Churchill Brothers coach Mariano Dias is on cloud nine after his outfit comfortably won their second I-League football championship here today.
The Goan team won the prestigious title by playing out a 1-1 draw with Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan.
"I'm really happy, actually on top of the world. This is fantastic," a beaming Dias said.
"The credit goes to all the players and support staff as it has been a team effort all through the campaign. I believed in the team and was optimistic that we would finish first or second and here were are, at the top."
Bagan took the lead in the 26th minute through C S Sabeeth, but Churchill's key striker Sunil Chettri restored the parity and helped his team lift the title.
"Chettri really helped us to get a lift-up after he came in during the January transfer window. Initially, he found the going tough but later on picked up and made crucial contributions," Dias said.
With the upcoming AFC Cup campaign figuring on the club's radar, Dias said the Churchill management would certainly retain the same squad, whose key players include Chettri, Beto (Roberto Mendes da Silva) and Henry Antouchet.
"Most of the players will be retained," Dias said.
For Subhash Bhowmick, Technical Director at Churchill Bros, the triumph was a pleasant surprise for he never expected to win the title. "I never dreamt of winning the I-League, but here we are, the I-League champions."
Dias' eyes are now set on winning the AFC Cup, an Asian-level championship. "Given a chance, if any team puts confidence in me, I want to win the AFC Cup for an Indian club. People may laugh but I tell you, it's possible."
Churchill Alemao, the patron of the club, was thrilled at his team lifting the second I-League title. "They (Mohun Bagan) came hard at us but we eventually won the title."
Asked about retaining the players, the club boss sounded confident of keeping players like Chettri and Henry, but didn't sound all too happy at the mention of Beto.
"Yes Chettri and Henry will be there next year, but I can't say the same about Beto," Alemao said.
