Kolkata, Dec 29: Topping the I-League table with a draw against East Bengal on Friday, Real Kashmir Football Club is now readying for the clash with Mohun Bagan FC, scheduled on January 6, the first game of the new year for the Kashmir club.
One of the oldest and most revered football clubs of India, Mohun Bagan earlier beat RKFC by 1:0 at TRC ground in Srinagar on November 20.
The Kolkata giants have nearly won more than 90 per cent matches played at their home turf.
RKFC, as such, is wary of the challenge Mohun Bagan throws at it but the club is determined to perform better in the game.
Real Kashmir is having a dream debut in the League so far.
It has attained 18 points in 10 matches – five wins, three draws and only two losses against Neroca FC and Mohun Bagan.
Playing at Salt Lake Stadium was a first time experience for many of the RKFC players, who are new to the prestigious I-League.
RKFC Head Coach, David Robertson said that his players will require additional training to tackle Mohun Bagan in the upcoming game.“The club is quite fresh and holding back East Bengal FC meant a lot. Now, we have to prepare for the upcoming match, which is equally important for us,” he said.
“It takes time for our players to read the ground as was seen in the game against Gokulam Kerala FC, where we restricted the team with a draw,” he said.
On Saturday, coach Robertson began his rigorous practice sessions to prepare his team for the Mohun Bagan encounter.
He held multiple practice sessions mostly warm-ups and drills for more than an hour.
Later, the players performed all sorts of practice moves in a session featuring Gnohere Krizo, Bazie Armand and other local players.
A friendly match was played in which the squad was divided into two teams featuring midfielder Surchandra Singh, Krizo, forward player Ifham Tariq, midfielder Farhan Ganaie, and midfielder Khalid Qayoom.
Coach Robertson said the team will have to undergo multiple practice sessions at different grounds in the run up to the game day.
“We hope to gain three points in upcoming game to make us more stable in the league,” he said.
