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“It’s not only the facilities, it’s the enthusiasm of people that
counts for the allotment of any big championship,” was how a satisfied-looking CEO of Western India Football Association (WIFA) Henry Menezes reacted on Monday after inspecting the requisite facilities required for hosting I-League matches.
Pleased with the energy level of Nagpurians while witnessing the summit clash of the Lokmat-organized Nagpur Premier League, Menezes said, “I-League is almost here, it’s just a matter of time and need some formalities to be completed by the local authorities in Nagpur.”
Elaborating further on the national meet of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the approach of WIFA towards developing the beautiful game, the CEO of the western region said, “I-League, that started in Mumbai has reached Pune and Kolhapur and now if it comes to Nagpur then this will be a start of a new era. For me, everything is fine here and if some minor requirements are fulfilled then I do not see any hindrance for the AIFF in allotting the I-League to Nagpur.”
With reference to one of the best championships of western region in 1970s, the Nagpur Rovers Cup, Menezes said, “Nagpur should regain its lost glory. Once upon a time Nagpur Rovers was a prominent tournament in western region and Nagpurians have witnessed the play of most of the football greats in this city.”
When asked about the minor requirements that are needed to be fulfilled, the AIFF-appointed technical man stated, “Stadium looks ok. We have to improve the turf, for which assurance has been given by Lokmat group CMD Vijay Darda and the local body (NDFA) here. Watering of the ground is necessary. A month’s time from now is a crucial period for the organisers.”
He further added, “Dressing room is also good. We just need to refurbish it as we need four changing rooms at a time. For technical officials too, the referee’s room looks decent.”
For Menezes, Monday was a busy day as from 8.30 am he had a series of meetings with the officials of NDFA and his inspection bore positive results too. Five of the practice grounds and the lodging facilities that he saw were up to the mark. He will forward his report to the AIFF soon.
Menezes said that Nagpur can likely to become a new host to country’s 2012 season opener – the Federation Cup. “Looking at the enthusiasm of people here, I think Federation Cup can also come here. If it happens then top I-League teams like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Dempo and others will be seen in action during June-July.”
