Sudeep Pakrashi:
Ahead of her maiden CFL Premier Division match as a full-time coach Sujata remembers the coaches she played under. The first-ever female coach in the men’s CFL Premier Division this season sounded quite cautious before her South Samity start their campaign in the CFL Premier Division this season on 28th June against Sreebhumi FC.
The former India international who has been a successful coach in Indian women’s football so far, was with Southern Samity also in the last season but not as a full-time coach. CFL
2025 is going to be her maiden assignment as a full-time coach.
Sujata while speaking to Parallel Sports revealed, “The footballers are mostly, young below 25 years although a couple of experienced including William Lalnunfela, who once played for Mohun Bagan have joined the squad. Still, I would say our team consist of the energetic young boys mainly.”
When asked about the style of guiding she applies to the boys, Sujata who guided Sreebhumi FC women’s team to reach the third spot in the elite IWL last season, divulged, “My style of coaching is a blend of all those ingredients that I gained from my playing career. Several former coaches are there whose coaching methods have benefitted me. I remember Debu Mukherjee’s name at the beginning of my career. I learned the basics of the game from him. Then after entering the professional world of football, I gained a lot from coaches like Kuntala Ghosh Dastider, and Harjinder Singh. Even as an assistant coach of the national team, I learned many parts of coaching from Vivek Nagul. So, now, my coaching style is a new one that consists of the methods of three famous and experienced coaches.”
After almost a three-week extensive training at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium ground and a five-day residential camp at Naihati Stadium, Sujata is expecting Southern Samity will qualify for the ‘super-six’ phase.
When asked about the team spirit, Sujata said, “The five-day residential preparatory camp at Naihati Stadium must have helped the footballers to build up a bonding and I hope that will be reflected in the matches.”
