Marcus wants golden boot and I-League title

KOCHI:

Gokulam Kerala

captain

Marcus Joseph

is certain the

I-League

will never lose its prominence in

Indian football

even though the once premier league in the country has lost its place to the Indian Super League, a gradual changeover that has eventually come into force this season.


After much delay as the 2019-20 season of the I-League is finally set to begin November 30, with Gokulam one of the two hosts on the opening day, the Trinidadian striker has reassured that their approach to the campaign will be just as forceful, and their ambition no less tangible as it was when the league had sat at the top of the football pyramid.

"I-League is a tough competition and the importance of the tournament never fades away, whichever tier it is," said Marcus Joseph as he prepares to continue his free-scoring form from pre-season against Neroca FC on Saturday.

Marcus scored at will in the early season warmer, Durand Cup that Gokulam lifted in Kolkata late August. With 11 goals, including a brace in the final, the 28-year-old has now set his reset his season goals. "I will score between 30 to 40 goals in the league. Golden boot is my aim," Marcus said.

Asked if he considers Gokulam that finished second from bottom in the league last season, to be pushing for the title this time around, based on their recent form that also saw them make the semifinals of a hard-fought Sheikh Kamal Club Cup in Chittagong in October, Marcus was unwavering in his response.

"We need to win the league. All the boys are pepped up for that and we want to make know the country we are formidable opponents. The league will be tougher than other tournaments but we need to evolve. The expectations are high and the aim is to keep up it."

Gokulam have made a handful of notable additions, including goalkeeper Ubaid CK, midfielder Nathaniel Garcia, Rahul KP, Jithin MS, Zohib Amiri and Bruno Pelissari, and Marcus feels they are a well-knit unit under their Spanish head Santiago Varela.

"The boys are so good. They are also enthusiastic about the season.. Training is going well and after a good pre-season, we believe we will be able to crack the league this season," said Marcus.