Didier Zokora (third from left) seems to be in good spirits ahead of ISL 2015.After an underwhelming performance from FC Pune City in last year’s Hero Indian Super League (ISL), they have made their intentions clear from the outset this year after numerous stellar additions to the squad. Perhaps, none other may prove to be more pivotal to their eventual fortunes than Didier Zokora, the most capped individual in the history of Ivory Coast with a total of 118 appearances to his name.Zokora began his career playing for ASEC Mimosas before moving to Belgium with Racing Genk, where he would get his first taste of silverware after winning the Jupiler League during the 2001-02 season. He then went on to feature in other major European leagues, winning the Football League Cup with Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 and the Copa del Rey with Sevilla in 2010. The former Saint-Étienne man was also a part of his country’s maiden World Cup appearance in 2006 and featured in the 2010 edition as well. Having played at the highest level for both club and country, his big-match experience will definitely make the Stallions a different prospect at ISL 2015.Speaking on his new adventure with FC Pune City, the combative midfielder expressed his joy at being part of such a quality squad. “It feels great to be a part of such a wonderful club, the players, coach, support staff, every one of them are extremely supportive. The team is training really hard and wants to perform better this season,” Zokora said.A true footballing journeyman, Zokora has represented seven different clubs in six different countries in a career that has spanned over 15 years. When asked what the most memorable moment of his career was, he answered: “There have been quite a few memorable moments in my career, winning the League Cup final with the Spurs was special as it was the first major title for the team in nine years. But winning the Copa del Rey for Sevilla againstAtlético [Madrid] in 2011 will always hold a special place in my heart. That was a fruitful season for us as we finished fourth in the league and made a comeback into the Champions League. That year was really special.”The Stallions have addressed a key area of concern with the addition of a midfield-enforcer in Zokora after a leaky defence saw them concede a total of 17 goals last season. When quizzed on which part of the pitch he was most comfortable at, the former Ivory Coast international said, “Defence has definitely been my forte and I love to take on the wingers and strikers. But depending on the situation I can also switch to a midfielder’s role and play as the conventional defensive midfielder.”When asked about what were his targets ahead of Season 2, he made a sort of pledge to the team and fans. “I will give my heart and soul towards the success of FC Pune City. The entire management has been extremely supportive, the fans I hear have been have been backing us to the hilt. I keep getting tweets from the Orange army. I hope I can give them reasons to smile.”Zokora’s first match will indeed be in front of the Orange army against rival neighbours Mumbai City FC in the Maharashtrian derby on October 5.
