Football

SUPER CUP 2025: Borja Herrera, the MasterCard for FC Goa

Published

3 months ago

April 29, 2025

Sayan Dey, Bhubaneswar: Last year Borja Herrera has won the Super Cup for East Bengal. Then he switched his team and joined FC Goa. In this year FC Goa has finished 2nd in the ISL. Now Borja & his company looking to seal the title in SUPER CUP. Before facing Mohunbagan Borja opens up in an interview with Ray Sportz.

Q: Last season you won the Super Cup title with East Bengal. Now your team FC Goa is in the semis. Share your journey with us.
Borja: It has been a beautiful journey so far. Last season, winning the Super Cup with East Bengal was very special for me, and this season with FC Goa, we have had a very good run, finishing 2nd in the ISL. Reaching the semifinals of the Super Cup is a result of the hard work of the entire team – players, coaches, staff – and I am proud to be part of this group. Now, we are focused on giving our best and trying to go all the way.
Q: Your team played very well in this season’s ISL but didn’t win the trophy. What is your team’s mentality for this Super Cup?
Borja: Our mentality is very clear – we want to win. We had a strong season in the ISL, but we know we can still achieve something big by winning the Super Cup. The team is motivated, focused, and ready to fight for the title. We want to give something back to the fans who have supported us all season.
Q: Super Cup winning team has a chance to play in the AFC. How excited are you to play at this stage?
Borja: Very excited! Every player dream of playing on the bigger stages, and the AFC competitions are very prestigious. It would be a big opportunity, not just for me but for the Club and for all the fans. We know what’s at stake, and it gives us even more motivation to push ourselves.
Q: You played a very good game in your last match against Punjab FC and also scored the equalizer. Now you play against Mohun Bagan in the semis. What is your personal target for this game?
Borja: Thank you. The goal against Punjab FC was important for the team. Against Mohun Bagan, my personal target is simple – help the team win. Whether it’s scoring, assisting, or working hard defensively, whatever the team needs, I am ready to give. Mohun Bagan is a strong team, but we believe in ourselves.
Q: Say something about your fans.
Borja: The fans are everything. Their love, their energy – it pushes us to give more on the pitch. Here at FC Goa, the fans have welcomed me very warmly, and I want to thank them from my heart. We will fight for them in every game, and we hope we can celebrate together very soon.

Football

CAS Verdict Restores Glory: Inter Kashi Crowned I-League Champions

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ray Sportz

Ray Sportz Web Desk: In a dramatic twist to the I-League 2024–25 season, Inter Kashi have officially been declared champions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee’s earlier ruling that had penalized the club.
The AIFF had previously stripped Inter Kashi of crucial points, citing the fielding of an allegedly ineligible player, thereby handing the title to Churchill Brothers. However, CAS ruled on July 18 that the deduction was unjustified, restoring Inter Kashi’s full points tally and their place atop the league with 42 points.
Following the CAS verdict, the AIFF confirmed it would comply with the decision, clearing the path for Inter Kashi to be officially recognized as the 2024–25 I-League champions. Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir finished second and third respectively.
This marks a historic moment for Inter Kashi, who now look set for promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), pending formalities.

East Bengal

East Bengal Boosts Squad with Trio of Foreign Signings

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Ray Sportz

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Emami East Bengal FC has strengthened its squad for the 2025–26 season by signing Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, Palestinian midfielder Mohammed Rashid, and Argentine defender Kevin Sibille.
All three players bring international experience and are expected to play key roles under head coach Oscar Bruzon. Figueira reunites with Bruzon after a successful stint at Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings. Rashid, a regular for the Palestinian national team, adds defensive solidity to the midfield, while Sibille, a River Plate Academy graduate, arrives from Spanish side SD Ponferradina to bolster the defense.
Coach Bruzon expressed confidence in the trio’s ability to make an immediate impact. “These are quality players who fit our tactical framework,” he said.
The players expressed excitement at joining East Bengal and looked forward to playing in front of passionate Kolkata fans.

East Bengal

Mumbai to Kolkata: Bipin Singh Begins New Chapter with East Bengal

Published

1 week ago

July 13, 2025

Ray Sportz

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Indian national team winger Bipin Singh Thounaojam has officially joined Emami East Bengal FC on a two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. The 29-year-old joins the Red & Gold Brigade on a free transfer from Mumbai City FC, where he spent seven years, making a record 158 appearances and scoring 28 goals with 17 assists.
Renowned for his speed and attacking flair, Bipin will wear jersey number 29. Welcoming him, Emami East Bengal’s Head of Football Thangboi Singto praised Bipin’s creativity and goal-scoring prowess, while Head Coach Oscar Bruzon highlighted his international pedigree and experience as key to strengthening the squad.
Bipin, who made his India debut in 2021, expressed excitement about joining the historic club, vowing to give his all to help East Bengal win titles and create memories for the fans.