Dempo SC Sets Sights on Indian Football League Triumph
Panaji-based Dempo SC, the legendary club that dominated Indian football between 2005 and 2012 with a record five national titles, is now determined to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of the sport. The Golden Eagles, champions of both the National Football League (NFL) and I-League eras, have officially turned their attention to the newly rebranded Indian Football League (IFL), the second tier of Indian football.
Championship Ambition Declared
"Whenever Dempo take part in any competition, we take it seriously," declared coach Samir Naik in a recent interview with TOI following a training session at the Dempo Football Academy in Ella. "We want to become champions." This bold statement sets the tone for their campaign, which kicks off on Sunday with an opening match against Real Kashmir FC at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
The journey back to the top has been delayed this season due to uncertainties surrounding Indian football, but the start of the IFL has provided much-needed relief for all ten participating teams. Dempo initiated their pre-season preparations in August but faced numerous interruptions as the league's commencement dates remained unsettled.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
Last season, Dempo made a strong return to the I-League, holding second place after five rounds before injuries and transfer market movements hampered their progress. Despite these setbacks, they demonstrated resilience to finish a respectable sixth position. "As a coach, and as professional player, it is not easy this season because so many adjustments are needed," explained Samir. "We need to prepare for games and adjust the load. The fitness will also be in focus since some players are fit, while others who arrive late will need time."
Their confidence received a significant boost during the Super Cup, where they impressed by holding Kolkata giants East Bengal to a 2-2 draw and keeping Mohun Bagan goalless in the group stages—all achieved with an all-Indian squad. This performance has galvanized the team as they enter the IFL with enhanced foreign reinforcements.
Strategic Squad Reinforcements
Dempo has strategically strengthened their lineup with key international signings. Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Joseph returns to the club after scoring ten goals in just nine appearances last season. Defensive solidity will be bolstered by Aubin Kouakou, who played an instrumental role for Churchill Brothers FC in the previous campaign.
Further acquisitions from Churchill Brothers include Colombian midfielder Sebastian Gutierrez and centre-back Jose Moreno. While Argentinian defender Damian Perez awaits visa clearance, Ghanian striker Richmond Owusu—who showed considerable promise in Kolkata—completes the foreign contingent, providing additional attacking options.
Clear Objectives and Tournament Structure
"We finished sixth last season, and the first target now is to finish in the top five so that we have a chance to fight for promotion," stated coach Samir, outlining their immediate goal. He acknowledged the broader challenges, adding, "This season is challenging for coaches, but it's not just me. There are others too with similar problems. We have to face it. We are ready."
The IFL format requires all teams to compete in a single-leg round-robin league stage. The top five teams will advance to the championship round, while the remaining sides will enter a centralized relegation round. Crucially, points accumulated during the initial league phase will carry forward into the second stage of competition. The ultimate prize for the IFL champions is promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League next season.
With a blend of experienced leadership, strategic signings, and demonstrated resilience, Dempo SC embarks on their IFL campaign with clear ambitions: to finish among the top five, compete for the championship, and ultimately secure promotion back to the elite tier of Indian football where they once reigned supreme.
