Bhubaneswar: After a damaging 3-1 defeat against East Bengal FC at home, Odisha FCW now faces a crucial match against Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women’s League on Saturday at the Kalinga Stadium here.
Odisha FC women are the defending champions, but with a much changed team since last season, coach Crispin Chhetri knows the importance of securing victory in every remaining game. He emphasized the need for his young team to find the right coordination and chemistry to secure a win. He stated, "This year we have very young players. We have individual players, but we don’t have a team yet. Last year, we had a strong team, but most of the players are new this season. We are training hard and working on building that bond within the team. For the title, we need to create better coordination and give 100% in every match. There’s no turning back now."
Currently sitting 3rd in the league table with 11 points, Odisha FC faces an uphill battle to retain the title. Gokulam Kerala FC is in 2nd place with 17 points, just one point behind the table-toppers, East Bengal FC. Crispin reflected on the importance of the match, saying, "Tomorrow’s game is very important for us. If we win, the title race will still be on, but if we lose or draw, it will make winning the title more difficult. We’re training hard for rest of the fixtures, and everyone knows how crucial it is. The team mentality must be positive, and we will do everything to win."
However, Odisha FC will be without key players due to injury. Grace and Tanvi will miss the game, leaving a gap in the midfield. Crispin addressed these absences, stating, "Yes, we have a problem in the midfield with these injuries, but we have options. Kashmina is available, but she needs time to play a full match. However, I always motivate my players to prove themselves, and I don’t want to make any excuses."
Appreciating the fans, Crispin shared his appreciation for the growing support of Odisha FC. "I remember when I first arrived here in Odisha, the men’s team was playing, and there were only a handful of Juggernauts and fans supporting the team. But in three years, the number has grown significantly, and now more people are coming, some even bringing their families. This is what football culture looks like. The same support is seen for the women’s team in the last two matches, and I’m sure one day, we’ll have a much larger crowd."
On the defensive front, Odisha FC has been facing challenges this season. Nimita, when asked about the defense, said, "I know this year we need to work on teamwork and coordination. We have made a lot of mistakes in the past, but now it’s time to correct them and work better as a team."
With an unwavering focus on the title, Nimita encouraged fans to continue supporting the team. "We aim to win the title, and I request our fans to come in large numbers and support us, just like they did in the last two matches. Your support means a lot, and with it, we’ll perform better on the field and clinch the title."
