Kibu Vicuna does not have time to celebrate his boys' I-League-3 title! The footballers have been given a few days' rest after they won the League on Sunday, playing 12 rigorous matches continuously (3 games in the CFL Premier Division and 9 in the I-League-3). 

But the 52-year-old Spanish coach seems to have started planning for the CFL Premier Division title! “We are only two points behind East Bengal. There is a chance of clinching the CFL title also. So we should not give up,” Kibu revealed while speaking to Parallel Sports on Monday morning. 

When asked about the team's triumph in I-League-3 and qualifying for the Second Division I-League, Kibu stated, "Still miles to go. We will have to earn qualification for the elite I-League from the Second Division and then win the elite I-League for the qualification to the ISL. Then the cycle might end."

The cycle started two years ago when Diamond Harbor FC began their journey from scratch. The coach explains the scouting of the footballers and the selection of the team was a major task. 

"I am thankful to the club's top brass, other executives, and my assistant coaches for helping me to scout quality footballers at that time. We were able to gather quality footballers, especially the Bengali footballers.” Kibu divulged.

DHFC has roped in around 19 Bengali footballers this season. 

When asked about the key factors behind the team's success, the I-League-winning Spanish manager for Mohun Bagan explained that along with the selection of footballers, the dressing-room atmosphere was another major factor. "The club did a great job by keeping the whole team in a hotel which created togetherness and spirit," added Kibu. 

The coach wants at least six-seven weeks' of intense preparation for the Second Division I-League, scheduled to kick off in January next season. He also plans to request the club to organize a few preparatory matches against teams from other states or participate in a quality competition. 

Regarding the team, the experienced coach asserts that he wants the same footballers to be retained for the Second Division I-League. 

"The addition of three to four quality footballers will be okay to strengthen the team as the Second Division I-league is tougher. Most of the experienced and quality teams will vie for the championship," commented Kibu.