Goan clubs will look to sustain their supremacy in I-League after continued good performances over the past few years.

By Aswin Kanumarath

Consistent performances have seen Goa replace Kolkata as the stronghold of Indian football. Continued good showings from Dempo and Churchill Brothers will earn them the favourites tag without any doubt.

Dempo Sporting Club

Dempo have been one of the most settled sides in the I-League. The champions were in scintillating form last season with 16 wins in their 24 games. Armando Colaco has been at the helm for quite some time and has lifted the club from relegation to top honours.

Ahead of this season, Colaco has managed to retain all the Indian players. With the likes of Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda, Anthony Periera, Sameer Naik and Mahesh Gawli, the team holds the experience edge over others. However, all these players will miss the start of the season preparing for the Asia Cup in 2011 and it needs to be seen how the bench fares.

In their absence, the team will rely on foreign stars Ranty Martins and skipper Beto. Despite his age, Ranty is still a threat in front of goal while Beto has been in top form since he left Mohun Bagan. They have even mended one of their weak links as Colaco wasted no time in the offseason, signing keeper Subashish Roy Chowdhury from the defunct Mahindra United. With all departments looking good, Dempo are firm favourites for a 2nd straight title.

Churchill Brothers

Churchill Brothers have emerged as one of the strongest title contenders. The 2008-09 champions clinched the second spot last season, falling nine points short of toppers Dempo.

Ahead of this season, Churchill spent their resources wisely recruiting Steven Dias and Mohammed Rafi from Mahindra United. Dias was an influential figure at his former side and a pivotal cog in the national side as well, while Rafi is one of the most enterprising young players in the country.

Churchill have had ups and downs, but striker Odafe Okolie has always maintained one position - the pinnacle. The Nigerian striker has been the I-League top scorer for the past three seasons. Paring for the 1st time with Rafi, the duo will pose a major threat for most sides. They also have brilliant defenders in Gourmangi Singh and Rowlison Rodrigues, and the back four will be boosted by new signing Dharamraj Ravanan from Mahindra United.

The Salcette-based side is relatively fresh with new players coming in. A lot depends on how coach Vincent Subramanian creates an understanding between his players. If the players do click, Churchill will be key contenders yet again.

Salgaocar Sports Club

Salgaocar have had a good year, considering their promotion to I-League last season. Their best deal last season was not the recruitment of any player but coach Karim Bencherifa after he was sacked by Mohun Bagan. Bencherifa has been coaching in India for the past five years and the Moroccan is now a veteran in reading Indian conditions.

Salgaocar have signed more players ahead of this season than retaining the squad in hand. Bencherifa faces an uphill task in managing a completely fresh side. A lot will reply on skipper Luciano Sabrosa who has been instrumental since joining the club last season.

Bencherifa has also recruited the Manipuri duo of Khangemban Thoi Singh from Mahindra United and Singam Subhash Singh from East Bengal. Moreover, veteran striker Yusif Yakubu is back after a stint with East Bengal.

Unlike the previous year, where the Vasco-based club faced relegation threats, Salgaocar can eye a mid table finish this time around. The men-in- green are more than capable of pulling a few surprises.

Although the Goans might face stiff competition from the Kolkata clubs, it will still take a lot of doing to take away the title from this pretty coastal state.