The departmental giant is worried about recurring injuries of some of its key players including skipper-cum-forward Jumanu Rai, defender Suman Subedi, winger Bhola Silwal and Roshan Lamichhane. [break]All four of them had picked knee injury and were not included in the team during Safal Cup Football Tournament held about a month earlier.
According to Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha, "None of the four players have totally recovered from their injuries. They are in the process of recovery and all are likely to appear in the first match."
Despite injuries and limited number of players “in position” the charismatic coach who guided the departmental team to four consecutive league titles will aim for a strong start, defeating the newbie Madhyapur. "We don´t have ideal replacement position-wise and are likely to come up with full strength squad," said coach adding, "We will aim to defend our title."
Meanwhile, Madhyapur in its very debut season in top flight has hinted that it is capable of challenging any team. The Bhaktapur based side had made it to the semifinal of Ncell Cup about two months earlier beating stronger side like Nepal Army Club, Armed Police Force and playing a draw to Three Star Club.
Madhyapur will be a mixed team of young and senior players. Veteran striker Nirajan Rayamajhi, Jeevan Sinkeman, Bal Gopal Sahukhala will partner with youngsters like Saroj Dahal, Bikesh Kutu and others.
Madhyapur coach and former national team skipper Upendra Man Singh is wary that the result of the first match will have more impact on other matches. "The first match carries a great meaning in the league. A win or a draw over the defending champion will boost the morale of not just the team but also the management and supporters. Thus we will try not to lose point," said Singh.
In its debut season in the top flight football, Madhyapur Youth Association has set the target of finishing in top eight positions.
Singh is satisfied with his side´s preparation. "The players made a great sacrifice and trained regularly during Tihar festival as well. All departments of the team are equally strong. The players have put great effort in training and I hope the hard work will bring rewards."
In the day´s late match, Ncell Cup and Safal Pokhara Cup champion Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) will lock horns against CMG Club Sankata which got promoted to A division a year after it was relegated to B division.
Related story
Desperate search for missing girls as nearly 80 dead in Texas f...
_20220425144923.jpg)
