By Joseph Solomon,
AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: There is a thin fine line which separates Champion from the Challenger. And albeit clover-leafing the fine line requires sheer concentration, hard work and will, the sweet taste of success which it invokes in its wake, makes it all worth.

Both McDowell’s Mohun Bagan and JSW Bengaluru FC would have to stay away from complacency when they meet at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday (May 31).

For McDowell Mohun Bagan, after 13 barren years (of not winning the League), there will be no error in judgement and no room for immaturity when they clash swords against current Champions Bengaluru FC.

Speaking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, Mohun Bagan’s stalwart Sony Norde, who has scored 9 goals in 18 games expresses that the Bagan camp will be as focused and determined as a lion courting his prey, come Sunday.

“We are confident ahead of our clash. We have worked very hard to be in the position that we are in now. We need to work our socks off and perform if we have to defeat one of the best Teams in India that is Bengaluru FC.”

“Our Team is one big family and everybody will be elated to win the Hero I-League trophy and end the draught,” he adds.

Another stalwart in the Bagan contingent is the Japanese Katsumi Yusa, who has dissected Hero I-League defences with a single swing of his foot. The 26 year old has faith in the ability of the Team and opines the triumph of collectivity over individuality in the Bagan setup.

“This season, the whole Club has worked extremely hard. There have been many ups and down but we have stuck together and have let the results speak for themselves,” expresses Yusa. “We have faith in our abilities and I am sure as a Team we are focused on the task ahead.”

With the stakes high and current Champions desperate to retain their title, League leaders McDowell Mohun Bagan might be feeling the heat, or so one would presume. But Bagan’s defensive wall, who robs his opponents of ball possession with utmost grace, Bello Rasaq, thinks otherwise.

“There is no pressure,” mentions the 30 year old Nigerian, “As a Team we will reap what we have sown, and that is nothing but sweat through hard work and practice. We have to keep pushing for the finish line and win the Hero I-League now. We, as they say, are ‘hungry’ for it,” he states.

Meanwhile, Captain cum Goalkeeper Shilton Paul fantasizes how it might be to win the Hero I-League. “Winning the Hero I-League will be a dream come true, I want to win this Trophy desperately.”

“I am more than excited for the match as matches likes these are a perfect stage to express oneself, show the courage and mettle that one possesses.”