The only team from Bengal has been competing to reach the elite I-League next year-Sahil Harijan feels encouraged while thinking about it. 

The striker who guided United Sports to earn full points in their opening match of the Second Division I-League against Sporting Club Bengaluru wants to continue scoring in the team's next home match also against Delhi's Sudeva FC on Friday at Kalyani Stadium. This has been his maiden I-league.

Sahil admitted, “Whenever I think of the fact that United SC is the only team from Bengal which is vying for the qualification for the elite I-league, I feel encouraged. But at the same time, it might create a little bit of psychological pressure. The responsibility is on all of us to ensure the qualification. We need to earn full points at our home matches." 

Sahil is aware of the latest discussion going on around the country, especially after the senior national team's disastrous exit from the Asian Cup. It is footballers with a strong physique and quality height are needed. 

Sahil smiled and commented, "The Delhi side may field the footballers with strong physiques and fair height. I often try to apply the cerebrum while playing. So I am also prepared mentally to overcome the odds of strength and height.” 

Significantly, a formidable response from the emigrant Bengalis seems to be bolstering United SC to continue its journey in the second division I-league. The club which has been exploring and nurturing potential footballers across the Bengal has been running its show without any financial help from any corporate house so far. 

The club's top brass has been trying to develop some financial strength through crowd funding. It has been learned, that the emigrant Bengalis, especially from Singapore have come forward with financial assistance. 

The club's director Nabab Bhattacharya attributed to the Bengalis and said, "They also seem to be motivated by the fact that we are the only team from Bengal, competing in the ongoing Second Division I-league to earn the qualification for the elite I-league. We have so far received nearly Rs 3.5 lakh. We are thankful to everybody, especially to the expatriate Bengalis." 

However, the team’s coaching staff is happy with the boys’s performance against Sporting Club, especially in the second session. Steve Herbots, the chief coach is cautious about Friday’s opposition although he feels the full points in the opening match should increase the boys’ spirit in Friday’s match.