Rajasthan United, NEROCA upbeat ahead of Hero Super Cup qualifying playoff

02 Apr 2023

Spreading the beautiful game across different regions of the country is one of the key objectives in Vision 2047, and the Federation’s plan to host the Hero Super Cup in Kerala, where both Hero ISL and Hero I-League teams will come together, is part of it. The-aiff.com is in Malappuram and Kozhikode, and is following the progress of the clubs in the Hero Super Cup closely in a series of stories.

AIFF Media Team

MANJERI: Ahead of the much-awaited 2023 edition of the Hero Super Cup, Rajasthan United FC will take on NEROCA FC in the qualifying playoff on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, Kerala.

The winners of this match will face Sreenidi Deccan FC in the qualifiers on April 5, 2023. Both Rajasthan United and NEROCA finished their Hero I-League 2022-23 season with seven wins each and an equal number of points (25). But Rajasthan were placed ninth in the points table because of their better head-to-head record against NEROCA (10^th). On Sunday, Rajasthan United FC Head Coach Pushpender Kundu spoke about his side’s preparations. "The team have just come back from rest after a long Hero I-League season. We have had a couple of training sessions here in Kerala. Since we are playing the Hero Super Cup for the first time ever, we are all excited."

Kundu added: "It is an opportunity for the players as they look forward to showing themselves on the bigger stage and attracting the attention of the scouts."

Speaking about the atmosphere in the camp, defender Melroy Assisi said, "We are playing with an all-Indian squad in the Hero Super Cup and we are all prepared for the tough battle ahead. There are no fitness concerns and the atmosphere is pretty good."

Interestingly, the two sides met each other twice during the Hero I-League season, with Rajasthan United finding the edge in a 1-0 win on both occasions.

On the other hand, NEROCA Head Coach Gyan Moyon focused on the positives, as his side underwent a couple of training sessions in Manipur. "We are taking this as an opportunity to do better. Rajasthan United are a good side, but we will try to win the match and reach the qualifiers. That is our target."

"It’s a very good opportunity for us. Everyone is very excited about the Hero Super Cup. Let’s see what happens against Rajasthan United," stated Sweden Fernandes. The midfielder delivered a promising season in the Hero I-League and will be looking to continue with his good form.