By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,
 

I-League Media Team

NEW DELHI: Indian football fans will be glued to tomorrow’s Hero I-League faceoff between Kingfisher East Bengal and Mumbai FC where Kingfisher East Bengal will throw their hat in the ring to register their 200th League win to date (The tally is cumulative of NFL & I-League). There is no prize for guessing that no other Indian club can foresee the magical figure at the moment. Eelco Schettorie has a little to deliver in his pre-match pep talk as the Red & Gold outfit players are already pumped up and adrenalin is flowing through them. Ranti Martins, the striker with a Midas touch, has already netted 14 goals this Hero I-League season and counting more. He himself is standing at a crucial juncture and is just a step shy of attaining a pinnacle of Indian football. Since joining Dempo, he has scored 199 goals in I-League and NFL (exclusively these two tournaments), miles ahead than others. There are only 5 elite players including Ranti Martins, who have scribbled their names in the 100-goal group and now Ranti is on the verge of doubling the number, an stupendous feat for himself as well as his team.

In his detailed interview ahead of the historical feat, the Nigerian spoke at length on how he feels about the landmark, his long association with Indian Football and deeper insights, the best Defender he has played against and much more.EXCERPTS:

Which Hero I-League defense line did you find toughest?

Frankly speaking, having shortened the league, each of the games is utterly important. If you want to specify any particular team, I would say Bengaluru FC is the toughest opposition according to me. Each and every striker has to garner a lot against John Johnson and Curtis Osano. Royal Wahingdoh has been thoroughly professional and they are absolutely spot on. Pune FC are also very organised and their game plan are marvellous.

You did not mention McDowell Mohun Bagan despite being at the top of the table by a considerable margin.

Oh yes, they are terrific this season, especially the defense line. You hardly expect a loophole in the defense line where Bello Rasaq is present. He is a talisman in the Green and Maroon outfit and guides other ones, that’s the magic of Bello. Albeit they clinched a victory against us, we played better football. It is painful as you can’t deny with the end result.

You are stressing on the foreign defenders primarily. Don’t you think local defenders in the likes of Arnab Mondal, Deepak Mondal, Anas Edathodika are at par with foreigners?

In my opinion, Arnab is best of the lot. Still India is more into Cricket than Football, the kids must come to football passionately, and that’s the key aspect where India lagging at the moment. Once the supply line takes shape, the end product is bound to be superior.

You are on the verge of rewriting the history of Indian football. Looking back, could you mention 5 of your best goals in the I-League?

Oh, pretty tough you know (grins). Still I would give a shot.The butterfly kick goal against Churchill Bros. in 2011-12. It comes first in my mind. The recent goal against Pune FC will come second in the list. I personally got overwhelmed scoring that one.  Another goal I remember which I scored against United Sikkim in 2012-13 season. After just cutting into the box from left I whacked the ball at the roof of the net. I myself fancy the left footed lob against Churchill Bros. in 2010-11 too. The fifth one must be the goal against Sporting Clube de Goa during my last season with Dempo.

Is there any subdued rivalry going on between you and Dudu?

If you are meaning a healthy one, I will second you. Otherwise, a big no (laughing). We are very close friend, and apart from playing together, we know each other for a good time. By god’s grace, we both are complimenting each other befitting the position and justifying our roles in the team. Hopefully we continue our touch till the end of the Hero I-League to clinch as many points as we can from the remaining ties.

Since joining Dempo, you have plied your trade in Goa, Kolkata and Shillong. What major differences did you notice among these cities?

No doubt, all of them have unique features besides the soccer crazy people. Goa people are more relaxed, the city is so calm and you can really feel to be in a holiday destination. On the other hand, Kolkata is really fast and people are most passionate among all these three cities. Shillong is also very passionate about football, they almost live on football but they come second to none but Kolkata.

Mumbai FC is struggling at the moment because of some off-field issues. How much are you of confident of securing a victory against them with your signature finish?

See, 200 is just another number for me. I am not getting carried away with it. It’s an important home match for us. We have to be very cautious against their counter attacks and must not miss any opportunity throughout. They are outright professional, they won’t succumb to this plight rather they might be the nemesis.

Whom would you dedicate your 200th League goal?

My mom. Unfortunately I lost her this year. Hope wherever she is, her blessings are always with me. Without her support and encouragement, I could not even dream of being in a position where I am standing right now.