Clifford Miranda has been a part of the Dempo SC nucleus for long. Ahead of their crucial I-League encounter against East Bengal, Clifford rubbishes talks of ‘revenge’ being on Dempo’s minds.

Branding East Bengal as the favourites to win this season’s I-League, Clifford spoke at length to www.the-aiff.com about the start, missing Ranti Martins, the other contenders for the title and much more.

EXCERPTS

The new season doesn’t have something new in store as Dempo have been unstoppable so far.
(Laughs) It’s very important to start the season on a high. We have been late starters before but as we did last season, we are off to a good start. No doubt, it’s a very positive sign. It gives you the right kind of impetus to surge forward. It’s a Marathon League and you need that kick from the word go. I am glad we got that especially after a lost a couple of important players in the transfer window this summer.

How is life without Ranti Martins?
He is a goal machine, a natural goalscorer. It would be wrong to say we don’t miss him though we are playing well as a unit. He was an integral part of the team and his contribution to the club can never be demeaned. On behalf of Dempo I wish him all the luck for the future. He was a real asset.

Is the sixth League crown achievable this season itself?
For the full version of the interview log onto www.i-league.org

(AIFF Press Release)