AGORC Coach happy with progress

[1]

For AGORC, last year’s CFA-senior division league triumph was nothing short of a fairytale. After flirting with relegation in the 2010, the government unit were on the button from the onset.

Buoyed by the return of their star striker P. Muthu, a rejuvenated AGORC secured their second title victory after a gap of 10 years. A determined AGORC are hoping for an encore this year.

AGORC’s experienced playmaker Jestus Antony, who doubles as the coach, is happy with the team's progress.

Coach speak: It was such a great feeling to win the title. The idea was to take one game at a time and not getting too worked up about the team’s outcome in the tournament.

Our mantra will remain the same this year. However, there would be a couple of strategic changes effected on the field.

The team is a lot younger this season and that is going to be a big advantage for us. We are expecting a Nigerian striker and one more talented young forward from Kerala to join our ranks.

We all know what Muthu is capable of and with these two for support, our forward line looks well-settled. The experienced Muthu will be in less pressure this time.

Just like in the previous campaign, I might come off the bench for a little while during the second half. The team have appointed two good midfielders in Nova (Mohammedan Sporting) and L. Stegin.

Moorthy, Edison and Naveen Kumar form the nucleus of our defence line. It will be hard to get past them. Ramanan, who is making a comeback, will add teeth to the backline. Goalkeeper Alexander is also been in good touch.

The team emerged runners-up during the all-India open tournament held in Raipur last month. We tried out different strategies and I was happy to see the way our team performed.

The senior division league has some excellent teams and we know it is not going to be easy. As defending champions, we are under no pressure. We are confident of a good show.

Last year’s show: By winning the first three games on a trot, AGORC made their intentions very clear. Maintaining the tempo throughout was the key. In their final league game against TN Police, AGORC produced a clinical show to nail the trophy.

Expectations: AGORC, after making a handful of appointments, will be gunning for glory. If Muthu fires again at the final third, it would be hard to stop AGORC from winning their third title.

Key players: Muthu, Anto, Edidon, Naveen, Stegin.

Contenders: ICF, Customs, Arrows.

Dark horses: Indian Bank.

Last year’s dossier: Played: 10. Won: 7: Draw: 2. Lost: 1.

Top scorer: Muthu (13 goals).