We have proved our worth: Lajong coach

Reason for Stanley Rosario's ecstacy these days goes beyond the fact that he has guided Lajong FC to their maiden final of the Federation Cup against East Bengal.

After losing to Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals of last edition's Federation Cup, he was given an unceremonious exit as the coach of East Bengal and this year his boys are up against the same team for the coveted title.

Rosario says it was treated unfairly by East Bengal last year.

"I have proved myself. They did not recognize my work. Now they will have to," Rosario said on the eve of the summit clash.

Rosario said he was deeply hurt after being sacked by East Bengal but rejected suggestion that Sunday's match would be a revenge encounter for him.

"It's an irony that I am meeting the same side tomorrow."

He said he was happy to defeat East Bengal during the Durand Cup earlier this year.

Having drubbed Dempo and Churchill, Stanley's boys have proved beyond doubt that they are a force to reckon with.

"I am proud of my boys. They have done a fantastic job and proven their abilities," Rosario said. 

 Rosario's success with low-profile teams has been remarkable.

Before taking over Lajong, he had helped Salgaocar regain the I-League berth and was also instrumental in Army XI stunning big teams in the Durand Cup in 2005.

But with Lajong, he rewrote football history of the North East, bringing the team to national limelight by creating upset after upset in successive tournaments.

Lajong's dream run is nothing short of a fairytale story as they are now are in contention for an AFC Cup appearance in just their first year in the big league.