Srinagar, Feb 1: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) is set to take on Shillong Lajong FC in their I-League match on Sunday at the TRC Ground in Srinagar.
Both teams currently share 16 points from 11 matches, making this a crucial encounter for both sides.
Addressing a pre-match press conference on Saturday, RKFC head coach Ishfaq Ahmad expressed confidence in securing a positive result.
“Shillong Lajong FC is a strong team, but we are hopeful of a win,” Ishfaq said.
He acknowledged the challenges RKFC has faced in away matches, particularly in adapting to different weather conditions.
“In away matches, we get very little time to adjust. From playing in sub-zero temperatures in Kashmir, we suddenly have to compete in places where the temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. It takes time to adapt,” he explained.
The head coach emphasized the need for an indoor stadium in Kashmir so that footballers can train properly during harsh winters. “Our training is affected in winter. An all-weather indoor stadium is necessary for better preparations,” he added.
RKFC player Mohammad Hammad also shared similar views, highlighting the advantage of playing at home. “Shillong Lajong FC is a good side, but playing at our home ground gives us an edge,” he said. He admitted that adapting to extreme temperature variations in away games remains a challenge but stated that professional footballers must learn to cope with it.
Shillong Lajong FC head coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia and player Phrangi Buam also addressed the media, sharing their expectations for the match.
RKFC is the only football club from Jammu and Kashmir competing in the I-League and is owned by Arshad Shawl.
