by Abhishek Gujral

Indian football is never short of drama is it? The 11th edition of the National Football League is well and truly underway, and there are so many things to talk about, one actually does not know where to start! Well, to kick things off, let's have a quick look at how the usual suspects are faring in this edition of the NFL.

With five rounds having been played, Mahindra, Dempo and East Bengal find themselves right up there. Hardly surprising, considering the pedigree of the teams. In Andrews Mensah Pomeyie, Mahindra have found yet another Ghanian sharpshooter- watch out, he could be the next Yakubu Yusif. The team has a settled look to it, and with quality right through the side, will once again challenge for the title. Dempo too are looking bright with their usual brand of a short passing game. Unlike most sides, Dempo do not mess around with their team every year- and this is precisely what is paying dividends. Brazilian skipper Roberto Mendes Silva named "Beto" is clearly the key for them in the heart of that midfield. As far as East Bengal is concerned, thank God that the joke over the rotating foreigners is over, and they have finally registered their foreign trio. With Japanese PIO Izumi Arata too shaping up well, the side looks good on paper. And perhaps most significantly, East Bengal have one of the most qualified coaches ever in India - Carlos Roberto da Silva. Dismiss them at your own peril.

As far as the other teams are concerned, Churchill Bro's have clearly been the most impressive. Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa has turned a bunch of talented youngsters into a real force. Goan counterparts Sporting Clube de Goa though, will be dismayed by their showing thus far. They are yet to get into any kind of rhythm, and need to sort themselves out fast.

Another team with reason to be pleased is Air India. The team plays neat football under astute tactician Bimal Ghosh. With the dangerous midfielder Paresh Shivalkar lurking, one of the quickest around, Air India will be looking to do more damage in the coming weeks. Both JCT and Mohammedan Sporting have looked fairly ordinary thus far, and will probably be just making up the numbers. While the former will be disappointed, Mohammedan can look to consolidate for the future. And this brings us to the enigma that is Mohun Bagan. The same old story once more- a dream strike force of Barreto and Bhutia, with more quality all over the pitch. Yet, their showings have been miserable to say the least. The Fed Cup triumph not withstanding, the Calcutta giants will need to get their act together- and fast at that.

While controversies have never been new to Indian football, the drama over the signing of foreigners is absolutely a joke. Sides like East Bengal must have tried a dozen recruits so far, with Mahindra United releasing their foreign signings even before the start of the NFL. The AIFF must step in to take measures and ensure that this does not happen.

On a positive note, one must congratulate Mahindra United on the inauguration of their Football House. The Mumbai side has always been the leader in professionalism, and will hopefully pave the way for others to follow suit. The professional league that the AIFF is dreaming of must become a reality soon, for Indian football to take off to the next level.

Finally, one must congratulate the Indian Olympic side for scraping past Myanmar in the qualifying round. They will hopefully put us some good performances in the group stage, and put us out of our misery on the international arena.