GUWAHATI: Football fans, who will witness the ISL V at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium this season, will return home with more satisfaction, assures the owner of NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) John Abraham.
Talking exclusively to The Sentinel John today said, “We admit that there were several reasons which upset local soccer fans last year. We couldn’t perform well in the competition and there were other issues too like the timing of the match etc. This time NEUFC is giving special attention to provide full entertainment to our fans-both in and off field-and I am optimistic that they would return home with nice memories.”
NEUFC made major changes in the team this season signing in 21 players, eight of which foreign recruit. Among the foreigners Bartholomew Ogbeche is considered as most valuable player in the attacking zone of the team.
Commenting on the team’s preparation John said,“Our performance was not satisfactory in last season.This time we have spent lot of time to build a healthy squad and I am optimistic the side would be able to deliver well in the competition. Among the foreign recruits we have Ogbeche who is a very good striker and is capable to score in regular basis. Tomorrow is his birthday and he would lead us in the first game.”
Apart from the match there would be something more for the fans to cheer when they would enter into the Sarusajai Sports complex this time. A fan park has been set up inside the complex and ticket holders can go into the park free and take part in the different activities.
On the first day John will himself present there along with new track queen Hima Das. “Fan Park concept is very new in the league and it is open in Guwahati only. There would be no such fan park in the other venues. It’s designed as a Day-Out Carnival destination for friends and families where sports, entertainment, food and fun will blend together to give an unmatched experience to the football lovers. Tomorrow I will be there and one special lady will accompany me and she is no other then new queen of the Indian athletics Hima Das,” said John.
Fan Park will remain open every match-day at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium from 3pm to 6.30pm.
Last year the soccer fans faced major problems after the game and it was lack of proper transport facilities. Buses were not available for sufficient number which can take them to their localities or near by places. When the point is raised John said, “It’s true. Last time the match was started from 8 in the evening and spectators faced a lot of problem to return home after the game. It was on the basis of our request that Star Sports has prepone the game half an hour this time. Hope local fans would not face too much problem now to get vehicles after the game.”