The Mahindra Super League Kerala (MSLK) is set to ignite the passion for football in the state, with the inaugural season kicking off at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday night. The six-team league boasts a stellar lineup of players, featuring experienced stars like John Gregory, Raphael Augusto, Alex Sanchez, and C.K. Vineeth, who have graced the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League.
This new league is not just about established players but also aims to provide a platform for young and aspiring footballers. Mario Lemos, coach of the home side Forca Kochi FC, emphasizes the importance of mentoring young players by experienced stars, creating a pathway for them to reach higher levels of the game, potentially even the ISL. “We are talking about a lot of young players here. My responsibility will be to improve them and help them go to a higher league and to the ISL,” he said.
The MSLK is unique in being the only domestic league in India that allows foreign players, and the league has already attracted some prominent names. Notably, Alex Sanchez, who won the I-League best player award last season, turned down an offer from Hyderabad FC to play in the ISL this season, choosing instead to stay with Malappuram FC in Kerala’s new league. This highlights the growing appeal of the MSLK and its potential to become a formidable force in Indian football.
Malappuram, known as Kerala’s football-crazy district and a breeding ground for talent, will face Forca Kochi in the opening match. The excitement surrounding the league is evident in the efforts to attract fans. The Kerala Football Association president, Navas Meeran, has announced a special package for fans, including bus tickets, match tickets, and a bottle of water, for a price of Rs 625. He expects a crowd of 20,000 for the opening match, demonstrating the enthusiastic support for this new league.
The MSLK aims to fill the void for football fans in Kerala after the ISL season ends. However, the league faces some challenges in its initial stages. The Kerala Police is still awaiting government clearance to release its players, including Santosh Trophy players, for the MSLK. Around eight of these players have been selected by MSLK clubs, and four were set to join Kochi. The delay could hinder the development of these players, who could have benefited from the opportunity to improve their skills in the MSLK. Additionally, some foreign players are yet to join their respective teams, and several clubs, including Kozhikode FC, Thrissur Magic FC, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, and Kannur Warriors FC, have limited time for pre-season preparation.
Despite the challenges, the MSLK is poised to become a major force in Indian football, providing opportunities for players and fans alike. The league’s colorful opening ceremony, featuring Jacqueline Fernandez, Stephen Devassy, and Sivamani, will set the stage for an exciting season. The opening match kicks off at 8 PM, following the ceremony at 6 PM. The future of Kerala football looks bright with the launch of the Mahindra Super League Kerala, and the league promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.
