ISL is a realistic dream for Real Kashmir: Ishfaq

Panaji: Real Kashmir are not among the favourites to win the I-League this season.
Inter Kashi and Gokulam Kerala FC were every neutral’s favourite before the start of the campaign. Given their foreign signings, some put their money on Sreenidi Deccan too. Once the I-League kicked off, Churchill Brothers FC raced to the top of the table, and at the halfway stage, that spot has been occupied by Namdhari FC, a surprise package.
Real Kashmir are fifth. Should they win the next game against Churchill at Fatorda on Thursday, they’ll jump to second on the table.
Who knows what might happen in the second leg of the competition?
“The ultimate goal for every team is to become champions and we are no different,” coach Ishfaq Ahmed told TOI on Wednesday. “At the start of the season, I told my players and myself too that one should always dream big. We are not here to fight relegation or fight for mid-table positions. We have our own aspiration; we want to become champions.”
Should Real Kashmir emerge on top in the I-League, they’ll earn a ticket to the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier league. It’s a dream that is alive, says Ishfaq, formerly a player and assistant coach with Kerala Blasters.
“We are trying to live that dream right now, trying to work on that. Hopefully, one day it comes true. Football is very strange. We have seen (league leaders) Namdhari or Churchill as good examples. They had brilliant results and they are leading. All these teams have real chance to win. If we get a good result against Churchill, we will be up there. There will be just two points difference between us and the team at the top. I think it’s a realistic dream,” said the coach.
Ishfaq understands the challenges of managing Real Kashmir and nursing title ambitions, never easy for a side that does not have a big budget to match the Golliaths. The change in management at the club with the death of Sandeep Chattoo brought in its own set of challenges.
“Our owner died and a new director came in. He has been very supportive. There are budget restrictions, we all know that. I always motivate the team to play good football, a good brand of football. But yes, there are difficulties, and we all know when you don't have as good a budget as the other teams, there are some areas where you have to compromise. We are dealing with that. As of now, thanks to God, it has not affected much,” said Ishfaq.
Real Kashmir have been strong at home, unbeaten, picking up 15 points from seven matches. Away from home though, the form has been of concern as they are yet to pocket a win.