Pune FC host Bharat FC in first-ever Pune derby in I-League

Pune FC will aim to build on their unbeaten home run when they host Bharat FC in the first-ever Pune Derby in an I-League encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here on Saturday.

The I-League Round-14 encounter will be an important game for both sides who will face off for the first time at any level.

The game will also be the first time Pune FC face any local side at a national level competition.

Pune FC are placed fourth with 16 points, eight points behind leaders Mohun Bagan. Another three points against Bharat FC will help them close the gap at the top of the table.

“Every derby clash is important with the hype that surrounds it. It is an important game for the fans and there will be a quite a lot of them who would be interested to experience a derby for the first time,” said Pune FC coach Karim Bencherifa.

“It is definitely a historic game as it’s the first time that Pune has two teams, and both of them are very professional.”

Meanwhile Pune FC come into the game on the back of a draw and a loss, both away from home, and will be keen to reverse their fortunes in familiar surrounds.

Pune FC coach Bencherifa wants his side to rise to the occasion.

“For us, it is important not to get too excited by the occasion because we must not forget what is at stake — much needed three points, to put us in a good position in the table,” added Bencherifa.