‘ Minerva filling up JCT’s void in Punjab’
Former national coach Sukhwinder Singh, the man who guided JCT to the inaugural National Football League in 1996- 97, feels Minerva Punjab FC’s rise was necessary for Punjab football.
“A team from Punjab is finally filling up the void left by JCT. Minerva is a much- needed boost, it was necessary for Punjab football. It will motivate boys in the state to do well as they now have a platform to prove themselves,” said Sukhwinder in a media release.
“Punjab has a lot of football talent and Minerva is providing that platform to them. Winning a league is not easy, but I am excited that they are still in it to win it,” he added. “With Minerva’s success, I hope more people will take up the sport.” Reflecting on the current I- League season, he said the tournament has been “extremely” competitive.
Sukhwinder recollected a dramatic moment when JCT were crowd champions in the NFL first edition.
“We were playing against Dempo in Goa while Churchill were playing in Chennai. We needed a win and Churchill were required to drop points for us to win the league. We won the match but all of us were standing clueless in the middle of the ground,” he smiled.
“With no mobile phones back then, we had no way of knowing of what was happening in the other match. Finally, a representative from the TV broadcaster came up to me all smiling saying Congratulations Mr Singh, you all are the champions!”