The 2023-24 season of the I-League is set to kick off with an evocative start. The first game will take place at the league’s northernmost tip in Kashmir, and the second will be hosted at the league’s southernmost corner in Kerala.
Both Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala FC, the hosts for this edition of the I-League, have a history of dominance and top-notch performances. When playing on their home turf, these teams establish themselves as formidable and difficult to defeat.
While the season brings fresh faces to the forefront, seasoned veterans are expected to take center stage, aiming to make their mark in the tournament and elevate themselves in the realm of the sport.
Real Kashmir vs. Rajasthan United FC
Although Real Kashmir’s clash with Rajasthan United may appear to be a rematch of a fixture from the previous season’s concluding round, seven months have passed, bringing notable changes.
Real Kashmir is now under the management of local legend Ishaq Ahmad, whose recent achievement involved India winning the SAFF Championships in Bhutan.
The team has signed promising young talents, including local players making their league debut. Ishaq Ahmad explained, “It’s a completely new squad, and even the coaching staff is new. In one of my first conversations with the owner, it became clear that he was interested in giving more opportunities to local players.”
He added, “We have a good mix of foreign players, local players, and others from across the country.”
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With a promotion to the Indian Super League at stake, each team’s ambitions have received a significant boost. Ahmad emphasized the need to focus on a week-by-week and game-by-game approach. He acknowledged the significance of challenging for the top spot but preferred to take it step by step.
Rajasthan United FC, led by Pushpender Kundu, is one of the two Indian managers retained by their clubs from the previous season. The team is looking to overcome their reputation for underperformance and secure a better position in the points table. The signings of Bhabindra Malla Thakuri in goal and Ronaldo Singh in midfield add strength to the squad.
Kundu stated, “We’re away from home, and it’s the first game of the season. Obviously, we want to win, but I also want the team to gel, to play like they’ve been training, and to show some good character on the pitch. We have a long road ahead; the league is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Gokulam Kerala FC vs. FC Inter Kashi FC
Gokulam Kerala FC had a challenging previous season, despite being the defending champions. The team faced a setback when they were defeated by Odisha FC in the AFC Club Playoffs at their home field, which cost them a ticket to the AFC Cup.
The club has appointed Domingo Oramas as the new manager, and it’s crucial for the Spaniard to make an immediate impact in his debut game.
Domingo Oramas explained, “We’ve had a long pre-season; I’d say it was almost like two pre-seasons. The club’s ambitions are obviously to seek promotion, but we have to focus game by game to achieve it.”
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Anas Edathodika, a former India international, has come out of retirement to join the team, bringing valuable experience to a squad that struggled in the previous season.
In the clash between Gokulam Kerala FC and FC Inter Kashi FC, two Spanish coaches will face off. Carlos Santamarina, head coach of Inter Kashi FC, has maintained a low profile and focused on the upcoming game.
Santamarina noted, “Starting against Gokulam is hard, but a lot of the players have tremendous experience, and I believe in them and their ability to pull through. It’s a huge challenge when you start a team from zero, but I think we have built a strong squad with a lot of quality.”
Inter Kashi FC has made significant signings, including Peter Hartley, Jackichand Singh, Sumeet Passi, and young prospects like Beyong Kojum and Nikum Gyamar. They are poised for an exciting start to the season.
This new I-League season promises thrilling football action as teams vie for success and the opportunity for promotion to the Indian Super League.
-IANS
