Singapore finally grants Visa for Sunil Chhetri, Belal Arezou & Churchill Alemao

As reported earlier I-League side Churchill Brothers SC were set to miss club patron Churchill Alemao, India captain Sunil Chhetri and Afghanistan striker Belal Arezou in their upcoming AFC Cup match due to not being issued a Singapore visa, but today in the afternoon all three got their visas.

Churchill Brothers are set to play S-League side Warrior FC on Wednesday, April 10 at the Jalan Besar Stadium and the squad left for Singapore yesterday without their patron and their two strikers.

The club took the help of the All India Football Federation, who approached the Sports Authority of India to intervene and take up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs. SAI promptly took up the matter with the MEA and wrote a letter to Sukhgeet Kaur, deputy secretary, South Project, MEA.

After receiving the request from the SAI, Kaur got in touch with the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi and within few hours, sent back e-visa applications of Chhetri and Alemao to SAI; but Arezou being an Afghan national had to send more relevant documents but also got his visa.

Sunil had written on his Facebook Fanpage, "Just got the news that the visa has been issued,am flying to Singapore tomorrow along with belal n Churchill Alemao(owner)."

But in the end Sunil Chhetri and Belal Arezou left for Singapore tonight itself, while Churchill Alemao will join the squad tomorrow..

No Singapore Visa for Sunil Chhetri, Belal Arezou & Churchill Alemao

Issuing Visas for footballers and officials playing in the continental AFC Cup is a growing problem across Asia as this time I-League side Churchill Brothers SC were hit as club patron Churchill Alemao, India captain Sunil Chhetri and Afghanistan striker Belal Arezou did not receive a visa on application for Singapore last week.

Churchill Brothers are supposed to play S-League side Warrior FC on Wednesday, April 10 at the Jalan Besar Stadium and the squad left for Singapore yesterday without their patron and their two strikers.

A club official told news agency PTI, "On Friday the club got a letter from Singapore Consulate in Mumbai that Chhetri, Arezou and Alemao will not be granted visas to travel to Singapore. The consulate gave no reason for the rejection. The players and Alemao will re-apply again."

As the unnamed club official stated no official reason was given by the Singapore Consulate in Mumbai on why the three were not given visas for the upcoming AFC Cup match in the city state.

If Sunil Chhetri and Belal Arezou are not granted visas for Singapore, then the Churchill Brothers prospects in the match and their qualification for the knockout stages would be hit significantly.

I-League: New look Churchill Brothers restart quest for title

Second-placed Churchill Brothers SC will want to restart their I-League campaign with a win against Air India at the Duler Ground in Mapusa later today as they are a point behind East Bengal Club on 39 points, but have played two matches less.

The Red Machines will have India captain Sunil Chhetri and defender Lamine Tamba making their debut for the Goans in the I-League after having both already played for the club in the Goa Pro League and the AFC Cup.

Coach Mariano Dias speaking about Sunil Chhetri said, "He has already played three games for us, he is combining well with the team. Since he has played with Denzil, Lenny, Steven, Beto before, he is settling well into the team."

Also finally Afghanistan striker Belal Arezou has arrived in Goa after his visa issues were sorted and he will be available for tomorrows match though Mariano Dias said, "He has not practiced much with the team, though he has match fitness since he has played games for Afghanistan. He will start from the bench and hope he combines well with the team when he is brought into the game."

Meanwhile left back Thangjam Saran Singh is out with a calf injury while Lebanese duo Bilal Sheikh El Najjarin and Akram Moghrabi have left the club, but Churchill Brothers hope that they can overcome the Airmen to go top of the I-League.

PHOTOs: GIFT School Parade including Sunil Chhetri, Sunil Shetty & ex-Internationals

The inaugural 'Goa International Football Table' was held on Friday/Saturday in Panjim, Goa; where stalwarts from the football community were discussing the scope and future of football in India and formulating a concise football charter for the state of Goa.

Current India captain Sunil Chhetri, who now plays for Churchill Brothers SC, along with Bollywood action star Sunil Shetty, Dronacharya Awardee Syed Nayeemuddin, ex-Indian football players Magan Singh and Inder Singh alongwith popular football juggler Jestes Antony kicked-off the parade from Marriotts Goa on Saturday and from there on visited different schools around Panjim.

GIFT School Parade including Sunil Chhetri, Sunil Shetty & ex-Internationals

The inaugural 'Goa International Football Table' was held over the last couple of days in Panjim, Goa; where stalwarts from the football community were discussing the scope and future of football in India and formulating a concise football charter for the state of Goa.

Some of the greatest football stars from yesteryears alongwith players from the present Indian football team had come together to flag off the 'Goa International Football Table'.

Current India captain Sunil Chhetri, who now plays for Churchill Brothers SC, along with Bollywood action star Sunil Shetty, Dronacharya Awardee Syed Nayeemuddin, ex-Indian football players Magan Singh and Inder Singh alongwith popular football juggler Jestes Antony kicked-off the parade from Marriotts Goa at 10.00 am and from there on visited different schools around Panjim on Saturday.

The star-studded float led by Dr. Rufino Monteiro (Chairman, GFDC) and a fleet of staff from Goa Football Development Council interacted with school kids and gave away footballs sponsored by Nivia-Freewill to promote the fun-loving sport.

The gala parade made a stopover at Don Bosco School (Panjim), Sharda Mandir School (Miramar), Our Lady of the Rosary (Dona Paula), Auxilium Convent (Caranzalem) and finally Red Rosary School in Miramar. While the kids were overjoyed to meet their favourite football icons, the highlight of the parade was the felicitation of the stars by the Principal of each school.

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Chhetri, said, "The difference between all of us here and you'll children is that you still have a chance to choose a career. You can be anything that you want in life but always follow your dream and while you do that, it's very important that you take up a sport because no matter what game you play, the game is going to make you a better human being and I can tell you that from my own experience."

As the awardees followed the entourage with pride, school students and the locals on the streets joined the convoy with full enthusiasm while football stars kept the excitement going with their animated stunts and friendly approach.

PHOTOs: Sunil Chhetri at Nike's #BEMERCURIAL event in Mumbai

Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri was yesterday at a Nike Store on Linking Road in Mumbai as part of the #BEMERCURIAL campaign of Nike India. A few selected young footballers got the chance meet Chhetri at the event!

(Photos courtesy Nike India)

Sunil Chhetri: Motivation level stays high in such matches

India Captain Sunil Chhetri who scored two goals against Guam in India's last match of the AFC 2014 Challenge Cup qualifiers feels the 'team plays well in such matches'. A day prior to the big day, Chhetri spoke at length to AIFF Media about what needs to be done, the intensity of the situation, the mood in the camp, his perception about Myanmar and much more.


What needs to be done in such a situation?

In such a Tournament, we need to realise that everything which we have done till now will nullify if we don't qualify from this Group – right from the Pune camp to the high intensity practice sessions to the two victories in two matches – everything will be valueless. We need to be very careful and aim for what we want to achieve.


What has been your perception about Myanmar?

They are a very tough team with good technical qualities. Let's not forget that they will be playing at home and be backed by a vociferous hostile support. But at the same time, we need to remember that we have bettered ourselves in the last two games. Everyone is ready for the task.


What is the mood in the Camp at present?

We are confident after the back to back victories which we achieved against Chinese Taipei and Guam. I personally believe we play well in such kind of matches as you are automatically charged up and the motivation level also stays high.


How does it feel to be back among goals?

(Smiles). Scoring goals makes me happy – in fact, that's a worldwide trend. I missed a couple of chances in the first match and getting two goals to my name adds to my confidence. I will try my best to find the back of the rival net in the match against Myanmar. But it just doesn't matter as to who scores as long as we qualify and achieve our aim.


Is Captaincy an added responsibility?

I had never believed it earlier but am feeling the responsibility a bit more now at the moment. I don’t know how good or bad I am, but am going my best to do my job. I need to admit that having players from the same batch – Subrata Pal, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossain makes my job easier.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Sunil Chhetri: I'll carry on doing my job!

It was at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup that Sunil Chhetri announced his arrival in international football – his hattrick in the final earning India a ticket to 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Since then, he has been India's leading goal scorer and at the moment stays on 38 goals, four behind Baichung Bhutia's highest tally for an Indian at 42 goals. A day prior to India's first match in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers, the India captain spoke to AIFF Media about India's challenge, the areas where the team is focusing, reaction from the fans, India's opponents in the forthcoming tournament and much more.


Sunil Chhetri, they say, is synonymous with the AFC Challenge Cup.

(Smiles, shrugs his shoulder and smiles again). I just hope I can live up to the expectations. As a player it never comes to my mind as to which Tournament or match I am playing. I have always had one aim – to do well for my Country. This is a very important Tournament for us and we, as a team, will give everything we have.


Do you believe the fans are becoming a bit impatient and are starting to forget what we did in the Nehru Cup?

I'd say it's a normal reaction. Fans expect us to win every match and I don't blame them at all. It's all about the mentality. I try not to be bothered by it and carry on doing my job. Success and failures and the reaction will come and go.


It was a tale of two contrasting halves against Palestine – what do we need to do to maintain the momentum?

It was a tale of seven drastic minutes and we have nobody to blame. The positive part stays that we were the better team in the first half. But at this level, there can't be any room for excuses. We need to ensure that such a phase never hits us again. It's past for us but at the same time have taught us a lesson. We are working hard on that.


You have played both against Myanmar and even Chinese Taipei. What do you expect from them?

Chinese Taipei and Myanmar are very good teams especially Myanmar, as they are playing at home. We need to remember they would be backed by a vociferous crowd.

But first things first, and at the moment, we are concentrating on our first match against Chinese Taipei. We need to take one match at a time.


How much valuable is it for you to be moving to I-League tile-contenders Churchill Brothers on loan?

It's good but at the same time, it's an added pressure. There will be expectations as we are in contention to win the I-League this season. I have played two matches for them and am looking forward to joining them after the campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 (qualifiers).

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Sunil Chhetri scores twice in Churchill Brothers' dream debut

India captain Sunil Chhetri made a dream debut for Churchill Brothers SC by scoring both goals against his former club Dempo SC in a Goa Pro League match at the Raia Panchayat ground.

Sunil Chhetri like Lamine Tamba made his first start for the Red Machines, and he scored his first goal in a Churchill Brothers shirt in the 42nd minute off a Bineesh Balan pass as the striker hit the ball beautifully from just outside the box into the bottom corner of the net.

After the break Bineesh Balan was brought down inside the penalty box and Sunil Chhetri calmly converting the resultant penalty in the 56th minute to give the Red Machines a 2-0 lead. It remained 2-0 until the end for the title race in the Goa Pro League hotting-up even further.

The win takes Churchill Brothers tally to 19 points from 10 matches, while Dempo remain on 21 points also from 10 matches.


MATCH STATS

Dempo SC 0-2 Churchill Brothers SC - Goals: 0-1,0-2 Sunil Chhetri (42',56' pen)

Dempo SC
Laxmikant Kattimani - Valeriano Rebello, Selwyn Fernandes, Rowilson Rodrigues, Nicolau Borges - Joy Ferrao, Godwin Diogo Franco, Aniston Fernandes, Romeo Fernandes - Nickson Castanha (Koko Sakibo), Clifton Gonsalves (Myron Fernandes)

Churchill Brothers SC
Felix D'Souza - Denzil Franco, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Lamine Tamba, Yumnam Raju Mangang - Hasten D'Costa (Biswajit), Richard Costa, Bikramjit Singh, Alesh Sawant (Jaison Vales) - T. Bineesh Balan, Sunil Chhetri

Churchill Brothers unveil signings Sunil Chhetri & Lamine Tamba

Churchill Brothers have unveiled their latest signings India captain Sunil Chhetri and Senegalese defender Lamine Tamba. Goan I-League side have been one of the most active sides in the winter transfer period ahead of the restart of the I-League next month in their quest to win the title for a second time.

After losing Lebanese defender Bilal Sheikh El Najjarin to UAE Pro League side Fujairah SC and his fellow countryman striker Akram Moghrabi deciding to leave, the club had to replace the duo with suitable replacements.

In came defender Lamine Tamba, who had earlier played for Mahindra United, Pune FC and Air India; plusAfghan striker Belal Arezou on loan from Norwegian 2nd Division side Asker FK as well as India captain Sunil Chhetri on loan from Sporting Clube de Portugal.

The club under technical director Subhas Bhowmick and coach Mariano Dias hope to keep the momentum going in their title challenge.

BREAKING NEWS: Sunil Chhetri joins Churchill Brothers on loan from Sporting CP!

In a surprise move Goan I-League side Churchill Brothers have taken India captain Sunil Chhetri on loan for the remainder of the ongoing 2012/13 season from Sporting Clube de Portugal.

As per FIFA regulations, Chhetri's professional contract at Sporting CP was extended until June 2014, which thereafter allowed him to move back to India for the rest of the I-League season as well as the Red Machines' AFC Cup campaign.

The signing of Sunil Chhetri will surely boast Churchill Brothers quest to win the back the I-League title, while for Chhetri after months with little playing time in Portugal it is a chance to get more regular football.

Sporting Clube de Portugal wishes to highlight the professionalism and dedication shown by Sunil Chhetri, who will return to Portugal in the 2013/14 pre-season as part of the clubs 'B' team for whom the India captain had signed last summer.

Sunil Chhetri: Transition from club to International football stays crucial

India captain Sunil Chhetri stays aware of the demands of an international friendly. A day prior to India's match against Palestine, Chhetri spoke at length to AIFF Media about the mood in the Camp, team-spirit, his assessment of Palestine, recreation of the Nehru Cup magic, the 'new faces' and much more.


How is the mood in the Camp?

It's very positive. All my colleagues who have headed straight into Kochi from the I-League aren't carrying any injuries. That's important. Injuries would have hampered our training, especially given the fact that we are going into the match after just two full sessions. But despite that, we stay optimistic.


Can the magic of Nehru Cup be recreated?

We need to have the same momentum which we had during the Nehru Cup – right form our first match against Syria to the final - which we won against Cameroon. We stuck to our plan and stood beside each other – both on and off the field. Sticking together stays the plan even now. Apart from the Palestine friendly, I'm eagerly looking forward to the camp in Pune for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.


What's most challenging in an international friendly?

It's all about the tempo and the intensity of play. You just cannot compare an international friendly with a club match. If you look at the basics, e.g., the kms which a player has run – it's much higher. The transition from club football to an international friendly, that too within two days is very challenging indeed.


What's your assessment of Palestine as a team?

We haven't seen much of them but have watched some videos. If you look at their last Tournament, the West Asia Cup (December 2012), they had a fairly good result. They were clubbed with Oman, Kuwait and Lebanon and had some good results. But it's been two months since then. They have brought in some new faces as has Indian Coach Wim Koevermans.

You need to remember that they are ranked higher than us and it will be a tough match for us. But at the same time, we play at Home and how we react to the challenge will be crucial.


There's a quite a number of 'new faces' – how have they settled in?


It's always an ongoing process. All the 'new faces' are all very talented and have earned their place in the squad. They need to be given their space and understand the demands of the team at the same time. They are giving their best and we are going all out to make them comfortable and feel at home.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Team India arriving in Kochi for Palestine friendly

Here the report from Indiavision on Team India arriving over the weekend in Kochi for the international friendly against Palestine on Wednesday, February 6. The report involves statements from Wim Koevermans and Sunil Chhetri.

First batch of Team India players arrive in Kochi

The first batch of the Team Indian players including head coach Wim Koevermans, captain Sunil Chhetri and current AIFF Player-of-the-Year Syed Rahim Nabi arrived in Kochi on today ahead of India's international friendly against Palestine scheduled to be played on Wednesday, February 6.

Among other players, Sandip Nandy, Lenny Rodrigues, Denzil Franco, Nirmal Chhetri and Jewel Raja Sheikh also arrived as did assistant coach Savio Medeira and the teams support staff. The remaining members of the squad will be joining the team tomorrow.

Chhetri, Nabi, Jewel and Nirmal Chhetri were even part of a limbering session at the majestic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the late afternoon.

"It's a wonderful feeling for any Coach to see his boys assembling again. They head into Kochi straight from the I-League and we intend to make use of the next few days ahead of our match against Palestine," Koevermans said.

Chhetri who landed in New Delhi on Friday afternoon from Portugal looked fresh despite having travelled 'almost half of the World' in the last 24 hours.

"I'm back in my country and this time I'm in 'God’s Own Country'," he smiled as he referred to Kerala. "The State has a huge fan following for the sport and has produced so many wonderful players over the years." he uttered. "I expect a huge football loving crowd cheering us against Palestine on the 6th."

"It's exciting to meet my teammates once again. Obviously we cross our paths in the I-League every week but the National Camp is above everything," Nabi maintained. "Expectations run high after our Nehru Cup triumph and we are looking forward for the match against Palestine," he added. "And you only get to meet Sunil in the National Camp," he joked as everyone burst into a hearty laugh.

"I've heard about the football tradition of Kerala," Koevermans uttered. "I've been told about the football exploits of the 'Black Pearl' I.M. Vijayan, and Joe Paul Ancheri," he informed.

Goalkeeper Sandip Nandy, who has been summoned for the Friendly said 'the call has served as the biggest motivation for him'.

"This is perhaps the biggest motivation a player can ever ask for. I had been working hard and will be working harder from now on. I had never lost my self belief and it's heartening that good performances are being rewarded. I need to thank Koevermans for that," Sandip opined.

The practice session tomorrow will kick-off at 5pm at the Nehru Stadium.

(Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Wim Koevermans names 23 players squad for Palestine friendly in Kochi

Team India coach Wim Koevermans has named his 23 players squad for the international friendly against Palestine on Wednesday, February 6 to be played at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

Koevermans, under whom India had won the 2012 Nehru Cup, maintained it's a very important match for India. "We need to assess ourselves. We need more such matches," Wim told Aiff Media.

Captain Sunil Chhetri, who plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B', added, "Unless you play International Friendlies you cannot gauge where you stand. We stay grateful to AIFF for arranging the match."

"The passion for the sport in the Kerala stays unparallel and we expect a full house cheering for us against Palestine," Sunil further stated.

Koevermans has been travelling across India to watch as many I-League matches as possible to name his squad for the friendly. Interestingly seasoned Sandip Nandy makes a comeback in the squad as does Lalkamal Bhowmick, while 'Player of Indian origin' Izumi Arata gets his first call-up as does winger C.K. Vineeth.

Meanwhile Koevermans has named 14 stand-byes in-case any of his 20 players called-up get injured and can be replaced ahead of the friendly.

The squad will assemble in Kochi on Sunday, February 3 ahead of the match after their I-League engagements.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Sandip Nandy (Churchill Brothers SC), Subrata Pal (Prayag United SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar FC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chettri (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Prayag United SC), Gurjinder Kumar Singh (Pune FC)

Midfielders
Izumi Arata (Pune FC), Lalkamal Bhowmick (Prayag United SC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), C.K. Vineeth (Prayag United SC)

Forwards
Sunil Chhetri (Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B'), Manandeep Singh (East Bengal Club), Sushil Kumar Singh (Shillong Lajong FC)

Stand-Byes
Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), L. Dhanachandra Singh (Prayag United SC), Sandesh Jhingan (United Sikkim FC), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal Club), Gurwinder Singh (East Bengal Club), Shylo Malswam Tulunga (Prayag United SC), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar FC), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal Club), Peter Carvalho (Dempo SC), W. Tomba Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Asif K. (Prayag United SC), Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Robin Singh (East Bengal Club), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC),

Officials
Wim Koevermans (Head Coach), Savio Medeira (Assistant Coach), Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach)

Koevermans names India probables for Singapore friendly

Indian national football team Coach Wim Koevermans has named 31 probables for India's international friendly against Singapore scheduled on October 16 in Singapore. The final list of 20 players would be announced after the opening round of the I-League.

Koevermans has called-up all 20 players who were part of the 2012 Nehru Cup winning squad besides calling-up numerous players who had been part of the Nehru Cup probables. The surprise additions have been Air India defensive duo of Prateek Chowdhary and Mohanraj Pradeep.


INDIA Probables

Goalkeepers
Arindam Bhattacharya (Mohun Bagan AC), Subrata Pal (Prayag United SC), Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chettri (Mohun Bagan AC), Prateek Chowdhary (Air India), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Nallappan Mohanraj (Pune FC), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Mohanraj Pradeep (Air India), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Prayag United SC), Gurwinder Singh (East Bengal Club), Irungbam Khelemba Singh (Mohun Bagan AC)

Midfielders
Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Romeo Fernandes (Dempo SC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Sanju Pradhan (East Bengal Club), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal Club), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC)

Forwards
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B'), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Manandeep Singh (East Bengal Club), Robin Singh (East Bengal Club)

Officials
Wim Koevermans (Head Coach), Savio Medeira (Assistant Coach), Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach)

Sunil Chhetri makes official Sporting B league debut

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri finally made his league debut for his side Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B' in the Portuguese Second Division (Liga de Honra) against SC Freamunde as he came on as a second half substitute.

SCP 'B' won 2-0 away to SC Freamunde through a brace from Ricardo Esgaio (49th & 65th minute) with Sporting B moving-up a place into second place in the league table behind Belenenses Lisboa.

Sunil Chhetri had gotten some playing time for Sporting B in pre-season, but then he was away for a few weeks on India assignment at the 2012 Nehru Cup and then returned as the tournaments champion and 'Most Valuable Player'.

But at Sporting B he had to start from scratch, get accustomed again and integrate into a working team as the young Sporting B side have been impressive since the start of the Liga de Honra season.

Finally yesterday Sporting B coach Oceano Andrade da Cruz gave Sunil Chhetri his league debut in the 84th minute and one can only hope it was the first of many more to come from the India captain. As the match had been decided by then it was an uneventful first game for Sunil Chhetri.


Please LIKE www.facebook.com/arunfoot & follow @Arunfoot on Twitter to get further updates on Sunil Chhetri's season at Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B' Team along with further news on what Players of Indian origin are doing across Europe!

Sunil Chhetri's Sporting Lisbon B could tour India next month!

India captain Sunil Chhetri is back in Europe at Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B' after the Nehru Cup triumph earlier this month in New Delhi, but the Delhi boy could be back in India sooner then he himself might have thought.

Then Sporting Clube de Portugal have agreed in principle to send their SCP 'B' team to India on an exposure trip over the week October 9 to 15 during the FIFA break.

Nothing is finalised, but SCP and their Indian partners are currently working on plans for a week long trip to India.

More information in the coming days

VIDEO - CNN-IBN: Chhetri - Beating Cameroon is huge!

India captain Sunil Chhetri spoke to English language news channel CNN-IBN after the final victory against Cameroon at the 2012 Nehru Cup on Sunday. Here the video clip of that interview!

VIDEO: India's Three goals against Maldives!

India beat the Maldives 3-0 in the 2012 Nehru Cup tonight. Two goals from captain Sunil Chhetri and another from left wing-back Syed Rahim Nabi sealed the win for India. Here the goals for you all to watch!!!