Gangtok, Sikkim: The United Sikkim Football Club, whose chief patron is Bhaichung Bhutia, is set to be the second team in the state after Denzong Boys to take part in the second division of the I-League.
The management of the club has expressed confidence that the team will be included in this season scheduled to commence in the first week of March.
An application by the United Sikkim for inclusion in the I-League second division has been scrutinised and the clubs selected for this season will be announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in February.
“One of the most important criteria to play in the I-League is the availability of long-term sponsor, and the United Sikkim has fulfilled it. So, I am confident that we will certainly get the nod from the AFC,” said Bhaichung.
The AFC norms stipulate that a team should have a sponsor for at least five years to qualify for the I-League.
During a brief interaction with the media here yesterday, the Indian captain said he had always dreamed about the United Sikkim becoming one of the best professional soccer outfits in the country.
“Oversees sponsors have expressed interest in financing the United Sikkim.I am aiming to take the United Sikkim to the I-League first division in three years and to make the club the best in India in five years. Once we qualify for the I-League, at least five-six members of the national squad will be ready to play for us,” said Bhaichung.
He added that Stanley Rozario, the former assistant coach of the national football team, had already been signed as a coach of the United Sikkim.
The chief patron along with key associates of the United Sikkim scouted a few locations in and around Gangtok yesterday to set up football grounds and a hostel for the club. He also met a bunch of local players being groomed by the club for future challenges.
Bhaichung said Rennedy Singh, the vice-captain of the national team, was likely to play for the United Sikkim in the second division this year along with him.
“Since there is not much time left for the second division I-League to start, I find it difficult to find top players for my club. But talks are on with members of other first and second division teams and foreigners to play for the team,” said Bhaichung.
The team, which was earlier known as the United Sikkim Sporting Club, has already started preparations for the second division matches.
Six local players of the club today left Gangtok for Calcutta where they will be training with other team members. The six are Tenzin Tshepel Bhutia, Pawan Chhetri, Sagar Rai, Bhupendra Khewa, Issac Dok Lepcha and Mayal Dok Lepcha.
Bhaichung, who is nursing an injury, said he would be ready to play for his club by May.
Source: The Telegraph
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