Dabang Mumbai News

Mumbai, 07 February 2015: Looking ahead to their first encounter against each other in the Hero Hockey India League 2015, both Kalinga Lancers and Dabang Mumbai are all geared up to lock horns at Mumbai tomorrow. With both teams having some of the finest players on their side, the duo is engaged in last minute strategising to gain edge over the other’s might.

Dabang Mumbai started the League with huge expectations when they drew their first match against the mighty Jaypee Punjab Warriors leaving the latter stunned and raising the hopes of many that they would be the team to look for in this season. At the same time, Kalinga Lancers also started their outing by defeating Ranchi Rays in the inaugural match 6-3. Tomorrow both Kalinga Lancers and Dabang Mumbai are all set to clash and it will be interesting to see who comes out victorious and which team will find it tougher to reach the semi-final spot.

The man to watch out tomorrow and who may make Kalinga Lancer’s going tough, will be the young Harmanpreet Singh, his ability to convert the penalty corners will be a matter of concern for Andrew Charter under the Kalinga Lancers goal post. Young Anup Amarpal Valmiki’s ability to tear past the defence of the opponents and reach the circle and give the much required balance to both Glenn Turner and Tom Boon is also likely to work in favour of Dabang Mumbai. The team will even look to Chinglensana Singh to showcase his ability to sneak in the goals and get the team on a strong position.On the other hand, with just one win in the kitty out of the six matches that the team has played, Kalinga Lancers will look at turning the tables round in their favour and ensure that they beat Dabang Mumbai tomorrow. With Gurjinder Singh again to sit out of tomorrow’s match, the onus to convert penalty corners will be on Gonzalo Peillat. Also eyes will also be on Lucas Villa and Russel Ford to create opportunities for the team and get the much required goals.

Speaking on the preparations and the expectations from tomorrow’s match, Head Coach of Kalinga Lancers, Jude Felix said, “In the last match against Ranchi Rays we missed out on penalty corners and did not materialize any scoring opportunities into goals. In the match tomorrow, our strategy will be to focus on our strengths and improve upon the weak areas. We are not at all de-moralized and intend to win tomorrow’s game.”

Talking on the upcoming match, Captain of Kalinga Lancers, Vickram Kanth stated, “It is an important match for us. The results till now have not been in our favour but we are not losing on hopes this time and will certainly come back in the tomorrow’s match. We will be looking forward to our defence to come out strong and aim to convert as many penalty corners as possible. Undoubtedly, the clash against Dabang Mumbai will be very competitive and we are excited to face them.”

Looking forward to win the match tomorrow, Head Coach of Dabang Mumbai Valentin Altenburg said, “While the team is penetrating the circle but what is not going in our favour is working together in the circle. We have been working on it in our practice session. Tomorrow we will ensure good possession of the ball and put pressure by attacking. Also have a strong defence work  in order to restrict the opponent’s from scoring.”

Kalinga Lancers will clash against Dabang Mumbai tomorrow at Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Mumbai at 1900 HRS IST.

The match will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.