North East United FC is ready to take the field against Mohammedan Sporting

Ray Sportz Web Desk: North East United FC is going to kick off in ISL against Mohammedan Sporting on 16th September. Before facing one of the Kolkata giants, coach Pedro Benali is very much conscious about the game. He said that “It will be a dangerous game for both of us. For them, playing at home, in front of their fans and everything, coming as the first game of ISL, they will be pushing a lot. They need to show that they deserve to be in ISL, of course.”

On the other hand North East United FC is the recent champion in the Durand Cup. So their supporters have huge expectations on them. But Pedro thinks it will also be a tough game for them also. He added “As it is our first game after the Durand Cup, it will also be tough for us. We need to show that it was not a miracle in the Durand Cup.”

Ray Sportz Web Desk: In a heartwarming celebration of Teacher’s Day, Jordan Murray, the star forward of Jamshedpur FC, visited the Sports & Cultural Fest, Antaragani, organized by the Rotaract Club of Steel City at High School Tirildih. The event was a vibrant showcase of Jharkhand’s rich culture, and Murray was thoroughly mesmerized by the experience.

The highlight of the day was when Murray danced along with the little kids to the rhythm of a Santhali song, creating an unforgettable moment for everyone present. The event took a special turn when Rakhi Tudu, a student, gifted Murray a handmade card wishing him the best for the upcoming ISL season, which kicks off on September 21st against Mumbai City FC at the Furnace.

Murray also met with the school football team and shared his valuable experience with them. He collaborated with the kids, showcasing his impressive football skills and leaving them in awe. The fans and local community were thrilled to meet Murray, and they eagerly captured several selfies to cherish the moment.

The Antaragani fest was a resounding success, thanks to Murray’s presence, which added a touch of glamour to the event. His interaction with the students and the community was a testament to his dedication to inspiring the next generation of football enthusiasts. As Jamshedpur FC gears up for the new season, Murray’s visit has surely pumped up the excitement among the fans.

Shubham Mandal: Carles Cuadrat’s revenge match! Are you thinking, why? Then you have to go back six long years ago. The year was 2018, Bengaluru FC lost both legs of the AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final against Altyn Asyr. At that time their head coach was Carles Cuadrat. Only the team has changed this time. He is now the head coach of East Bengal. This time also in that AFC Cup, his opponent is Altyn Asyr. Also in 2018, Yazguly Hojageldyyew was the head coach of Altyn Asyr. And he is still in charge of the team.

After setting foot in Calcutta, Altyn Asyr had his first practice in Yuva Bharati on this day. Altyn Asyr head coach said a lot about the East Bengal team while giving an interview to Ray Sportz after the practice. Here is the conversation:

Q: There are no foreigners in the team. Is that a problem for you?

Hojageldyyew: Not having foreigners in the team is not a big deal. It has been in our team for a long time. The current footballers have been the asset of this team for the last few years. So we are not worried about this.

Q: Have you been playing the same team for the last few years?

Hojageldyyew: Most of the footballers in this team have been playing together for several years. So all footballers are well aware of their responsibilities.

Q: Do you have any idea about the East Bengal team?

Hojageldyyew: There are quite a few good foreigners in the East Bengal team. Not only that, they have got some good quality Indian footballers in their team this season. They have won their last two matches. We have already seen the video of that match. Footballers know that the match is going to be tough.

Q: Are you stressed when playing in front of a packed gallery?

Hojageldyyew: Not at all! This is not the first time we will be playing an AFC match in front of a packed gallery for the opposition. So I don’t think there will be any extra pressure on the boys.