<p>Having emerged as a perfect role model in just their maiden season, defending champions Bengaluru FC will be determined to prove that they are in for the long haul when they kick off the eighth edition of the I-League with a game against Dempo Sports Club at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Ever since their grand launch in July 2013, a lot had been spoken about Bengaluru FC and they put all that talk into action in brilliant fashion by becoming the first non-Goan team to lay their hands on the nation’s premier league championship last May.<br /><br /><br />Along their way to the summit, Bengaluru FC gave an education to the age-old clubs, including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal on how to run a team efficiently. Starting from building a team right from scratch to blending them into a close-knit family to creating a strong fan base that is growing rapidly by the day, Bengaluru FC came out with flying colours in all their examinations.<br /><br />The level of professionalism, which has been rated highly by opposing players and coaches, has now been adopted by some of the other clubs as well. Determined to make a name for himself and the club, coach Ashley Westwood went about his business with real drive from the very day he took charge. Today, his team, oozing with confidence and raring to touch the next level, is almost unbeatable. They haven’t lost a regulation game over the last eight months and began the new season in the best manner possible, winning the Federation Cup.What holds the Blues in good stead as they aspire to become the first team to successfully defend the I-League crown is that the majority of the team has remained intact. From the strike force trio of Sunil Chhetri (joint top-scorer last season with 14 goals), Sean Rooney and Robin Singh to the midfield quartet of Thoi Singh, Darren Caldeira, Malemnganba Meitei and Siam Hangal to the defensive rock of John Johnson and Curtis Osano, Bengaluru have retained the services of their key commanders. With new midfield comrades Josh Walker and Eugenson Lyndoh already making a strong impression in the Federation Cup, Bengaluru are the team to beat.<br /><br />Desperate to regain pride will be three-time champions Dempo and 2010-11 winners Salgaocar. <br /><br />Dempo didn’t enjoy the best of seasons last year and with as many as 14 players having competed in the Indian Super League that concluded last month, fitness and fatigue will be their main concerns during the early part of the league. Incidentally, they have lost all their three matches against BFC so far.Salgaocar, another Goan heavyweight, gave a good account of their ambition in the Federation Cup where they lost to Dempo in the semifinals. With some talented players at his disposal, coach Derrick Pereira will be keen lay his hands on the trophy.<br /><br />It’s hard to keep the two major Kolkatan rivals -- East Bengal and Mohun Bagan -- out of the title race although they are not same forces they once were. However with proven managers Armando Colaco and Karim Bencharifa heading East Bengal and Mohun Bagan respectively, a revival from them cannot be ruled out.One club that will aiming to do what BFC did last year is Bharat FC. The Pune-based team got into I-League directly after winning a bid, just like BFC. Bharat FC too have adopted a professional approach and having been given the freedom -- they won’t be relegated for three seasons -- they can spring a surprise. But, it won’t be easy to steal the prize away from BFC, who appear hungry for more glory.<br /></p>
<p>Having emerged as a perfect role model in just their maiden season, defending champions Bengaluru FC will be determined to prove that they are in for the long haul when they kick off the eighth edition of the I-League with a game against Dempo Sports Club at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Ever since their grand launch in July 2013, a lot had been spoken about Bengaluru FC and they put all that talk into action in brilliant fashion by becoming the first non-Goan team to lay their hands on the nation’s premier league championship last May.<br /><br /><br />Along their way to the summit, Bengaluru FC gave an education to the age-old clubs, including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal on how to run a team efficiently. Starting from building a team right from scratch to blending them into a close-knit family to creating a strong fan base that is growing rapidly by the day, Bengaluru FC came out with flying colours in all their examinations.<br /><br />The level of professionalism, which has been rated highly by opposing players and coaches, has now been adopted by some of the other clubs as well. Determined to make a name for himself and the club, coach Ashley Westwood went about his business with real drive from the very day he took charge. Today, his team, oozing with confidence and raring to touch the next level, is almost unbeatable. They haven’t lost a regulation game over the last eight months and began the new season in the best manner possible, winning the Federation Cup.What holds the Blues in good stead as they aspire to become the first team to successfully defend the I-League crown is that the majority of the team has remained intact. From the strike force trio of Sunil Chhetri (joint top-scorer last season with 14 goals), Sean Rooney and Robin Singh to the midfield quartet of Thoi Singh, Darren Caldeira, Malemnganba Meitei and Siam Hangal to the defensive rock of John Johnson and Curtis Osano, Bengaluru have retained the services of their key commanders. With new midfield comrades Josh Walker and Eugenson Lyndoh already making a strong impression in the Federation Cup, Bengaluru are the team to beat.<br /><br />Desperate to regain pride will be three-time champions Dempo and 2010-11 winners Salgaocar. <br /><br />Dempo didn’t enjoy the best of seasons last year and with as many as 14 players having competed in the Indian Super League that concluded last month, fitness and fatigue will be their main concerns during the early part of the league. Incidentally, they have lost all their three matches against BFC so far.Salgaocar, another Goan heavyweight, gave a good account of their ambition in the Federation Cup where they lost to Dempo in the semifinals. With some talented players at his disposal, coach Derrick Pereira will be keen lay his hands on the trophy.<br /><br />It’s hard to keep the two major Kolkatan rivals -- East Bengal and Mohun Bagan -- out of the title race although they are not same forces they once were. However with proven managers Armando Colaco and Karim Bencharifa heading East Bengal and Mohun Bagan respectively, a revival from them cannot be ruled out.One club that will aiming to do what BFC did last year is Bharat FC. The Pune-based team got into I-League directly after winning a bid, just like BFC. Bharat FC too have adopted a professional approach and having been given the freedom -- they won’t be relegated for three seasons -- they can spring a surprise. But, it won’t be easy to steal the prize away from BFC, who appear hungry for more glory.<br /></p>
