Kochi: Kerala Blasters, seeking to end a decade-long title drought, will kick off their campaign in the Indian Super League on Sunday. The Blasters hope to start the season with a victory on Thiruvonam Day. The team’s first match of the eleventh season will be held at the Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with a kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM. The Blasters enter the new season with a new coach, a revamped team, and high hopes. Their opponents, Punjab FC, have only one season of ISL experience.
Due to security reasons, only half of the stadium’s seats will be open to the public. The reduced fan presence in the gallery could impact the performance of the Blasters.
After falling to the playoffs last season, the Blasters are now under a new coach and are determined to chase the title. The team has not yet fully recovered from the financial difficulties caused by penalties for disciplinary breaches, as evidenced by the departure of key players.
Notable departures include Dimitrios Diamantakos, Marko Leskovic, and Jeikson Singh. Moroccan forward Noah Sadoui, who impressed in the Durand Cup, is a new addition to the team. Spanish player Jesus Jimenez is also expected to contribute significantly. Uruguay’s Adrian Luna will continue as captain for the second consecutive season, with Miloš Drinčić serving as vice-captain. Luna has scored 13 goals in 53 matches and is instrumental in controlling the team’s play. The team’s preparation also included training in Thailand and Kolkata.
Mikael Stahre, the Swedish coach of Kerala Blasters, believes that substantial fan support at the ground will be crucial for the team in their opening match. He expressed complete satisfaction with the team’s preparation.
Injuries are not a concern for the team, and all players are available for the match. Some players were affected by injuries during the preseason, but they have all regained fitness, according to the coach.
The Blasters have a 28-member squad. Sachin Suresh, recovered from injury, will be the first-choice goalkeeper. The other goalkeepers in the squad are Noor Fernandes and Som Kumar.
Defense: Ibanba Dholing, Aleksander Koyev, Ruwa Hormipam, Miloš Drinčić, Huidrom Navaich Singh, Prabir Das, Preetam Kotal, Sandeep Singh.
Midfield: Adrian Luna, Bryce Miranda, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallammawma, Mohammed Aymen, Mohammed Ashar, Renthail Lalthanmawia, Sourav Mandal, Sukhm Yoihneb Maithai, Vibin Mohanan.
Attack: Ishan Pandita, Kwame Peprah, Noah Sadoui, K.P. Rahul, M.S. Sreekuttan.
Punjab FC, promoted from the I-League as champions, is the only team from Northern India in the league. The team had a mediocre performance last season, finishing in eighth place. Coach Panagiotis Dimpelaris says the team has learned from past failures and is prepared for the new season.
Punjab reached the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup. The team is balanced with a mix of youth and experience. The 26-man squad includes international players like Luka Majcen, Mushag Bakeng, Esquiel Vidal, Ivan Novoselich, Asmir Suljic, and Filip Mizlak.
Indian players Vinith Rai, Nintheoingbam Meitei, Muheet Shabeer, Malayalam player Nihal Sudheesh, and Likmabam Rakesh Singh have joined the team. Kerala players Muhammad Suhail F and Shami Singham have been promoted from the academy to the senior team.
