SC Delhi Captain Hangshing 'Blessed' to Lead as Home ISL Stretch Begins; CEO Eyes Turnaround
Sporting Club (SC) Delhi captain Lamgoulen Gou Hangshing has described his role as a divine blessing, expressing immense excitement as the team prepares for its home stretch in the Indian Super League (ISL). The club's CEO, Dhruv Sood, remains optimistic about results despite a challenging start to the season, emphasizing a long-term vision for establishing a strong presence in Delhi's football scene.
Home Leg Kickoff Amidst Early Struggles
SC Delhi is set to begin its home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, starting with a fixture against Jamshedpur FC. This comes after a disappointing opening to the ISL campaign, where the team managed only one draw and three losses in four away games. The defeats included a 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC, a 4-1 setback against East Bengal FC, and a narrow 1-0 defeat to FC Goa. The club, which rebranded from Hyderabad FC after a six-year run from 2019 to 2025, is now focused on leveraging home support to improve its fortunes.
Captain's Emotional Reflections and Team Spirit
In an interview with ANI, Hangshing shared his heartfelt emotions about captaining the side. "Honestly, it feels amazing, something beyond my imagination. God has blessed me a lot. I never dreamt of these things, but luckily God has something for me, and I feel amazing," he stated. He highlighted the team's relief and joy as the ISL resumed earlier this year after months of delays, noting that players are thrilled to see football alive again. Hangshing also praised the high level of professionalism and strong relationships within the squad and coaching staff.
Looking ahead to the home games, he added, "This will be one of the biggest moments for us as players, with the support of fans, family, and loved ones. It would be great, and hopefully, we will have a memorable night and, by god's grace, win."
CEO's Long-Term Vision and Community Focus
Dhruv Sood, the club's CEO, echoed the captain's enthusiasm, stating that the team is eager to get the show going. He acknowledged the youthful nature of the squad but expressed confidence in its growth and cohesion. "We have played some good football. While we have been unlucky with the results, our performances deserve much more. I am excited to see what our players can offer. We are an upcoming team here to bring surprises," Sood remarked.
He pointed out that despite the league's late start, the team has been training diligently since November. Sood emphasized the importance of experienced players like Hangshing, Alex, Karanjit, and Ashutosh in guiding the young dressing room. "The results will come. We are patient; it is a long-term project. We are not here for the short term. We are very confident in the boys, both in the coaching staff and the players," he asserted.
Sood also stressed the club's commitment to rebuilding Delhi's football community, recalling its vibrant past in the 1990s and 2000s with events like the Durand Cup at Ambedkar Stadium. "Our objective is to be part of the community, engage with academies and the amateur football scene here. It is important to have a connection with Delhi fans," he explained. While the team currently has a few Delhi players, Sood expressed hope for more local talent to emerge, contributing to both the club and the national team in the future.
Coach's Perspective on Development and Fan Support
Head coach Tomasz Tchorz shared his positive experience leading SC Delhi, appreciating the diverse culture of the city. He noted the abnormal season start but praised the management for providing resources for a professional pre-season. Tchorz highlighted the potential of Indian players in the squad, especially with fewer foreigners in the league this season, allowing local talents to shine.
He also emphasized the crucial role of fans, calling them the team's "12th player." "I see the interest on social media and during our training. This will be the first real opportunity to play together with fans in the stands. I hope our games serve as an event for people to meet and create friendships," Tchorz concluded, underscoring the social impact of football in Delhi.
