Ivory Coast defensive midfielder Didier Zokora, who will make his debut in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season for FC Pune City feels that the team has enough quality to go all the way in the competition and lift the title.
"I am sure we [FC Pune City] can win the ISL. I can see lots of potential in the dressing room. Both Indian and foreign players are very talented and if we play as a unit we can surely win the league," he told IBNLive.
There are good foreign players in the Pune squad- like Adrian Mutu, Tuncay Sanli and others who are very experienced, and they can really help the team going all the way in the competition," Zakora said over a telephonic conversation on Wednesday.
FC Pune City headed abroad to Turkey for their pre-season training and the former Tottenham Hotspur player hailed the experience and said it was beneficial. "It was an amazing tour. The pre-season tour really went well and we played good during the games. All the players are friendly and pre-season tours are very important ahead of important competitions. We will be better prepared now and the guys are looking ahead to the season," Zakora added.
Pune, who finished sixth last season, were very active in the transfer market and have improved their squad from last time around, and Zakora was delighted to be sharing the same dressing room with Mutu, who is Pune's marquee player as well.
"I have known him [Mutu] for last ten years - we are best of friends and I am very happy to be in the same team as of him. Together we want to do well and help take the team forward. Let's see what the season has store in for us."
The 34-year-old, who has also played for Sevilla in the past, said that he decided to join the ISL because it seemed to be an interesting and growing league. The footballer played for seven different clubs around the globe before joining the Indian league..
"I heard a lot of good things about it from other players and I wanted to take a new challenge. Lots of foreign and big players like Florent Malouda have joined - so of course it's a popular and an interesting league. I am very happy to be part of the ISL," the Ivory Coast international added.
Asked which of the Indian players have been impressive, Zakora said, "The potential is there with good quality Indian footballers in the team. The likes of Jackichand Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Lenny are very good players. They are very good with the ball and have the pace and quality to succeed."
When asked about how the level of Indian football can improve in the country, Zakora said that children should start taking football from young age in the cricket crazy country.
"We all know cricket is No.1 sport in India, but India needs to focus on the grassroot development and should groom the talent from a young age. The young boys should also believe in their ability and take the game seriously," Zakora concluded.
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