DSK Shivajians FC, Pune’s sole representative in the I-League, earlier today announced a new look squad for the 2016/17 I-League. The team owned by the DSK group, will go into the season under English manager Dave Rogers.

The club begins their campaign with an away game against state rivals Mumbai FC in the “Maha Derby” on January 8. Under Dave Rogers, who was earlier Head of the DSK Shivajians Youth Academy, which boasts of a partnership with Liverpool FC, the club have promoted a number of Youngsters from the academy under his guidance over the past two-and-a-half years.

The Manager has further strengthened the squad by acquiring the services of top-quality professionals who he has identified by watching many I-League games over the past two seasons. These players include Sanju Pradhan, Soram Poirei, Ricky L. and Nirmal Chettri along with stalwart Subrata Pal. Keeping in line with his policy of developing Young Talents, Rogers has also recruited Jerry Lalrinzuala, Holicharan Narzary and Sumeet Passi, all of whom are still eligible to represent India at the U-23 Level and fits into the philosophy and direction the club is heading into.

While the club has retained Former Real Madrid Youth Academy product Juan Quero, they have also brought in North Korean International Kim Song Yong under the Asian quota, who, joins after winning last season’s I-League with his previous club Bengaluru FC. Irish Midfielder Shane McFaul and towering Serbian Centre Back Sasha Kolunija complete the DSK Shivajians’ Foreign Player Line up.

Speaking about the I-League campaign ahead, First Team Manager, Dave Rogers said, “We are now entering an exciting and positive era at DSK Shivajians Football Club. As we approach our Club’s 30th anniversary, I am delighted and honoured to be tasked with leading our great club forward. With an abundance of tradition and success over the years, my aim now is to make us the most unique and dynamic football club both on and off the pitch. Through my vision and philosophy we aim to carry on this tradition into the coming years. I am inspired and motivated from our history and achievements in the past and present, and hope the football fans in Pune will relate to us and come out in force and be our twelfth man.”

“I am happy to see the new team that Dave has prepared along with his staff and from whatever I have seen in the past few weeks, I am confident that this team is going to give a tough fight to every opponent they play against whether at home or away. I would also urge the fans in Pune to turn out in large numbers for our home games and show their support towards Pune’s only professional football club in the country’s premier league. I wish all the very best to this young and dynamic squad for the upcoming season, ” commented Shirish Kulkarni, DSK Shivajians FC president on sidelines of the Club’s Press Conference.

DSK Shivajians FC CEO Neel Shah added, “Our players and the technical staff are equipped with one of the best facility and infrastructure for football in India. Dave and his technical staff have done a tremendous job in building this fantastic team. With a winning mentality and the confidence that he has instilled amongst them, I am sure we are due to witness a great season ahead.”

(DSK Shivajians FC Press Release)