Durand Cup 2019 | Real Kashmir to play despite unrest back at home
Amidst the relentless chaos back in Kashmir as the Indian government removed Article 370 from the state, the football side has decided to stick to their commitment and play in the Durand Cup. The foreign players and members of the coaching staff have reached West Bengal and are in Kalyani.
Real Kashmir owner Sandeep Chattoo has revealed that some of the players and staffs have flown in to New Delhi from Kashmir on Monday evening before they are en route to Kolkata for the 129th edition of the tournament.
“We are very worried about the situation at home but as a professional football team, we will keep our commitment to the Durand Cup,” said Chattoo over the phone from New Delhi, reported HT.
While the ISL sides have resorted to fielding reserve players for the tournament, the I-League side was seen fielding first team and Real Kashmir wouldn’t be any exception. It was also reported that the team’s foreign players and the foreign members of the coaching staff are in Kalyani, near Kolkata.
The side has numerous foreign staff with Scot Dave Robertson as the team’s coach and Brit Jimmy Lindsay his assistant. Robertson’s son Mason has been the side’s key player with his ability to play both as the centre half and a striker. Scottish winger Kallum Higginbotham has also signed for Real Kashmir this season.
“But with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir being what it is, it was difficult to arrange for our players to fly out, so I am now taking a later flight to Kolkata on Monday night,” he said.
Real Kashmir would be opening their campaign against I-League champions Chennai City FC in Kalyani on Wednesday, before going on to play FC Goa and Army Green in Group C.
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