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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) were due to unveil the I-League much earlier in September but held back due to India’s World Cup qualifiers and to increase the excitement and euphoria around it.
The league will be played with 10 teams and each year four clubs shall be promoted to the I-League and two relegated, in the AIFF’s quest to increase the number of teams to 16.


Dempo
Dempo are confident of defending their title in the new I-League. Speaking to a local daily, Dempo coach Armando Colaco said, “We are high on confidence and the boys are very keen to offer their best in the I-League. So we are prepared for the challenge.”
So far, Dempo have just managed to win the Goa League this season. The strength of the Goan side is second to none as they have some of the best talents in the country.
With Mohun Bagan, they have been the smartest buyers in the summer transfer window as they landed former JCT striker Chidi Edeh and India’s best defender Mahesh Gawli.
Skipper Ranti Martins wants to give the Indian fans the last treat this season as he prepares to go to Bohemian FC next year. Ranti has scored 29 goals in the last two NFL’s and is even hungrier this time around.
“Yes, I am looking forward to making a significant contribution,” said Ranti.


Salgaocar
Meanwhile, Salgaocar are back in the top division after a year of oblivion and determined not to make the mistakes of the ’05-’06 season which saw them relegated.
Salgaocar played well in the Durand Cup where they reached the semi finals only to lose to Mahindra United on penalties.
So how are the preparations for the I-League?
“So far so good. We need to start positively in the I-League,” says Coach Savio Medeira.
The General Secretary of the club Mr.Raj Gomes was upbeat and said, “We want to put on a good show this season.”
Asked by Goal.com to predict today’s result, he says: "We will give our shot. Winning is fantastic and we want to but, one has to remember this is a game and someone has to lose.”
Felix Chimaokwu, Malsawmtulunga, Pires and Anil Kumar will be key to Salgaocar’s success this season.


The teams:
Dempo: Nacimento Silveira, Satish Kumar, Samir Naik, Mahesh Gawli, Nicolau Borges, Valeriano Rebello, Chidi Edeh, Joaquim Abranches, Peter Carvalho, John Dias, Cressan Antao, Abhijit Mondal, Anthony Pereira, Beto, Jphnny D’Cruz and Ranti Martins (captain)
Salgaocar: Marcus Basumatari, Navjot Singh, Milagrio Medeira, Nicholas Rodrigues, Joe Rodrigues, Zico Costa, Premjit Singh, Francis Fernandes, Francis Andrade, Malswamtulunga, Sachin Gawas, Jerose Oliviera, Remus Gomes, Nicolau Colaco, Peter Costa, Agneo Colaco, Vincent Pires, Samson Fernandes, William Colaco, Biju Kumar, Hery Habimana, Anil Kumar, Felix Chimaokwu, Agnelo Baretto, Beevan D’Mello, Milagres Gonsalves and Rocus Lamare (captain)


Source:goal.com