Category: Indian Super League

All Latest News, Previews, reports and Match highlights from Indian Super League

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL kicks off global phase of Premier Skills in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Premier Skills, the joint initiative between the Premier League and British Council, will launch in Mumbai on Monday the 5th of September in partnership with the Indian Super League and All India Football Federation. This marks the start of the new three-year Premier Skills programme in India and globally, and is taking place in Mumbai for the very first time.

Premier Skills is a proven model. Since the programme began in 2007, 7,600 coaches and referees have been trained in 29 countries, who in turn have reached 1.2 million young people.

Building on that success, Premier Skills is embarking on a new three-year global programme, starting with phase 1 in Mumbai, strengthening existing networks of Premier Skills coaches and rolling out training to a new generation of community football coaches across the world.

Premier Skills has already delivered a highly successful programme in India, training 400 coaches, who in turn have reached 20,000 young people since the programme began here.

Premier Skills in Mumbai will build on that track record. Taking place at the Father Agnel School sports centre in Vashi, the Premier Skills ‘Phase 1’ course will see 50 Indian grassroots and elite youth coaches from all eight ISL clubs and and the following NGOs – Magic Bus, Slum Soccer, Special Olympics Bharat Maharashtra, Cequin, Dream a Dream and Oscar Foundation participate. The coaches will receive week-long expert training from qualified Premier Skills coaches, giving them the skills and support to develop their own community football projects.

The course in Mumbai will be led by Jeremy Weeks, Premier Skills Head Coach. He will be supported by Robert Parrett, Development Manager at Crystal Palace Football Club and Katie Bottom, Women and Girls Development Officer at West Ham United Football Club. They will be joined by three Indian Premier Skills coach educators who have come through the programme in India between 2013-16 and will be on hand to assist the Premier League coaching team and pass on their experience to their fellow Indian coaches.

Mumbai will also mark the beginning of a partnership between Premier Skills, All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL), a joint venture between IMG-Reliance and Star India. The Phase 1 course will be delivered in partnership with AIFF and FSDL, supporting the development of the ISL’s community programmes. The aim is to extend this partnership across the full three phase training programme under Premier Skills.

AIFF have accredited the Premier Skills Phase 1 training as equivalent to their D Licence certification. Candidates who successfully complete the Phase 1 course will further be able to apply for an AFC C Certificate course after a period of three months of successfully completing the Phase 1 course.

Richard Scudamore, Premier League Executive Chairman, said:

“This is an exciting new stage for Premier Skills in India, as we now build on the foundations the project has laid through our work in Kolkata and across Goa and Kerala. Our new partnership with the Indian Super League and its clubs, and several excellent sports NGOs, means new male and female coaches will be trained right across the country. And this number will multiply, as our Indian coach educators also deliver new Premier Skills programmes, resulting in an even greater number of people starting on the pathway to becoming a qualified coach.”

Smt. Nita Ambani, Chairperson, Football Sports Development Ltd., said:

“We are extremely glad to partner with Premier Skills and strengthen our existing relationship with the Premier League. It is a strong step towards further building the ISL grassroots program and will provide a huge impetus and growth opportunity to our homegrown coaches as well as the community they work with. We believe initiatives like Premier Skills and Referee Workshops with FIFA and Professional Game Match Official Limited (PGMOL) will help drive professionalism into the sport..”

Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF, said:

“All India Football Federation welcome the initiative and are delighted to associate with Premier Skills. AIFF will award ‘D’ licensing certificate to all the candidates who successfully complete the Premier Skills Phase 1 certification.”

Alan Gemmell, Director British Council India, said:

“The return of Premier Skills to India is testament to the continuing global appeal of Premier League football as well as the impact that the programme itself has had in India over the last nine years. We are looking forward to working with the Premier League and our local partners in empowering more Indian coaches to deliver life-changing impact for young people in their community through the power of football.”

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: FC Goa re-sign Lucio as marquee player

FC Goa Media DESK

Panaji, 2nd September: World Cup and UEFA Champions League winning central defender Lucimar Ferreira da Silva (Lucio) re-signed for FC Goa for the upcoming third edition of the Hero Indian Super League. Consistency was the key for head coach, Zico who decided to retain the spine of the team that reached the finals of the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League.

Lucio won the treble (Seria A, UEFA Champions League and Coppa Italia) in 2010 under present Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho after strong performances in the heart of the defence for Internazionale in Italy. He also played for Bayer Leverkusen and German giants Bayern Munich prior to joining Inter. Along with his strong showing for his club, Lucio was a mainstay in the Brazil National Team with 105 appearances at the heart of the defence, scoring four goals in the process and helping Brazil to win the 2002 World Cup, having played every minute of the competition.

He joined the Indian Super League in 2015 when he signed for FC Goa to play under felloe Brazilian Zico. Zico threw the captain’s armband to Lucio primarily due to his wealth of experience playing football in Europe and South America. Alongside Martinique powerhouse Gregory Arnolin, Lucio was one of the main reasons for FC Goa’s superb run to the finals of the ISL in 2015. His aerial prowess and ability to intercept were key attributes in making him one of the fittest marquee players of the second edition of the tournament. He regularly stopped opposition attacks in their tracks and started attacking moves of his own for his side.

For the third edition of the Indian Super League, Zico decided to keep faith with the 38 year old. Lucio will hope to lead his team to the final once more in 2016 and hopefully go all the way this year in his second attempt at the title.

“I am very happy to sign for FC Goa once again. We had a good tournament last year and I hope to make FC Goa champions this year. Consistency is the key for us and I am sure that we will do well once again this year under Zico’s leadership. It is important to train hard and put in 100 percent of effort on the field in order to get maximum results. I hope to make the fans of Goa proud this year,” he said.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: FC Goa fans expectations from Season 3

Panaji, 31th August 2016: With the FC Goa squad away for pre-season training in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, fans in Goa are gearing up for the third edition of the Hero Indian Super League. Vehicles and houses have already been decorated in preparation for the mega event.

With head coach Zico opting to retain the spine of his team with defensive powerhouses Gregory Arnolin and Lucio, Goan wingers Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes and strikers Rafael Coelho and Reinaldo Oliveira, consistency seems to be the focus.

Additionally, with good facilities available at Zico’s academy in Brazil, the team will hope to gel better and come back stronger. Fans across the state seem to be happy with the business done by the club so far. The FC Goa Fan Club comes out in large numbers for every home game and lends their voice to a chorus of chants at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Members of the fan club have hoped that the team can go all the way this year. Omkar H, from the Fan Club hopes that the team can maintain the same consistency even with the change of ownership. He says, “Last year we reached the finals. This year, the owners have changed. I hope that doesnt have an impact on the team. However, this year we also have much better Goan players”.

Therefore, expectations from this team are very high. Expect them to make the semi-finals in the least.

Dominic from the Fan Club also expects the team to go all the way this year. He had high praise for striker Rafael Coelho and expects the Brazilian to top the scoring charts if he remains fit. Talking about the team having its pre-season in Brazil, he said, "It will be an added advantage if Zico can arrange for some good quality opposition." However, he spoke about the average age of the squad which he felt is too high. "The fact that the same players have signed again for the club is great. But I feel we should have looked at younger players to bring down the average age of the squad," he added.

Savio Pereira, another ardent fan of the club hopes the team is third time lucky after runs to the semi-finals and then the finals. "By retaining Zico and a number of our old players, the team will surely have a better understanding this year. With the new signings, the team this year looks stronger than it has ever been. I hope we are third time lucky and go on and win the ISL," he said.

Elroy Figueiredo, another FC Goa fan based in Mangalore felt that the chemistry between players would only improve this year. "In a tournament like the ISL, players constantly switch between clubs unlike at European clubs. Therefore, it is refreshing to see that FC Goa has stuck to what clearly worked last season and kept the spine of the team intact," he said.

He also noted that the squad was filled with three Indian goalkeepers which would give Zico the luxury of playing an extra foreigner further up the pitch. "I definitely expect the team to be strong contenders for the title again this year. If players can be kept fit, they will surely make it through to the semi-finals. Let’s just hope they go a step further this year," he added.

Fans from all over the state will once more throng Fatorda o get behind their team when the Gaurs take on Pune City FC in their first home match on October 8th.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: FC Goa re-signs Gregory, Luciano and Rafael

Panaji, 30th August 2016: FC Goa has confirmed the re-signing of central defenders, Gregory Arnolin and Luciano Sobrosa and striker Rafael Coelho for the third season of the Hero Indian Super League. Gregory has been the mainstay in FC Goa’s defence from the first season. The defender is blessed with astute physical prowess and the ability to read the game well. In partnership with World Cup winning defender, Lucio, he was one of the major reasons the team had a successful run to the finals of the second edition. Gregory is also a potential goal threat for his side especially at set pieces, having netted twice in the first season and once in the second season with powerful headers.

The Martinique International endeared himself to the fan base with brilliant displays on the pitch and will be looking forward to going one step further in the third season after finishing up with a runners up medal in the second season.

“I am very happy to sign with FC Goa again. I have been at this club from the first season and we have made it to the semi-finals and then the finals. This year I hope to be able to win the ISL with FC Goa for the fans. I will give my best so that FC Goa can be champions of the ISL,” he said.

Brazilian defender Luciano Sobrosa was an able understudy to both Gregory and Lucio in the second season. He made seven solid appearances for Zico’s team and impressed the legendary coach during this stint. The 37 year old has been a veteran in the Indian football circuit with stints at various Indian clubs like Salgaocar, Sporting Goa and most recently, Mohun Bagan.

Coelho was signed mid-season last year after an injury to striker Victor Simoes ruled him out for the season. He was an instant hit with the fans with his tireless work ethic on the pitch. His constant threat in the box was a huge boost to the team in their run to the finals of the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

FC Goa re-signs Gregory, Luciano and Rafael

Panaji, 30th August 2016: FC Goa has confirmed the re-signing of central defenders, Gregory Arnolin and Luciano Sobrosa and striker Rafael Coelho for the third season of the Hero Indian Super League. Gregory has been the mainstay in FC Goa’s defence from the first season. The defender is blessed with astute physical prowess and the ability to read the game well. In partnership with World Cup winning defender, Lucio, he was one of the major reasons the team had a successful run to the finals of the second edition. Gregory is also a potential goal threat for his side especially at set pieces, having netted twice in the first season and once in the second season with powerful headers.

The Martinique International endeared himself to the fan base with brilliant displays on the pitch and will be looking forward to going one step further in the third season after finishing up with a runners up medal in the second season.

“I am very happy to sign with FC Goa again. I have been at this club from the first season and we have made it to the semi-finals and then the finals. This year I hope to be able to win the ISL with FC Goa for the fans. I will give my best so that FC Goa can be champions of the ISL,” he said.

Brazilian defender Luciano Sobrosa was an able understudy to both Gregory and Lucio in the second season. He made seven solid appearances for Zico’s team and impressed the legendary coach during this stint. The 37 year old has been a veteran in the Indian football circuit with stints at various Indian clubs like Salgaocar, Sporting Goa and most recently, Mohun Bagan.

Coelho was signed mid-season last year after an injury to striker Victor Simoes ruled him out for the season. He was an instant hit with the fans with his tireless work ethic on the pitch. His constant threat in the box was a huge boost to the team in their run to the finals of the tournament.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: FC GOA flies to Rio for Pre-Season

Panaji, 29th August 2016: FC Goa has left to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to prepare for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League season. 12 Indian players from the squad departed from Dabolim International Airport on 29th August while the international players will join their teammates in Brazil.

Fulganco Cardozo who has been selected for the national team’s encounter against Puerto Rico will join the rest of the squad in Rio de Janeiro at a later date. Sanjay Balmuchu and Raju Gaikwad will also join the team later due to commitments with their parent club.

Head coach Zico’s idea behind taking the team to his home country was that the team would get a run out against some tough opposition which would give them the much needed practice to play against teams in the ISL. “Our pre season will be here in Rio where we are playing friendly matches against some strong teams. This will immensely benefit our Indian and foreign players. Our thinking is that if our pre-season this year is as good as it was last year, the chances of success will increase significantly. So, for me, our pre-season in Brazil will be a trump card for us,” he mentioned.

Mandar Rao Dessai who recently travelled to Villareal CF in Spain for a two week training stint has expressed the need for quality training facilities. “Football in India and abroad is completely different. I’m sure that in Brazil, we will have better training facilities and we will get to play against strong teams. This will help us develop our skills and it will help the team understand each other before the ISL starts,” he explained.

The team will have a run of pre-season games against local opposition before returning on 24th September to Goa ahead of the start of the new season.

by Abhishek Shukla

FC GOA flies to Rio for Pre-Season

Panaji, 29th August 2016: FC Goa has left to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to prepare for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League season. 12 Indian players from the squad departed from Dabolim International Airport on 29th August while the international players will join their teammates in Brazil.

Fulganco Cardozo who has been selected for the national team’s encounter against Puerto Rico will join the rest of the squad in Rio de Janeiro at a later date. Sanjay Balmuchu and Raju Gaikwad will also join the team later due to commitments with their parent club.

Head coach Zico’s idea behind taking the team to his home country was that the team would get a run out against some tough opposition which would give them the much needed practice to play against teams in the ISL. “Our pre season will be here in Rio where we are playing friendly matches against some strong teams. This will immensely benefit our Indian and foreign players. Our thinking is that if our pre-season this year is as good as it was last year, the chances of success will increase significantly. So, for me, our pre-season in Brazil will be a trump card for us,” he mentioned.

Mandar Rao Dessai who recently travelled to Villareal CF in Spain for a two week training stint has expressed the need for quality training facilities. “Football in India and abroad is completely different. I’m sure that in Brazil, we will have better training facilities and we will get to play against strong teams. This will help us develop our skills and it will help the team understand each other before the ISL starts,” he explained.

The team will have a run of pre-season games against local opposition before returning on 24th September to Goa ahead of the start of the new season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Hero ISL 2016 packs a powerful schedule to bring the country together to celebrate football

Press Release

Mumbai City FC and ATK to have new home grounds for this season First Maharashtra derby to be played on 3 rd October Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa renew rivalry, face off on 13 th October in Chennai Hero Indian Super League, the unrivalled competition that emerged as the third best attended football league globally in its second season, is once again set to capture India and world’s attention starting Saturday, October 1, 2016.

The promoters, Football Sports Development Ltd. today announced Hero ISL 2016 fixtures, featuring 61 games spread across 79 days played in a home-away league format followed by two-legged semi-finals and the final. The ‘Super Sunday’ final is scheduled on December 18, 2016. Venue for the finals will be announced at a later date. All the matches will kick off at 1900 hrs (IST).

Guwahati gets ready for Lights & Cameras, NorthEast for Action With just over a month from now, Guwahati will witness galaxy of stars descending to lighten up the spirit of beautiful game in the North East with Hero ISL 2016 opening ceremony scheduled on 1 st October.

With ISL focus on the region, John Abraham owned club NorthEast United FC would hope it aspire his boys to get a jump start to their campaign when they take on Sachin Tendulkar owned Kerala Blasters FC. Coincidently, 2016 would turn out to be the third consecutive opening clash rivalry between John Vs Sachin in a row, NorthEast United having won 1-0 on 4 th October 2014 at home and losing 1-3 on 6 th Oct 2015 at Kochi ground.

NorthEast United’s Home match fixture (Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati):

1 st Oct. vs Kerala Blasters FC; 4 th Oct: vs. FC Goa; 20 th Oct vs Chennaiyin FC; 28 th Oct. vs Atletico de Kolkata;

5 th Nov vs Mumbai City FC; 22 nd Nov vs FC Pune City and 30 th Nov vs Delhi Dynamos FC.

Clash of Titans Action will move from the emerging football market in far East to the hub of the football in West

Bengal very next day, with Atletico de Kolkata backed by its loyal fans will get the first feel of their

new home ground at Rabindra Sarobar stadium.

The two ISL Titans – inaugural champs ATK and defending champs Chennaiyin FC will get down to business putting their pre-season training plans to test as early as second day of the League.

Atletico de Kolkata’s Home Match Fixture (Rabindra Sarobar Stadium) : 2 nd Oct. vs

Chennaiyin FC; 16 th Oct. vs FC Goa; 22 nd Oct. vs Delhi Dynamos FC; 25 th Oct. vs Mumbai City

FC; 17 th Nov vs NorthEast United FC; 29 th Nov. vs Kerala Blasters FC; 2 nd Dec. vs FC Pune City.

Mumbai Local to chug on Fast Line Ranbir Kapoor’s Mumbai City FC would hope to gain from their move to city’s fast life on western line, as they leave the harbour line’s D Y Patil stadium at Navi Mumbai to settle at the newly laid greens at Mumbai Football Arena (Andheri Sports Complex). Mumbai City FC will play its first home match on 7 th October against NorthEast United.

Mumbai City FC’s Home Fixtures (Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri Sports Complex) : 7 th Oct

vs NorthEast United; 11 th Oct vs Atletico de Kolkata; 21 st Oct vs Fc Goa; 10 th Nov vs FC Pune

City; 19 th Nov vs Kerala Blasters FC; 23 rd Nov vs Chennaiyin FC; 3 rd Dec vs Delhi Dynamos FC.

Super Machas Face Off Gaurs Defending Champions would come home to play to its capacity crowd for the first time since lifting the ISL 2015 trophy with a match scheduled on 6 th October against Delhi Dynamos.

However, the bigger match everyone would await with beaten breath could be on 13 th October when the Super Machas will have a face-off with FC Goa at Marina Arena.

Chennaiyin FC Home Fixtures (Marina Arena) : 6 th Oct vs Delhi Dynamos FC; 13 th Oct vs FC

Goa; 29 th Oct vs Kerala Blasters FC; 2 nd Nov vs Mumbai City FC; 15 th Nov vs FC Pune City; 20 th

Nov vs Atletico de Kolkata; 26 th Nov vs NorthEast United FC;

Detailed fixture can be viewed at www.indiansuperleague.com

ISL 2015 : A Recap

The second edition of Hero Indian Super League witnessed an unparalleled response in the history of Indian Football. ISL established astounding ratings for the sport on air and surpassed the Spanish La Liga in terms of average stadium attendance to be the third most attended football league globally. Hero ISL brought Indian football to the world stage with its high quality football. The globally viewed competition had a whopping 186 goals scored in the second season as compared to 129 in the inaugural season at an average of 3.09 goals per game. Indians assisted in 45 goals and scored 48 that included two hat-tricks by Sunil Chhetri and Haokip. Stevin Mendoza won the Golden Boot for the Champions scoring 13 goals in the season. Over 1.65 million fans made their way to eight city based club’s home stadiums to witness this unrivalled footballing event unfold.

by Abhishek Shukla

Delhi Dynamos F.C. sign 2006 World Cup Winner Simone Barone

ISL MEDIA TEAM

The Delhi Dynamos Football Club continued its endeavour at strengthening the squad for the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League, by appointing another 2006 World Cup winning midfielder Simone Barone as their Assistant Coach.

The club has also announced the signing of Sebastian Delgado of Spain and Italian Roberto Ghielmetti as the Goalkeeping Coach and Fitness Coach respectively for the new season, while Mario Cerra of Italy will be the new Team Manager as well as the Medico Assistant.

This strengthens the existing coaching staff duo of Raman Vijayan and Shakti Chauhan who have been with the club since its inception. The coaches have played a vital role as the Technical Directors of the club’s grassroots initiatives as well.

Italian Simone Barone will work as an assistant to World Cup winning compatriot, Gianluca Zambrotta, who was signed up as the Head Coach of the Delhi Dynamos F.C. The two played for Italy in the 2006 World Cup, where they beat France on penalties in the dramatic final.

“I am delighted to join the Delhi Dynamos team. This is my first senior team coaching stint and I am really looking forward to it,” Barone said. “I am thankful to the club management for this opportunity. I am really excited about this new phase of my career and hope to assist the team to its first title in the ISL” he added.

Simone Barone, a veteran of 356 club games with a total goal tally of 23, started his career in 1997. After a career spanning over nearly 15 years, he hung up his boots in 2012. After his retirement, he went on to coach the Modena U-19 team.

The 38-year-old has featured in many top clubs in Italy, including Palermo, Torino, Cagliari and Chievo. Known for his energy and stamina, he was admired for his versatility: he could operate from multiple positions in the midfield, be it central midfield, right wing or deeper in a defensive role.

Sebastian Delgado arrives at the club with a huge reputation after being involved in high profile assignments, namely being the Director of Keepers Academy of the Finnish giants HJK Helsinki. Incidentally, Delhi Dynamos star of the last season Richard Gadze is on loan to Helsinki. The Spaniard is the personal coach of Toni Doblas and lot of credit goes to him for Doblas’ extremely good work between the sticks last season, where he missed on the golden glove by whiskers. He will look to weave the same magic on Sanjiban Ghosh and Soram Poirei and turn them into a solid wall in the upcoming season.

Roberto Ghielmetti, who will be responsible for keeping the squad fit and devoid of injuries during the season, was selected by Zambrotta himself, owing to his experience and credibility. The Italian holds a masters degree in sports science from the University of Turin and started his career at U-16 squad of Team Ticino and continued his career at the club eventually becoming the Fitness Coach for the U-16, U-17, and U-18 teams. He was also served as the fitness coach of the FC Locarno, FC Lugano, AC Spezia, and AC Bellinzona in his career before starting this new chapter with Delhi Dynamos F.C.

“I am very happy to work with Gianluca. I am looking forward to a successful season with the club,” said Ghielmetti.

by Abhishek Shukla

The Gaurs set their sights on Rio de Janeiro for the pre-season training

BY FC GOA MEDIA 

Panaji August 2016: As part of FC Goa’s pre-season training and conditioning, the team will assemble at Zico’s football academy Zico 10 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to prepare for season 3 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) under the close watch and guidance of head coach Zico.

Zico 10 is a brand, under which there are various academies and training centres across Brazil attached to the Flamengo legend Zico who is the head coach of FC Goa for the third consecutive season. FC Goa are scheduled to play pre-season friendlies with Brazilian clubs during the pre-season training in Rio.

Speaking of the ISL franchise’s target for the coming season, Zico has predicted a better season for the Gaurs, as the team is popularly referred to, in ISL 3.Said Zico, “We’ve made some good signings this year and we will continue to work on the squad while at the pre-season training in Rio, Brazil. It’s important for the team to come together to play and gel well and that’s what we will do in Brazil. We are building a strong team and we are aiming for the title”

Local superstars Romeo and Mandar Rao Dessai are elated to be part of the squad’s preparations in Rio de Janeiro.Said Romeo who has previously trained in Bazil with Atletico Paranaense, “I’m looking forward to train in Brazil again, I will do my best in the training session to learn and better my skills under Zico, it will be a great opportunity to play against the Brazilian teams and learn from them.

“I have heard that there are excellent training facilities and competitive teams to plays against.I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand the quality of play of the Brazilians teams as we have grown up knowing that Brazil is one of the power houses of football in the world. It will be great opportunity to learn and better my skills”, said Mandar.

FC Goa’s new signing; local lad Pratesh Shirodkar is visibly excited about the coming season. “Brazil is a land of football and training in Rio is like going to the holy land of football. My expectation of training at Rio is to evolve into a more skilful player and better my techniques”.

FC Goa’s right back Keenan Almeida is looking forward to heading to the South American country. “I’m excited about the fact that we are heading to Rio for our preseason. Brazil being the land of so many footballing legends adds to the thrill. I’m sure it’s going to be a good learning experience with the best of facilities and training under the guidance of Zico”

The squad will train in Rio de Janeiro until mid-September 2016, post which the Zico-managed team will be back in Goa for the final phase of training in Goa before the season starts. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas, its Carnival festival featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes, samba costumes and most importantly the game of football.

Last season FC Goa conducted their pre-season at the Spanish Soccer Schools grounds located within the Dubai Sports City complex in the United Arab Emirate (UAE)..

 

by Abhishek Shukla

Atlético de Kolkata reinforce the squad with Spanish Centre Forward Juan Belencoso

 

Kolkata, 25 th August, 2016: The champions of inaugural edition and the semi finalist of the second season of Indian Super League, Atlético de Kolkata, announced today the signing of Spanish Centre Forward Juan Belencoso and added more fervor in their strong International line up of players.

Known for his hard working nature and skills, Belencoso is a fan favourite with his clinical finishes and played for Kitchee FC in Hong Kong. Belencoso also played for sides like Albacete Balompié, UB Conquense, CD Lugo and Cádiz CF. From 2002 to 2008, following a brief spell in Portugal, Juan Belencoso competed mainly in Segunda División B, representing in that level Real Jaén, Mérida UD, CE L’Hospitalet and CD Baza. After the announcement of signing dynamic Indian players and retaining seven international recruits including marquee player for this season now the addition of Belencoso will add to the composition and strength of the team.

“On behalf of the team management we welcome Belencoso to Atlético de Kolkata which will help us in further developing the nucleus of the team this year. My association with his style of football goes back to the Kitchee FC days in Hong Kong. He had been one of the most consistent performers and had been nominated as AFC Foreign Player of the Year. With Postiga and now Belencoso I feel the need for the right strikers has been precisely addressed.” – José Molina, Head Coach, Atlético de Kolkata.

About Juan Belencoso

Born in Elche de la Sierra, Albacete, Belencoso started playing as a senior with amateurs Deportivo Rayo Cantabria. From 2002 to 2008, following a brief spell in Portugal, he competed mainly in Segunda División B, representing in that level Real Jaén, Mérida UD, CE L’Hospitalet and CD Baza. Belencoso reached Segunda División for the first time in the 2008–09 seasons, signing with local Castile-La Mancha club Albacete Balompié. He made his debut in the competition on 31 August 2008, coming in as a late substitute in a 2–1 home win against Sevilla Atlético, but only scored twice in the league over the course of two full seasons.

Belencoso returned to division three for the following years, playing with UB Conquense, CD Lugo and Cádiz CF. He achieved promotion with the second team after scoring 14 goals, three in the playoffs. On 9 July 2013, Belencoso became coach Àlex Gómez’s first foreign signing of the new campaign as he joined Kitchee SC in Hong Kong. He became a regular scorer for Kitchee and fired them to the domestic treble last season including two goals in the FA Cup final against Eastern. In terms of continental football, in the AFC Cup 2014, his eleven goals helped propel Kitchee to the semi-final stage where they eventually succumbed. Belencoso models his style of football on Robert Lewandowski.

Head Coach:  José Molina
Squad as on 25.08.16
Domestic Players
1. Shilton Paul
2. Jewel Raja
3. Pritam Kotal
4. Debjit Majumder
5. Bikramjit Singh
6. Bidyananda Singh Ningthoujam
7. Kingshuk Debnath
8. Arnab Mandal
9. Bikash Jairu
10. Lalrindika Ralte (Dika)
11. Robert Lalthlanumna
12. Prabir Das
13. Keegan Pereira
14. Abinash Ruidas
Foreign Players
1. Hélder Postiga (marquee)
2. Iain Hume
3. Sameegh Doutie
4. Ofentse Nato
5. Tiri
6. Stephen Pearson
7. Dani Mallo
8. Pablo José Gallardo Zurera
9. Borja Fernández
10. Javi Lara
11. Juan Belencoso

Atletico De Kolkata Press Release

by Abhishek Shukla

Guwahati to host ISL 2016 Grand Opening Ceremony

 

Mumbai: Football Sports Development Ltd, the promoters of Hero Indian Super League have awarded Guwahati, Assam the coveted rights to host the opening ceremony and the season opener match of Hero ISL 2016.

The North East region of India haveestablished itself as the emerging football powerhouse in the country. By awarding Guwahati the rights to host ISL 2016 opening ceremony, Football Sports Development wishes to celebrate North East’s contribution to the development of Indian football and recognise the potential it has in shaping the future of the beautiful game in the country.

Indira Gandhi Stadium, Sarusajai, with a capacity of 30,000 will be the hub of Indian and global fans on 1st October 2016 as the ISL teams will join owners, celebrities and performers to provide North East a memorable visual extravaganza at the Opening Ceremony.

The host club NorthEast United FC – aptly representing the eight states of North East – led by new coach Nelo ‘The Professor’ Vingada will begin the season opening match against Steve Coppell’s Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL 2016 opener.

by Abhishek Shukla

Guwahati to host Hero ISL 2016 Grand Opening Ceremony

Mumbai, 20th August 2016 :Football Sports Development Ltd, the promoters of Hero Indian Super League have awarded Guwahati, Assam the coveted rights to host the opening ceremony and the season opener match of Hero ISL 2016.

The North East region of India have established itself as the emerging football powerhouse in the country. By awarding Guwahati the rights to host ISL 2016 opening ceremony, Football Sports Development wishes to celebrate North East’s contribution to the development of Indian football and recognize the potential it has in shaping the future of the beautiful game in the country.

Indira Gandhi Stadium, Sarusajai, with a capacity of 30,000 will be the hub of Indian and global fans on 1st October 2016 as the ISL teams will join owners, celebrities and performers to provide North East a memorable visual extravaganza at the Opening Ceremony.

The host club NorthEast United FC – aptly representing the eight states of North East – led by new coach Nelo ‘The Professor’ Vingada will begin the season opening match against Steve Coppell’s Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL 2016 opener.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: FC Goa confirms the signing of Fulganco Cardozo and Sahil Tavora

 

Panaji: FC GOA has confirmed the signings of Goan players Sahil Tavora and Fulganco Cardozo for Season 3 of the Indian Super League.

Local lad Sahil Tavora is FC Goa’s selection for the U-23 player that every ISL squad is mandated to have. The 21-year-old has been plying his trade with Dempo previously and was part of the team that gained promotion to the I-League earlier in the year

Speaking of his new team Tavora said, “I’m delighted at the prospect of signing for the club. This is a team that is led by one of the greats of the game and there is a lot to learn from. It is packed with experienced players and I’m excited at the opportunity of working with them. We have performed consistently well for the past two seasons and we want to achieve the same sort of success this season. I’m looking forward to playing my part in a successful campaign. Being a Goan, to represent FC Goa is a proud moment for me.”

The Dempo midfielder Sahil Tavora is the latest signing to be announced. At 17, Tavora was one of the youngest players ever to sign a professional contract with the Golden Eagles. Hehas attended training camps at Liverpool FC and at a second division club in Brazil. The highlight of the youngster’s short career so far came when he scored a brilliant individual goal for Goa-India versus Macau in the 2014 Lusofonia Games.

Fulganco Cardozo hailing from Verna currently plays for Sporting Club de Goa in the I-League and is a member of the Indian national football team as a centre back. Carodozo made his debut for India in the match against Laos earlier this year. He scored his first goal for the India in the same match in 87th minute. Fulganco is a product of the Sesa Football Academy in Goa.

Said Fulganco on the signing “It’s a great opportunity for me in my career development. Playing alongside some of the best talent in football, be it from India or abroad is an excellent opportunity to further develop my footballing skills I feel I have made some positive strides this year and I hope I can continue in the same vein during the ISL. As a team, we want to go out there and perform for the Goan people. We want to bring the trophy home for them. That will be our aim this season.”

by Abhishek Shukla

FC GOA CONFIRMS THE SIGNING OF SAHIL TAVORA AND FULGANCO CARDOZO

Panaji, 19th AUGUST 2016: FC GOA has confirmed the signings of Goan players Sahil Tavora and Fulganco Cardozo for Season 3 of the Hero Indian Super League.

Local lad Sahil Tavora is FC Goa’s selection for the U-23 player that every ISL squad is mandated to have. The 21-year-old has been plying his trade with Dempo previously and was part of the team that gained promotion to the I-League earlier in the year

Speaking of his new team Tavora said, “I’m delighted at the prospect of signing for the club. This is a team that is led by one of the greats of the game and there is a lot to learn from. It is packed with experienced players and I’m excited at the opportunity of working with them. We have performed consistently well for the past two seasons and we want to achieve the same sort of success this season. I’m looking forward to playing my part in a successful campaign. Being a Goan, to represent FC Goa is a proud moment for me.”

The Dempo midfielder Sahil Tavora is the latest signing to be announced. At 17, Tavora was one of the youngest players ever to sign a professional contract with the Golden Eagles. Hehas attended training camps at Liverpool FC and at a second division club in Brazil. The highlight of the youngster’s short career so far came when he scored a brilliant individual goal for Goa-India versus Macau in the 2014 Lusofonia Games.

Fulganco Cardozo hailing from Verna currently plays for Sporting Club de Goa in the I-League and is a member of the Indian national football team as a centre back. Carodozo made his debut for India in the match against Laos earlier this year. He scored his first goal for the India in the same match in 87th minute. Fulganco is a product of the Sesa Football Academy in Goa.

Said Fulganco on the signing “It’s a great opportunity for me in my career development. Playing alongside some of the best talent in football, be it from India or abroad is an excellent opportunity to further develop my footballing skills I feel I have made some positive strides this year and I hope I can continue in the same vein during the ISL. As a team, we want to go out there and perform for the Goan people. We want to bring the trophy home for them. That will be our aim this season.”

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: FC Goa confirms the signing of Mandar Rao Dessai, Romeo Fernandes and Laxmikant Kattimani

 

Panaji, 17 th AUGUST 2016: FC GOA has confirmed a trio of signings with the club tying up deals for Romeo Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai and Laxmikanth Kattimani. The trio have risen sharply through the ranks in the past two seasons and are seen as vital components of the team. All three players featured heavily last season with Kattimani being Zico’s preferred choice as his custodian between the sticks.

The Vasco lad said, “I’m very pleased that Zico has trusted me with the responsibilities in between the sticks again. The setup last year was great and that was one of the prime reasons for me re- signing with the club. And one doesn’t get to experience the atmosphere of Fatorda anywhere else in the country so that was a definite plus. We nearly won the ISL last year in front of our home crowd but fell just short. I’m sure this year we will mount a similar challenge. We want to give Goa the trophy that the fans of football here so richly deserve.” Dessai was also a key figure with the club and chipped in with two assists to go along with his three goals and made 14 appearances in a campaign that nearly culminated in the club winning the title. He has since gone on to start in Dempo’s successful push to return to the 1 st Division of the I-League and has recently returned from a trip to Spain where he worked with Spanish La Liga side, Villareal.

Speaking of his re-signing, Mandar said, “I’m delighted to re-sign with the club. Being a Goan and to be able to play in front of my home crowd is a thrill that I can’t easily explain. I feel like I’ve been improving my skills with each passing game and can’t wait to get into the season. The training camp in Spain with Villarreal was a huge boost for me and certainly learnt a lot there under Carlos Perez, who coached me there. I believe, with Zico back and with a good pre-season ahead of us, the team will look to go all the way this time.”

Fernandes, who shot to fame in the first season of the ISL was also a constant menace on the right wing throughout the season. His ability to accelerate was particularly felt by Delhi Dynamos, against whom he scored two goals in the matter of minutes having just come on in the final match of the group stages. He was also responsible for laying on the assist that got FC Goa on level terms in the final at Fatorda.

The Assolna native said, “I’m happy to be back at FC Goa again. We’ve had two brilliant campaigns in the past two editions and we certainly want to repeat that performance if not better it. We had great team chemistry last year and we were very focused on our objectives. We want to work up that same intensity during pre-season and we want to be in prime shape when the campaign gets underway.”

Speaking at the re-signing of the trio, a spokesperson of the club said, “We are delighted that the three have re-signed with us. They have been a part of this club and its journey since the very beginning and have grown with us. They have become a part of the identity of this club and we are glad that they will continue to be a part of that this season. It’s great that we continue to have that distinct Goan flavour within the team.”

FC GOA PRESS RELEASE