DSK Shivajians FC attempt to enter I-League as a corporate entity will be decided this week. The Pune-based side, listed among I-League Second Division sides for 2015-16 season, awaits feedback from All India Football Federation on November 12, following a meeting by the evaluation committee.
The club is owned by DSK Group, whose company DSK Dream City recently signed up with ISL franchise FC Goa as one of the associate sponsors. Brazilian legend Zico, FCG Head Coach, visited the DSK Shivajians International Campus on Saturday where football is one of many sporting facilities.
Pune football took a double blow after I-League last season when two city-based teams backed by established companies— Bharat FC (owned by Bharat Forge Limited) and Pune FC (Peninsula Land Limited as principal sponsor) decided against taking part in I-League First Division for 2015-2016.
Bharat FC ended up last in 11th position on debut in I-League 2014-2015 and being a corporate entity, was guaranteed against relegation, as per AIFF decision to waive relegation for three seasons to encourage corporate participation in India’s national league. PFC finished fifth last season.
DSK Shivajians hope to occupy one slot, rendered vacant by the exit of these two in I-League First Division.
“We have already appointed Derrick Pereira as Head Coach. Once the clearance comes through, other decisions will follow,” said club president Shirish Kulkarni.
“Pereira was Head Coach at Pune FC earlier before moving to Salgaocar SC in Goa. Derrick is an experienced and respected coach and will take decisions regarding players for I-League,” he added. The ex-India defender, based in Goa, holds an AFC Professional Coaching Licence.
The Pune-based group tied up with English Premier League club Liverpool FC, resulting in launch of Liverpool DSK International Academy. The Indian senior national squad, coached by Stephen Constantine, trained there as part of World Cup Asian Zone qualifier preparations.
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