presence in Delhi's football landscape.
Upcoming Matches and Team Performance
Beginning Thursday, Sporting Club Delhi will kick off their home matches in the ISL, following a challenging start to the season. They will face Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. So far, the team has managed only one draw and suffered three losses, including a 2-0 defeat against Bengaluru FC, a 4-1 loss to East Bengal FC, and a 1-0 setback against FC Goa, all in away games. After rebranding from Hyderabad FC, the club is eager to turn their fortunes around in front of their passionate local supporters.
Captain's Perspective
In an interview, Hangshing expressed, “It feels incredible to captain this team; it’s beyond what I ever imagined. I feel truly blessed.” He noted the players had long awaited the return of football, and he is thrilled to start the home leg of the season.
CEO's Vision for the Future
CEO Dhruv Sood echoed the excitement for the home matches, stating the team is eager to showcase their skills. He acknowledged the youthfulness of the squad but expressed confidence in their potential to gel and achieve results. “We’ve played well despite the unfortunate outcomes. I believe we are an emerging team ready to surprise everyone,” he remarked, highlighting their current position at the bottom of the table.
Building a Football Community
Sood emphasized the importance of fostering a football community in Delhi, recalling its vibrant past in the 1990s and 2000s. He aims to engage with local academies and the amateur football scene, hoping to see more Delhi players in the squad and eventually on the national team.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Tomasz Tchorz shared his excitement about coaching in such a diverse city. He noted the unique challenges of starting the season late but praised the management for their support. Tchorz sees immense potential in the local talent, especially with fewer foreign players this season, allowing homegrown athletes to shine.
Fan Engagement and Community Spirit
Tchorz also highlighted the significance of local fans, referring to them as the team’s “12th player.” He expressed hope that the upcoming matches would foster community connections and create memorable experiences for everyone involved.