Bhutia launches football club in new avatar

Kolkata: Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia was seen in a new avatar when he launched his

football club -- United Sikkim. Co-owned by Bhutia, music maestro Shankar Mahadevan and FidelisWorld, the club`s aim is to make it to the I-League next season by qualifying from second division. Boasting the national team`s trio of Bhutia, Rennedy Singh and N S Manju, the club will mark its debut when it takes on Langsing Sports Club on March 31 in a group A second Division League fixture. Unveiling the club jersey and logo, Bhutia said it was a historic occasion for him as realised his dream of owning a club, which will be coached by Stanley Rozario. "As a national player for over a decade (more than 15 years), I had a dream to own a football club. I see it fulfilled today. It`s a historic day. I wish to make United Sikkim a big name in India," Bhutia said. Bhutia said he had started the club in a small way two years back but could make things happen after getting the support of Mahadevan and FidelisWorld. "I was struggling but after meeting like-minded people in Dubai, the dream got fulfilled." An emotional Bhutia said it was important to launch the club in Kolkata, where he started his career 17 years back. "Bhaichung Bhutia was made in Kolkata... I started my life here. So it was very important to launch the club here, though it`s based in Sikkim." The main target is to play in the I-League and build it from there. "We are confident of qualifying this year itself and set an example. We have a three-year target in mind in case we miss this time around." In the hot seat as player as well as the owner, Bhutia said it was very challenging to build his team. "It`s a big challenge. Like roping in Rennedy (Singh), but I am completely enjoying the role. I want to develop infrastructure and work on youth development programme in Sikkim.” "I want this to be a perfectly professionally-managed club in India. We have a good mix of players." Mahadevan of the Shankar-Ehsan-Loy musical fame, who composed the popular World Cup theme song `De Ghuma Ke` said he wanted to compose something different for the club. "I am composing a song for the team. I hope it will be as popular as my previous songs," Mahadevan said. Coach Rozario said it`s a good sign for Indian football with players like Bhutia getting into sports management. "The team has a lot of potential and with Bhutia involved we will be roaring lions," Rozario said referring to the logo. "This is the second club from the Northeast (after Shillong Lajong FC). The boys have a killer instict here. I am sure it will be a success," Rozario, a former Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Shillong Lajong coach, said. The squad : Bhaichung Bhutia, N S Manju, Rennnedy Singh, Debjit Majumder, Muttath Suresh, Bijoy Das, Tanmay Ghosh, Budhiram Tudu, Joseph Daniel, Pradip Hembrom, Beikhokhoi Beingaichho, K Kulothungan, Sukdeb Ghosh, Lalrinfela, Prem Kumar, Pranesh Dewan, Tenzing Tsephel Bhutia, Mayal Dok Lepcha, Tashi Tseten Bhutia, M Bijen Singh, Jiten Rai, Sagar Rai, Nim Tshering Lepcha and Sumit Thapa; Foreigners: APD Carvalho, Joseph Lapira, Mituski Ichihara, John D Menyongar. Coach: Stanley Rozario. PTI