FCI aim for top-six finish

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Food Corporation of India would consider themselves very lucky to be competing in the CFA-senior division league this year.

The young team, in all probability, was out for the count after they managed to post just two wins and a draw from their first seven matches last year. By then, one of the three — SBI, MSU and FCI — were irrefutably staring at relegation.

The latter’s chances, in particular, hung by a thread as they still had ICF and TN Police to play. Somehow, FCI held their nerves to score victories over SAI and TNP to stave off demotion.

Similar to SAI, FCI team comprise mostly of college students. This means, there wouldn’t be a dearth of energy in the FCI camp. However, the youngsters’ skills inside the opposition box lack conviction. Producing just seven goals in the entire league only highlights FCI’s plight up front.

“Striking or the lack of it remains our main area of concern. We are looking to strengthen our forward line by roping in former AGORC player Praveen and Sathyabhama striker Nirmal. I am sure the duo will come out with flying colours,” said FCI manager Tamil Selvam.

“Apart from these two, former Indian Bank player Dilip Kumar will add teeth to our attack. Last season, striker M. Saravana Kumar and playmaker Charles Anandaraj were the backbone of our team. We are confident that these youngsters will perform once again.”

Selvam was optimistic that his team would churn out a much better show this time. “The team has been in good shape. The boys are fit as a fiddle and can’t wait for the league to commence.

Last year, we triumphed at the all-India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad memorial cup held in Paramakudi. We nailed the trophy by beating TN Police in the final. Later, we also reached the quarterfinals at the Kayalpattinam all-India tournament,” added Selvam.

The manager also emphasized the need to make a good start. “In the previous edition, it became really tough for us during the home stretch. We wouldn't want to repeat those mistakes. The first three games are absolutely crucial and we look to register victories in these outings.

After a 14-year long wait, FCI got promoted into the senior division in 2010. We will make sure that we won’t go back to the first division. Our aim is to break into the top-six this season,” he said.

FCI, according to Selvam, have increased the stipends for college players. The guest players in the age group of 18 to 21 will get Rs 5000 per month, while Rs 8,000 will be paid for those who fall into the 21 to 24 bracket. Generally, the players are signed for a period of one year.

“Almost the entire team consists of college students. The footballers come from Hindustan University, Sathyabhama and Loyola. We are still looking to add as many as half-a-dozen college players to the squad,” Selvam said.

Expectations: FCI, who finished seventh last year, are aiming for a top-six finish this time.

That could be a possibility if their goal-scoring troubles have been addressed adequately. However, they might not get too lucky this time if they were to continue last year’s performances.