The much-anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 is in the horizon and the fans are gearing up to chant the names of their favourite teams and players from 3 October. The teams have completed their signings and are training hard ahead of the second edition of the ISL.
One franchise has made sure that they bring in the best players from India and around the world for the forthcoming season of the ISL, and they are FC Pune City. Former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla midfielder Didier Zokora is also one of their top-class signings for this year's ISL. He believes that FC Pune City can emerge as the champions of ISL 2015.
"I believe we can be champions at the end of the tournament. I know it's not a prediction but I believe. When I saw the talent in the squad, I knew we could challenge the likes of Chennaiyin, Delhi, Kolkata etc and the first task is to beat them and their players. We are working extremely hard and the preparations have kept going well. I love this team and I know the effort that the Indian players are taking, in front of my eyes. The aim from my side is to set a great example," Zokora said in an exclusive interview to Goal.com.
Zokora expressed his happiness and stated that he is delighted to be a part of such a hardworking team. The Ivory Coast international, who also played in the last FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, revealed that it was coach David Platt who made him understand the decision of the new challenge in life and he will be sharing his experience with the fellow Indian players. He also reiterated that it was his best decision to join FC Pune City for the upcoming star-studded league.
"I'm so happy to be here. When I was discussing with the coach (David Platt) and he revealed to me the importance of this challenge, I was really happy. For me it was the best decision to come to FC Pune City. I've come to the ISL to share my experiences with all the Indian players and in that regard, I'm really lucky to be here. I'd like to give the best for the franchise. I've played in clubs all over the world like Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla in my career spanning 17 years and to come here is a challenge I'm looking forward to and I'm happy to be here," Zokora added.
Zokora also went on to heap praise on his fellow Indian midfielder in the side, Eugeneson Lyngdoh. The former Sevilla man said that Eugeneson is a clever player and he has a terrific presence of mind.
"Every player is very good, take for example Israil. But Eugeneson is very clever. He has awareness and he will push. I like him a lot. I think FC Pune City for me is a fresh challenge and a fresh life. I'm with such a good squad, which consists of talents like Israil (Gurung) and Eugeneson Lyngdoh. I want to fight for the success of this team and give everything," added the Ivory Coast midfielder.