I-League: Churchill Brothers host Real Kashmir in battle for top spot

BY: Praveen R. Paramasivam
VASCO: Petre Gigiu can see his dream of taking Churchill Brothers FC to the top come alive.
The Romanian coach who took over the relegated side and vowed to make them champions has made good progress, but admits there is still a long way to go.
Proof that Gigiu and Churchill can realise their dream can be provided when they face Real Kashmir FC at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Thursday.It’s a clash between two teams tied on points. It’s, like Gigiu says, a “six pointer” with big reward: the winner moves to the top of the table, ahead of leaders and title favourites Chennai City FC.
“It’s possible to win every game and don’t be champions, but tomorrow is a very important game. It’s a game for six points,” said the Romanian coach, underlining the significance of the result in the title race.
Churchill have never been considered favourites for the title. They dropped too many points at the start, tasted wins only after the first three games, yet their run of five victories in a row has given them fresh belief. If they win their remaining six matches, only East Bengal can stop them from winning the title. But first, Real Kashmir.
“If we win against Kashmir and don’t win against East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Shillong, it’s nothing. We play with great pressure,” said Gigiu.