The Hindu : Constantine optimistic as camp kicks off

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 23, 2004

Sport

Sport - Football

Constantine optimistic as camp kicks off

KOCHI, MARCH 22. His hands are not full. The options, in some departments, are limited. But still, national football coach Stephen Constantine put up a bright face as he kicked off the Indian camp for the World Cup Asia Zone qualifier against Oman, at the Nehru Stadium here on Monday evening. The Group III match will be played here on March 31.

"We're a good side. We've done well against good sides. But we need to do more if we want to be among the top seven or eight in Asia," said the coach, with a sunny smile.

The recent injuries suffered by the country's top goalkeeper, Sangram Mukherjee, and midfielder, Jo Paul Ancheri, should not be a cause for panic, assured Mr. Constantine.

"Sangram has a slight neck sprain. He is undergoing treatment. Obviously, he'll have to take it easy now but he will be okay. As for Jo Paul, I'm sure they're not going to the last of his injuries," said the coach, referring to the three stitches on the midfielder's forehead. "At the moment, everyone is ready to go. But I want to see over the next couple of days who can and who cannot make a go," said the coach.

Clearly, the National League coming so close to the WC qualifier has left many players worn out and weary. And some of the top clubs, like East Bengal, have had a hectic schedule over the last few months, being additionally burdened with local and international commitments. Teams like Singapore and Oman, which are also ganged up with India in the Asia Zone Group III, have temporarily suspended their National League to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. "Singapore suspended its league for 45 days. I don't have the same luxury, I've just got nine days," said the coach.

Mahindra midfielder, Samir Naik, and Salgaocar star, Tomba Singh, who was named as the All India Football Federation's `Player of the Year' just weeks ago, have missed the 24-member probables bus due to injuries. - Our Sports Reporter

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