CHENNAI: AGORC’s unprecedented league win last year can be likened to Rajasthan’s Ranji triumph last year. Ironically Rajasthan weren’t reckoned favourites this year either, but they sprung another surprise, reaching the finals. AGORC‘ s predicament, at the outset of the St Joseph’s-Chennai Football Association League that starts this Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, is similar.
Somehow, they aren’t the automatic favourites such as Integral Coach Factory or Chennai Customs. It has more to do with history than the present, as AGORC has claimed the title only twice, that too in a gap of 10 years. But if any, their team has only got stronger with the injection of midfielders Nova, shipped from Mohammedan Sporting, and L Stegin. They are also considering purchasing a Nigerian striker that could shore up their goal tally. However, their fortunes will hinge of striker P Muthu, whose splendid touch was vital to their success last year, and Jestos Antony, their ageing but talismanic playmaker who doubles up as coach as well. Combined with a steely backline comprising Edison, Naveen Kumar, Moorthy and goalkeeper Alexander, they have enough mettle to defend their title.
They though would have to douse stiff challenge from fellow contender Chennai Customs, who surrendered their crown last year and dismayed their supporters through their defensive, bland brand of football.
Though dented by the exit of striker M David, on loan to ICF — and attacking midfielder S Parthiban, they have quality players such as M Ramesh, who scored 12 goals last year, fellow striker Bharati Raja and wiry midfielder Nirmal. Roping in Fredy from Food Corporation of India has shored up their defence, while Vignesh from Pune FC has buoyed their attacking options.
But as usual the buzz is on Integral Coach Factory, doubtlessly the team to beat on paper every season, though they haven’t topped the league in a while, finishing second and third in the previous editions.
This time round, they have the squad to land up the title, more so with the acquisition of Chirag United winger S Santha Kumar and midfielder A Guru from Sporting Club De Goa.
They have arguably the best centre-back in the league in M Amirtharaja — who was serving a ban last year and missed most of the season.
Though the aforementioned trio are the frontrunners for the league, about half a dozen teams such as Tamil Nadu Police, Indian Bank, Arrows FC, Sports Authority of India and Southern Railways can ruffle a few feathers.