SWOT Analysis of the Top 5 Teams in the I-League
The 2015/16 edition of the I-League kicks off on January 9th The Hero I-League 2016 is all set to kick-off later today when defending champions Mohun Bagan entertain newly promoted Aizawl FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Lovers of the beautiful game in India will be hoping the I-League in 2016 will be similar to the 2015 season which was one of the most dramatic in recent history.Five time Indian champions Dempo were relegated after a six team slug fest on the penultimate day of the season, before Mohun Bagan nicked a late equalizer to snatch the title away from Bengaluru FC.India’s premier football league returns slightly curtailed after Pune FC and Bharat FC decided to shut up shop, leaving the league with just nine teams. But those involved have left no stone unturned in preparing their sides for the upcoming season which promises to be a lot closer and exciting than seasons gone by.Here we take a look at the SWOT analysis of the top five teams in the I-League.
#1 Mohun Bagan
Defending champions Mohun Bagan ended their long wait for the I-League title in pulsating fashion as they pipped Bengaluru FC to the title with a last gasp goal. However, not all has gone well for Sanjoy Sen’s victors as they were swept aside by arch rivals East Bengal in the Calcutta Football League en-route to their sixth successive local crown.
There have been quite a few departures from the Bagan camp, four of which went straight across the city to East Bengal which included Bagan’s title clinching goal scorer Bello Rasaq and Sehnaj Singh, C.S. Sabeeth and Johnny Raut. However Cornell Glenn, who fired sixteen goals last season has signed for Mohun Bagan along with the big money signing of Pronoy Halder.
Strength
Fiery flanks - Sony Norde and Yusa Katsumi were the primary reasons for Mohun Bagan’s triumph last term and once again the duo will be Mohun Bagan’s key weapon this campaign. With Jeje and Cornell Glenn upfront, Mohun Bagan has plenty of goals in them and will require some stopping this season. A solid midfield of Bikramjeet Singh and Pronoy Halder, Mohun Bagan’s attackers will have the platform to express themselves.
Weakness
Uncertain Defense – Bello Rasaq’s departure has left a big hole in Mohun Bagan’s defense. However, Luciano Sabrosa’s arrival from Pune FC will pretty much fill that void. But with Raju Gaikwad likely to partner Sabrosa in central defense, Mohun Bagan have plenty of uncertainties at the heart of the defense. The duo of Sabrosa and Gaikwad, who is naturally a full back will have to forge a solid partnership quickly, otherwise Mohun Bagan’s title defense could go for a toss.
Opportunity
With their nearest rivals, Bengaluru FC not strengthening too much, Mohun Bagan have the opportunity to really grab the league by the scruff of its neck and set an early marker. With the kind of fire power at their disposal, Mohun Bagan can get out of sight very quickly.
Threat
It is never easy to defend a title. Head Coach Sanjoy Sen will have to ensure his team is hungry as ever and fight for every inch. It is easy to get complacent after winning the league in the last term and the Mariners must not let any such complacency creep in. Their neighbours and arch rivals have strengthened substantially and the biggest threat to Mohun Bagan’s crown could come from their wounded enemy.