NorthEast United FC play their third match in six days in the 2016 Hero Indian League when they take on Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday. The Highlanders head into Friday’s encounter with a perfect record after beating Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 and FC Goa 2-0 in their first two matches of the season. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, will be looking to mark their first match at the Mumbai Football Arena with a win as they look to kick on from their 1-0 triumph against FC Pune City on Monday. Rowllin Borges has been a vital cog at the centre of the park for the Highlanders so far. The 24-year-old spoke to indiansuperleague.com ahead of his side’s first away game of the season. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

After securing two wins from two, how positive is the dressing room atmosphere?

The dressing room atmosphere was positive before the start of the season. We are going strong and enjoying our two victories.

How important has been the home support for you so far?

Fans are good. I was so excited to play the first game in the ISL as the stadium [in Guwahati] was full. Even in the second game, the stadium was full. I feel the fans are the 12th man for the team.

Trends suggest that the home team of the opening match of the Hero ISL goes on to win the league. What are your thoughts on this?

That is the plan, to win the league this year. We are working very hard to win it.

With two clean sheets in the first two games, how do you plan to deal with the attacking skills of Diego Forlan and Matias Defederico?

As we all know Diego Forlan is a great player, a legend. So we will need to work harder and every player will have to give their 200%. We have come here to win the game.

How important is captain Gustavo Lazzaretti to the team, in getting the defence together?

He is a great player. He motivates the players every time, even after every practice. During the game as well he guides, not only me but every player, be it Indian or foreign. He guides us all very well. He is a great captain.