Immersion processions on Bijoya Doshomi day stay an unmistakable part of the Bengal culture. The Team Bus on way to the Kanchenjunga Stadium, due to traffic diversions, stops at regular intervals. The boys peep and with folded hands offer their respect to Goddess Durga for one last time, even as chants of “Asche Bochor Aabar hobey (Next Year, Goddess will come again),” pierce the tinted glasses of Team India’s AC Bus.

It’s almost after a year that Team India has assembled in Siliguri. It was in last November (2013) that Team India had played back to back International Friendlies against Philippines and Nepal at the buzzing town.

National Team Captain Sunil Chhetri utters at the Official Pre-Match Media Interaction: “The moment I heard that we were to play in Siliguri, I remembered the huge turnout which had stretched their vocal chords for us the last time we played here. We look forward to seeing all of them at the Stadium cheering for us.”

“It’s disappointing that we had to cancel one match,” stated National Coach Wim Koevermans. “We always look forward to playing strong opposition as that’s the manner you improve. But now we are left with just one game and that’s harsh on everyone,” he added in reference to Palestine Football Federation cancelling the second International Friendly on October 9 despite signing the Contract to play it.

Koevermans’ rival counterpart Saeb Jundia informed that they have been “told by the Palestine Football Federation that they can play only one match.”

“We are here to play Football. We have qualified for the Asian Cup and that’s a huge achievement for us. This is a preparatory match for us and we will try to utilise as many Players as possible,” he says in one breath.

The current AFC Challenge Cup Champions are ranked 102 in comparison to India at 158. Recollecting India’s last match against Palestine in Kochi in February 2013, Koevermans maintains “Palestine are a very tough Team.”

“The last time we played against each other, they had won 4-2. There are a lot of quality Players in their side. But we had our chances too. We have had a look at their videos,” he said.

“This is an entirely new match. Results of matches played in the past are never a guarantee that it may stay the same again.”

India had then squandered a 2-1 lead at the half-time to eventually go down 2-4 at the final whistle.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Camp in Goa where all the boys assembled for the match against Palestine. The sessions were intensive and we need to adjust fast to the turf in Siliguri,” Koevermans opined.

Siliguri will always hold a special corner in Chhetri’s heart as it was on this ground that he emerged as India’s highest-ever goal scorer in International Football overtaking Bhaichung Bhutia.

“All a Footballer needs to do is to give his best,” he looks into your eye. “When you go onto the field, you need to give your 200 percent in every match. We have been shown clippings of Palestine’s matches and need to stick to the instructions of the Coach. The last match we played against them was a very close one,” he said.

Midfield General Mehtab Hossain, nicknamed ‘Double Cylinder’ for his tireless play has always been a traffic stopper in Siliguri. Post practice, almost everyone runs towards him to click selfies.

Later at the Team Hotel, Mehtab ignores self and stands all about the Team. “We have played some good Football in the recent past and intend to entertain all. I look forward to a full House. Siliguri’s passion for Football knows no bounds. The people here know to rise to the occasion,” he maintains.

“It’s not a grudge match for us. You need to remember that they are the current AFC Challenge cup Champions. There’s so much to learn when you play against such strong opposition.”

The kick-off on October 6 (Monday) at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri is at 17.30 IST.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)