New Delhi: He has been the top scorer for Dempo in I-League football this season so far. With 15 goals from 14 rounds, Ranti Martins Soleye has been the key striker for the Goan Club since long and he aims to finish as the top scorer this season. In an interview, Ranti talks about his performance, his life in India and his rivalry with his country mate and Mohun Bagan’s talismanic striker Odefe Okolie. Excerpts:

How much satisfying is it to score goals?

It feels great and obviously feels good when you score goals. The support from my family and teammates help me focus on the field. My goals have so far helped my team stay at the top of the I-League. I feel, the situation stays the same till the end.

You have spearheaded Dempo’s attack since 2004. Describe your experience with the Goan giants.

It’s been a learning curve for me. It’s also an honour to play for such a prestigious Club. Dempo have always had a handful of players who regularly play for the Indian National Team, from whom you get to learn a lot. I have no complaints so far.

What is the secret behind Ranti the goal machine?

Hard work and dedication stay the most important. Besides, the support of my management, teammates and family can never be undermined.


Where do you see Indian football heading towards?

The quality of play has certainly improved in the last decade. I feel attention needs to be paid towards building of infrastructure, as well as grooming and support the young talent. There is lot of talent in India -- all one needs to do is to identify them and provide them the right platform.


Foreign Strikers have hogged the limelight in the I-League for some years now. Are Indian strikers not good enough?

There’s not much difference between Indian and foreign strikers. Look at Jeje Lalpekhlua and Joaquim Abranches – they are exceptional -- good as any foreign recruit. The sole difference stays that we (foreigners) start football at very young age -- by 11-12. Besides, the infrastructure foreign recruits practice at that age helps groom them as a player. I’d only say Indian strikers need to be a bit more positive.


What about your rivalry with Odafe Okolie?

Odafa is an exceptional talent. He inspires and challenges me to work harder. Both of us are different kind of players but he is my compatriot and we hail from the same country. Our objectives stay the same – score goals and help our respective teams win. We are good pals – there’s no rivalry.


What’s your take on Dempo’s I-League campaign?

Though the last few rounds have been difficult for us, we are on the right track for sure. We would have some more recruits joining us soon which would make us stronger.

By Upender Singh