Will Answer My Critics Tomorrow: Odafa

Odafa Okolie During I-league opening ceremony. Image Source: File Pic
Odafa Okolie During I-league Opening Ceremony. Image Source: File Pic

Barasat: Sporting Clube de Goa’s captain Odafa Okolie is all set to face an important encounter against his former club Mohun Bagan on Saturday. Odafa has been in blazing form in this year’s I-league as Sporting defeated Bengaluru FC 2-1 with the help of a brace from Odafa at Kanteerava, the fortress of BFC. He scored a brace too against Mumbai FC to guide Sporting Clube de Goa to a win in their last match 3-2 at Fatorda. With 5 goals from 7 matches in his tally he is the the third highest scorer in the league just behind Ranti Martins and Daryl Duffy. By his attitude it looks he is hungry for more. Sporting are in the fourth position in the league table with 11 points from their tally of 7 games.

On asking Odafa that is he viewing this match as a revenge on the Mariners, he replied, “As I am a striker, My job is to score goals and help my team to win. There is nothing of revenge as such. We are in good position in the table and now my aim is to make that position stronger.”

Mohun Bagan defense is lacking that power and adversity  as there were a communication gap between Luciano, Kinshuk and Dhanchandra in the last match against Lajong. So, what are your  views on that? Odafa replied with an annoying look,” I don’t want to comment on the opposition’s defense. You will get your answers tomorrow (Saturday).”

Last year in the I-league, Sporting defeated the mariners 2-1 in Goa where Odafa scored a brace whereas Mohun Bagan thrashed the flaming orange 2-0 at Barasat. What do you want to say about that match? Odafa replied with a smile, “ Every day is not a Sunday (laughs). Sometimes you will score and sometime you won’t. But the most important thing is the 3 points. Last year we got the three points in Goa but lost it in Kolkata. It happens in football.”

Sporting are also in the title race, do you think You can regain the league once again, Odafa quoted as saying, “I will try my heart out to make Sporting the champions. You can’t predict anything from now. It’s difficult to say anything standing on the field. You need to get down on the field and win the remaining matches. Then only we can win the league.”

Few years ago, Odafa used to be the highest scorer but now things have changed a lot. Though Ranti is still there but some new strikers are also joining in the top scorers list. This year it has been Ranti and Duffy who are leading the table just ahead of you, So will you be able to become the top scorer this time, Odafa signed off saying, “I am not keeping myself in the race for top scorer. The names which you took, none of them are captains of their sides which I am. I have an added responsibility.”