By I-League Media

PUNE: Hero I-League debutants DSK Shivajians have an arduous task of performing in front of their home fans for the first time after playing three away games in Hero I-League 2015-16

A draw and two losses after their first three matches has placed DSK Shivajians at eighth place with one point and just a place above the bottom scrappers Salgaocar FC, who are yet to open their account.

Nonetheless, it will be a new day and a new start for DSK Shivajians, who will become the third club, after Pune FC and Bharat FC, to represent Pune in the premier league of India.

With Kolkata powerhouse Mohun Bagan as their first home opponents, DSK Shivajians, will first look to find a goal in Round 4 of the Hero I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan, who are fresh from their AFC Champions League qualifier win against Tampines Rovers, will look to continue with their scintillating form, especially their sheer hegemony in the attacking third is getting stronger with every match.

For Mohun Bagan, the game against DSK Shivajians will be like a quick outing before an important AFC away qualifier scheduled against top Chinese club Shandong Luneng FC on February 2 in the second round which will be held in Jinan.

Mohan Bagan gaffer, Sanjoy Sen, said the fixtures have been tight for his team, but they are ready to cope with it.

“We knew about the fixtures and also knew that we will have to travel after winning the AFC qualifier. In seven days we play three different matches at three different venues. We are looking forward to it and hope for good results,” Sen said.

Sen also thanked the AIFF and the hosts for taking efforts and rescheduling the match because of the travel plans of Mohan Bagan as they travel to Mumbai to take a flight to China immediately after the match.

“DSK Shivajians is a mix of youth and experienced players. They have Subrata Paul, Haroon Amiri, Mohammed Rafi, Douhou Pierre and others who are very experienced also there are youngsters like Prakash Thorat, Israil Gurung and other,” Sen said expressing his views on I-League entrants DSK Shivajians.

Adding further, Sen said, “We are looking forward to the three points. Let us finish this match then we will look forward to our next match.”

DSK coach Derrick Pereira, who is on familiar turf is looking forward to the match. “The match against Mohun Bagan will be the toughest one. If we stick to the game plan we will get the desired results. If you perform well you get the results.” He further added, “If we contain them in the first half then there are more chances for us in the second half. We have to improve and create more chances.”

Speaking about their last encounter Pereira said, “In Kolkata the boys played well against a tough opponent. We got a few chances but did not finish them. We have had three tough away matches. The match against East Bengal was the best amongst the three away fixtures.”

It will be interesting to see how much crowd will turn up for the game on Saturday as Pune has witnessed a dismal attendance as far as the Hero I-League is concerned.

Also in attendance will be the Afghan fans of DSK Shivajians player Haroon Amiri who has a massive fan following in the city.

DSK Shivajians have roped in Bollywood singer Shaan who has given voice to their club anthem. The anthem would be launched on Saturday before the game with Shaan’s live performance.