U Mumbai high on confidence as Season 4 begins

Season 2 champions U Mumba and Maharashtra state rivals Puneri Paltan yesterday expressed confidence over their prospects in Season-4 of the Pro Kabaddi League commencing at the NSCI Stadium here today.

U Mumba with the Season-2 title at the NSCI Stadium in Worli last year

Pune are to kick-start the new season by clashing with Telugu Titans of Hyderabad followed by the second match between Mumbai against Jaipur Pink Panthers on Day One.

Mumbai coach E Bhaskaran has rebuilt the squad by including raiders Gurvinder Singh and Surender Singh while propping up the defense with Vikas Kale and Sunil. "The senior players like Anup and Rakesh have been extremely brotherly towards the new players which has made them feel part of a family. This camaraderie will definitely be seen when the starting seven take the mat on Saturday," said Bhaskaran yesterday.

The Mumbai coach is also confident that their vociferous fan support will motivate the players to begin the season with two solid wins.

Pune's chief mentor Ashok Shinde said, "Players have started practise (from) the 1st of this month and we are going very good. Whatever is lacking from the first season, we have built on that and now everything is going well.

"We have a good side, seniors as well as the most experienced players and junior players. On paper, we have a strong team. We will do better because we have a good side this time," he added.

Pune captain Manjeet Chhillar said his team will win the title. "Our target is to come first and not just to reach the semi-final or the final," said Chillar confidently.