All posts tagged: Kerala Football

Kerala Blasters considering Kozhikode as a secondary venue

Kerala Blasters considering Kozhikode as a secondary venue

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Kerala Blasters FC is exploring the possibility of playing some of their home matches in Kozhikode, CEO Abhik Chatterjee revealed during a press conference, on Thursday. While a full transition is not on the cards, the club is evaluating options to bring the game closer to fans in North Kerala. Expanded fan engagement in the target When asked about the potential shift to Kozhikode, Abhik stated, “We have evaluated the possibility, and there are a few factors we’re considering. Firstly, we want to bring the game closer to fans in that region, as we know there is a significant fan base there. It would make it much easier for them to attend matches if we played some games in Calicut.” However, he clarified that this would not be a complete transition but a move similar to Northeast United FC’s approach this season, where they hosted matches at multiple venues. The club has already initiated discussions with the league, and the response has been positive. “We have also discussed this with the league, and they are …

Amey Ranawade sign pre-contract with Kerala Blasters

Amey Ranawade sign pre-contract with Kerala Blasters

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Kerala Blasters FC have secured a pre-contract agreement with Amey Ganesh Ranawade, the talented right-back currently on loan at Odisha FC from Mumbai City FC. The 25-year-old will join the Blasters in the upcoming season, marking a significant addition to the club’s squad as they aim to turn around their fortunes and claim their first trophy. Amey, born and raised in Mumbai, has built a strong reputation in Indian football over the years. He has played for top clubs like FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Odisha FC, showcasing his abilities as a reliable and dynamic full-back. Notably, Amey played an instrumental role in Mumbai City’s historic 2020-21 season, where the team won both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup. He also earned a second ISL Shield in 2022-23, further cementing his status as one of the league’s standout defenders. Kerala Blasters have made it clear that they are targeting nothing short of excellence, and Amey’s signing aligns with their strategy of bringing in quality players to strengthen the squad. The club has been …

Odisha FC to kick off their campaign against Gokulam Kerala

Odisha FC to kick off their campaign against Gokulam Kerala

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The 2024-25 Indian Women’s League (IWL) season is set to kick off with a thrilling encounter between defending champions Odisha FC Women (OFCW) and Gokulam Kerala FC on January 10, 2025, at EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala. The match promises to be a high-stakes battle between two of the league’s top contenders, with both teams looking to make an early statement. Odisha FC Women enter the season as the defending champions, having dominated the 2023-24 IWL season with 31 points from 12 matches. Under the guidance of Coach Crispin Chettri, the team secured 10 wins and one draw, dethroning Gokulam Kerala FC, who finished second with 29 points. Despite losing a few key players, Odisha FC remains a formidable force, thanks to the arrival of several promising young talents. Coach Chettri shared his thoughts on preparing for the season, saying, “This year, we have a very young side with only a few players remaining from last season. But we are growing as a team every day, and we are confident we can defend our title.” …

Clash of titans awaits as Kerala and West Bengal set up summit showdown

Clash of titans awaits as Kerala and West Bengal set up summit showdown

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Kerala and West Bengal have secured their spots in the final of the 78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy after impressive victories in the semi-finals on Sunday, December 29, 2024. In the first semi-final, West Bengal triumphed 4-2 over defending champions Services in a thrilling encounter at Gachibowli Stadium. West Bengal dominated the first half, leading 3-0 at the break with goals from Manotos Maji (16’), Robi Hansda (45+2’), and Naro Hari Shrestha (45+4’). Services fought back in the second half with goals from Bikash Thapa (53’) and an own goal from West Bengal’s Juwel Ahmed Mazumder (74’). However, Hansda completed his brace in injury time (90+6’) to seal the win for West Bengal. This victory secured them a spot in their 47th Santosh Trophy final, where they will now face Kerala. In the second semi-final, Kerala outclassed Manipur 5-1 in a dominant display. Kerala struck first with Naseeb Rehman’s 22nd-minute goal, after a brilliant through ball from Muhammed Riyas. Manipur responded with a penalty in the 30th minute, converted by Shunjantan Ragui …

Kerala qualifies for the final- Highlights

Kerala qualifies for the final- Highlights

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Kerala defeated Manipur 5-1 in the semi-final of the Santosh Trophy. Naseeb Rehman (22’) and Muhammed Ajsal (45+1’) gave Kerala a 2-1 lead at halftime after Shunjantan Ragui (30’) had equalized for Manipur from the penalty spot. In the second half, Muhammed Roshal PP scored a stunning long-range goal (73’) and completed his hat-trick with two more goals, one of which was a penalty (90+5’). Kerala and West Bengal will now meet in the final in what promises to be an exciting clash between two of the tournament’s most successful teams. As it happened: Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

Does Kerala need to host Argentina?

Does Kerala need to host Argentina?

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The news of the Kerala government planning to host the Argentina National Football Team for a friendly match has sparked a mix of excitement and controversy. While Lionel Messi’s arrival is undeniably a dream come true for fans, the decision has raised significant concerns about priorities, infrastructure, and long-term benefits for the state’s sports ecosystem. Here, we examine both sides of the argument, weighing the potential gains against the glaring shortcomings. The promise of hosting Argentina The primary argument supporting the move is the global attention it will bring to Kerala. Hosting a team of Argentina’s stature, especially with icons like Lionel Messi, would elevate the state’s visibility on the international football map. This exposure could be a catalyst for sports tourism, attracting fans and tourists eager to experience the game and explore Kerala’s famed culture and natural beauty. Furthermore, hosting an event of this magnitude would necessitate upgrades to infrastructure, particularly if the match is held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The stadium, which has seen better days, might undergo long-overdue renovations, …

Lionel Messi’s Argentina expected to play in Kerala next year | Football News

Lionel Messi’s Argentina expected to play in Kerala next year | Football News

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In what could be a historic first, Lionel Messi-led Argentina is expected to visit Kerala for an international match next year. Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman announced the state’s decision to host the world champions at Kerala in a press conference in Kerala on Wednesday evening. “All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state. Argentina’s national team is coming here,” Abdurahiman said in the press conference on Wednesday. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has also announced the expected visit of Lionel Messi-led Argentina to Kerala next year. “Kerala is set to make history as FIFA World Cup champions Argentina are expected to visit next year! The dream is becoming a reality thanks to the state government’s efforts and the support of the Argentina National Football team. Let’s gear up to welcome the champions and celebrate our love for football,” Vijayan said in a post on social media platform X. In the past, Messi’s World Cup-winning teammate Emilliano Martinez had visited India last year when he …

Six franchises for inaugural season unveiled

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Six franchises for the much-awaited Super League Kerala (SLK) has been announced on Sunday. The six franchises – Kochi Pipers FC, Calicut FC, Thrissur Roar FC, Kannur Squad FC, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, and Malappuram FC – have been unveiled at a press conference. The franchises will represent six regions of the state. The inaugural season of SLK will kick off in early September. The league is expected to open opportunities across sectors such as sports and entertainment, retailing business, tourism, leisure, travel, and hospitality. At the same time, the league will play a pivotal role in nurturing local talent. In that direction, over 100 young talents have already been spotted from every nook and corner of Kerala by the franchises. Besides the local players, the league will also accommodate foreign players, especially from North America, who are quite high in demand due to Argentine and Brazilian national teams’ popularity in Kerala, and Europe. In football-crazy Kerala, SLK will certainly redefine the fandom and meaning of football to the masses, said Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman. …

ISSK 2024 unveil major sporting investments, Transforming Kerala’s Sports landscape

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Twenty-three proposals as display of commitment to sports infrastructure development were presented during the Investors’ Meeting at ISSK 2024 in Trivandrum, Kerala. Among the standout projects, Meerans Group, in collaboration with the Kerala Football Association (KFA), proposed a staggering Rs 800 crore initiative. Simultaneously, the Lords Football Academy from Kochi announced plans for a multi-purpose sports complex with an investment of Rs 650 crore. The 13th Foundation, spearheaded by former Indian footballers CK Vineeth, Rino Anto, NP Pradeep, and Mohammed Rafi, revealed a Rs 300 crore project. Notably, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) took center stage with a comprehensive Rs 1,200 crore project, encompassing the construction of a new cricket stadium in Kochi as part of a larger vision to establish a sports city in Chengamanad. KCA President Jayesh George formally submitted the proposal for the ambitious ‘Cochin Sports City’ to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The proposed Sports City includes a comprehensive array of facilities such as indoor and outdoor practice areas, training grounds, sports academies, research centers, eco-parks, water-sports parks, sports medicine and fitness …