Panaji: Coupled with new signings and faith in their academy graduates, Dempo SC are once again looking to climb up the Indian football pyramid.One of the country’s most successful clubs, the five-time national league champions will look to start on a winning note against debutants FC Bengaluru United at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday, 6.30pm.The IFL, which is the country’s second tier after the Indian Super League (ISL), has returned to the home and away format with 11 teams.“This season there is some clarity from the AIFF’s side because we are playing a double leg,” coach Samir Naik said on Saturday. “Last year, we played one round so it was challenging for all teams. It was not easy for coaches and players. This year, we have prepared well because the schedule was announced in time. It will be a good league. All the teams are equal.”While Dempo have shown trust in six academy players, they have also made key signings. There’s experienced midfielder Rowllin Borges, who has 132 appearances in the ISL, while Brazilian forward Cledson Carvalho has bolstered their attack and comes with experience in the IFL, having previously played for Namdhari SC.Another Brazilian, Jonathan Pereira Silva, has also joined while defender Athul Unnikrishnan joins from Gokulam Kerala FC and will partner Ghanaian Asonaning Budu.“Positive start is always good. If we win (the opener), we are surely fighting for the championship,” said Samir.Dempo have prepared well in the last three months and have won all three friendlies, including a 2-0 win against FC Goa. “We have won (friendlies) with good margin, good approach and good positivity,” he said. “I am satisfied with our preparation.”Goalkeeper Ayan Bhattacharya has returned to Dempo, who have only retained striker Richmond Owusu (Ghana) among the foreign players.“We trust our coach and our coach trusts us. We are going to start this league as a team. My goal is to do my best to help us work as one big team and win this championship,” said Richmond.Dempo have earlier faced Bengaluru United in I-League 2 and know what to expect from their opponents.“All teams in the league are equal for me, always. They are not here by chance and have worked really hard to be here,” said Samir.Free entry for spectatorsDempo SC have kept entry free for their opening Indian Football League match against FC Bengaluru United at Fatorda on Sunday.Entry will be free through gate number eight of the stadium and fans can occupy the West Stand Upper. Players, media, VIP and VVIP pass holders must enter through gate number one and vehicle entry is permitted only with a car pass.ACTION TODAYDempo SC vs FC Bengaluru United, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, 6.30pm
