Chennaiyin FC face Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday for the grand finale of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. The visitors have been sharp on both ends of the pitch and will be looking to clinch their second Hero ISL title in three seasons. Their frontline has been well-led by Mizo Sniper Jeje Lalpekhlua, who is his team’s top scorer with nine goals. The 27-year-old sat down with indiansuperleague.com for an exclusive interview ahead of Hero ISL 2017-18’s eagerly awaited climax. Here are the excerpts.

What is the team’s mentality before the final?

Right now we are in the final but still, we have one more step to go. I think right now we are preparing really well. We got a good result in the semi-final and I think we need to keep the momentum going. That’s all.

How has the semi-final victory helped the team’s morale?

The team is performing very well. I think that will help the team in the final. Especially for the final, it is a different game and our opponent is a very good side and as I said, we need to work together.

Will playing Bengaluru FC in Bengaluru add pressure?

I think the pressure is not on us and we are going to play at their home. I think the pressure is on them because they are playing in front of their fans and they don’t want to lose. I think it’s going to be a tough game and it's a competitive game because two of the best teams are going to be playing in the final. Bengaluru FC is a good side. We’ve played each other before in league games. We know each other very well and I hope we’re going to play a good game. But we are here to win the trophy.

Does being former Champions give Chennaiyin FC an edge over Bengaluru FC?

Yes, we’ve won the trophy before, but it is a new year, new season. Every player has changed, the coach has changed. Everything is new. So it isn’t going to help much but like I said, we need to work together, stay together and fight for each other. I hope we can get the result and go on to lift the trophy.