Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s return to professional football

New Delhi: Former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s return to professional football was marked with success as Sikkim United, team co owned by him rallied to beat Indian Air Force 3-0 in a quarterfinal matchup in the 124th Durand Cup played at the Ambedkar Stadium here, on Friday. Sikkimise striker who came on to play in last 15 minutes of the game received huge roar as he walked towards the centre line to make his professional comeback after announcing his retirement from the international football in August this year. Bhutia replaced his friend Rennedy Singh in the 78th minute of the match with score line reading 1-0. Bhutia away from football for quite some time now did not look that polished as he was, but that did not stop him from influencing the outcome of the match. His first real contribution came in the 85th minute of the match, when he skillfully set up Indian international Sushil Singh inside the box for a goal. Bhutia, who received a pass in the box, cleverly dribbled it past two defenders and passed it on to Sushil just inside the 18 yard box, whose right footer shot, was no match for diving IAF’s goalie MK Jena. With Sikkim United cruising at 2-0, the much awaited moment of the match came when the Indian football stalwart found the back of the net. Bhaichung who did not score a goal since May last year, brought an end to this draught much to the delight of everyone. Daniel Bidemi’s right footer at the target off Sushil's cross from just outside the box, rebounded, and Bhutia seizing the opportunity nudged in a well timed header to find the left corner of the box. Bhaichung looked extremely happy to be playing for the team he partially owns and is enjoying the responsibility. “I am happy with the team. We played well and it was very important for us to clinch three points. It is also very difficult to be playing for the same for the club that you own. The pressure is huge and I have to involve myself with lot of off the field work which keeps me away from the training sessions,” said the former Indian Captain. Bhutia was not fully fit lacked and his magical touch but hopes to get better as he keeps playing. “I am only 30% fit and I did not train for last three weeks as I was travelling. Right now I can only last for maximum 20 minutes, not more than that. So I need to be more match fit before I start playing full game,” said Bhaichung. Bhaichung did not dismiss the whole idea of playing and said that his future participation would depend on the situation of the match. “Yes, I would be around and my chance of playing depends on the situation. If the team is winning, I would not, but then if not then I would have to come,” added Bhaichung.Earlier the first goal of the match came when, Sikkim’s foreign Babatunde John headed one home, just a minute before the break. Sikkim United’s coach Stanley Rozario was very impressed with his boys and strongly feels that the momentum needs to be carried forward. “I am happy with the team. We need to sustain the momentum in order to achieve mileage. I was happy with the way Bhaichung played. But then we missed quite a few opportunities and we also need to work on that as well,” said the Sikkim’s coach. Earlier the first match of the day saw the reigning I-League champions Salgaoncar FC defeat BSF 1-0, with Chidi Edeh scoring the goal in the 75th minute. Salgaoncar who won the recently concluded Federation Cup are the tournament favorites and are vying for their third title in a row