Mamurdi: Pune FC will be keen to build on their impressive start to the 2015-16 Under-18 I-League campaign when they host Kenkre FC in a second round Maharashtra Zone encounter at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Saturday.
While joint leaders Pune FC (3 points) will be confident going into their first home game after drubbing PIFA Colaba 8-0 on Sunday, the task at hand won’t be an easy one going by the past clashes between the two sides. For the record, Pune FC are yet to log a home win over Kenkre having been held to back-to-back draws (4-4 in 2013-14; 1-1 in 2014-15) in the last two seasons.
“We began with a big win, but can’t be complacent. The league has just started and there is a long way to go so we need to stay focussed on the task at hand. The home games are crucial and we will go for all three points,” said Pune FC Coach Naushad Moosa on the eve of the clash.
Interestingly, the game will also be the first time Pune FC plays a competitive game at home this season. Moreover, having so far played all competitive games on artificial turfs, the clash on the morrow will also be Pune FC’s first game on their favoured natural turf.
“After the performance against PIFA, the boys are confident ahead of our first home game. We have been working on our strengths and weaknesses throughout the week. We will still be missing a few key players like in the first game, but I have full faith on our bench strength,” added Coach Moosa.
Over the years, both sides have faced off four times in the competition. While Pune FC have remained unbeaten in these games logging two wins, the fact that they haven’t won at home against Kenkre is something they will be eager to change.
Head-2-Head
27/01/2015 – Kenkre FC 2-5 Pune FC at Mumbai
02/01/2015 – Pune FC 1-1 Kenkre FC at Pune
21/02/2014 – Pune FC 4-4 Kenkre FC at Pune
17/01/2014 – Kenkre FC 0-3 Pune FC at Mumbai
