Zee Churchill wary of Vasco

Last year's runners-up Zee Churchill Brothers hope to start their campaign on a winning note when they lock horns with new entrants Vasco Sports Club, in the inaugural match of the fifth National Football League, at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.

Goa's professional league champions, Zee Churchill look a hard nut to crack at home, as their record shows. They clashed with Vasco thrice this season and emerged winners on all occasions. However, Vasco cannot be written off, as they have shown improvement with every outing.

After losing to Churchill 1-5 in the Governor's Gold Cup, they had the measure of them twice in the Goa professional league before losing narrowly 3-4 and 2-4.

Vasco, which finished fourth in Goa's professional league, have improved a lot over the last few months after the inclusion of Brazilian Fereira Da Silva Ronaldo, who will play as a defensive midfielder to bolster the attack and defence. Ronaldo will be assisted by Uzbekistan midfielder Khashimov Awazbek, Gregory Clark, Daniel Colaco and Ravi Babu.

The return of Agnelo Colaco has strengthened Vasco's defence. Along with Seby Dias, Khogen Singh and Sanjay Parte, they will have to check rival strikers Brazilian Edson Crasto and Francis Silveira, who have good speed.

Churchill's defence comprises Osumanu Husseini, Mahesh Gowali, Rajesh Meetei and Jaspreet Singh. Rocky Baretto, who has recovered from an ankle injury, has joined the team but will not play on Thursday because of insufficient match practice. Another player Anthony Mathews, who is also nursing an injury, will miss the tie.

Churchill's coach Gregory said Vasco is a strong team. "Although we have beaten them on all the three occasions we have met, we cannot remain complacent as they are a improved side, with new recruit Ronaldo and keeper Solio looking impressive," he added.

Vasco coach Derrick Pereira is confident that his boys will perform well. "If things work according to our plans there is no way why we should not win tomorrow," he said.

The winners of the league will get a cash prize of Rs four million and the runners-up will get Rs 2.2 million. The highest goal scorer will get Rs 100,000.