GUWAHATI, June 16 � After playing five away matches successfully in the ongoing Assam State Premier League (ASPL), city outfit FC Green Valley, previously known as Green Valley SC, is ready to take on their opponents in the Lower Assam Zone at their home ground at Nehru Stadium here.
They have already collected 13 points from five outings with four wins and a draw. They beat Boarhoongkha AC, Kokrajhar 1-0, Global FC, Gossaigaon 3-2, Udalguri FC 3-0 and Tezpur FC 2-0. On the other hand, FC Green Valley played a 1-1 draw against another city team � Guwahati FC.
On June 18, they will begin their home leg with a match against Boarhoongkha AC.
Addressing a press conference here today, FC Green Valley owner Pulak Goswami said they have nominated former international footballer Gilbertson Sangma as the team�s brand ambassador who is guiding the team with the best of his ability. Goswami, expressing concern over the poor ground condition, revealed that from next year onwards they will try to overcome this kind of difficulties.
Sangma said most of the teams got little time to prepare and that is the reason for the poor show. He expressed confidence that in the coming years, the ASPL will be able to produce good players for the State teams.
Team coach Naresh Chetri said his team is enjoying the advantage in this edition of the ASPL. He hopes that the team will be able to maintain the same form at the Nehru Stadium in the home matches.
Nigerian players Michael, Lucky Kelecheukwa and George Prince Chinonso, who scored four goals each so far, said that the ASPL is a highly professional and a competitive championship.
Lucky opined that Guwahati FC was their toughest opponent in the away matches.
Assam Footfall Association secretary Ankur Dutta said ASPL will be able to produce a batch of talented players as out of 240 players in 12 teams, 150 are local boys. He also revealed that from next year onwards, the championship will be organised in the month of January or February. This time, altogether, 20 Nigerian players are playing in this championship. Except Jorhat TC and Golaghat Rhino, all the teams are studded with overseas players.
Till date, after five matches each, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (15 points) and FC Green Valley (13 points) are leading in the Upper Assam Zone and Lower Assam Zone tables respectively.
Guwahati FC-Tezpur Utd tie today: Guwahati FC will take on Tezpur United at the Nehru Stadium here tomorrow. It will be the home match for Guwahati FC as the away match at Tezpur ended in a 1-1 draw.
