It has been a season full of miracles for Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League. The way the Men of Steel won the League Winner’s Shield after not even qualifying for the semifinals last season is nothing short of a miracle.
Head coach Owe Coyle has turned the fortunes for the player and the club and the biggest turnaround has been that of the Nigerian striker Daniel Chima Chukwu. He came to Indian shores after joining SC East Bengal but then things did not work out for him as he decided to part ways mid-season. Chima then joined Jamshedpur FC as they needed a replacement for Nerijus Valskis and since then the Nigerian has not looked back.
He scored two goals for the Red and Golds in 10 matches whereas after joining Jamshedpur FC, he finished the league season netting 7 goals from 9 matches in the second half of the season. His exceptional form buoyed Jamshedpur FC to the coveted Shield.
Speaking to ISL Media, Chima shared how the beginning to life in India was tough for him. Chima said, “It was a tough beginning for me. But you can see in the end, it is glory for me.’”
The former Molde FK man shared how one must never give up even on the lowest of lows and push hard to see the light again. Something that has been synonymous for him this season. He pointed out that the ISL Shield is a result of the hard work and fight that he has shown this season for the Men of Steel.
“It (Winning the Shield) shows that when you are at your very low, you should not give up. As a matter of fact, I did not give up and kept pushing which got me here. Anyone can get off their lowest low and make out something from it,” Chima pointed out.
Apart from Chima another player who has grabbed all the limelight in the second half of the season was his partner in attack, Ritwik Das. When asked about their camaraderie, Chima shared how they share a great bond and that gets reflected on the pitch making them a deadly pair.
“t is all about the good connections and friendship. We try to talk to each other about how you’d enjoy playing and if you get an understanding, you are good to go. And with him (Ritwik), it is very easy because he is a very cool guy. We play like we’re having fun almost every day. It is easier to communicate with him and know what he wants and he knows what I want, so it is a good feeling. I am sure he is going to go far with the way he is playing,” the Nigerian revealed.
Jamshedpur FC will face Kerala Blasters in the semifinals as Owen Coyle’s men will be looking to replicate Mumbai City’s double feat from last season.
