A lock down back home has left Real Kashmir players unable to communicate with family members but coach David Richardson said they "played with heart and soul" during their season-opening match in the Durand Cup here on Wednesday.
Real Kashmir FC beat Chennai City FC 1-0 through a Danish Farooq's last minute goal to begin their season on a winning note.
"We played with so much heart and soul, that's the secret of our success," Robertson said after the match.
Real Kashmir players assembled for the first time this season here late Monday night only to realise that they are cut off from family members back home due to
"I think it has been built over the years, it's just heart and hunger that really made a success. Yes, they are a very talented group. It was a lot of good to get on this."
"A lot of players had come from long journeys from Africa, Europe and wherever. Regardless of whom you play against, to do that and on the first day or the second day of seeing each other is an incredible achievement."
"Guys like Danish, Farhan (Ganie), Loveday (Okechukwu), they played with so much heart. It's good that we got this so early in the season. So we are obviously delighted. We've set ourselves up."
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