Kolkata’s football scene is buzzing with excitement as Mohammedan Sporting joins Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2024-25 season. This marks the first time since the 2013-14 season that all three historic Kolkata clubs will be competing in India’s top-tier league. Mohammedan Sporting earned their spot in the ISL by clinching the I-League title last season.
Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president, was notably surprised when he learned about Mohammedan Sporting’s establishment in 1891, a decade before FIFA’s inception. During a 2007 visit to Kolkata’s Maidan, Blatter admired the club’s rich history among some of Asia’s oldest football institutions.
For the new ISL season starting September 13, Mohammedan Sporting will face an uphill battle. Their Russian coach, Andrey Chernyshov, acknowledges the challenge, noting the need to adapt to the ISL’s competitive environment. “We play to win, but we need to acclimate to the ISL’s pace,” Chernyshov said, reflecting on the difficulties ahead.
The team’s roster has undergone a significant overhaul, with nearly 20 of the 28 players being new, including three of the six foreign recruits. Mohammedan Sporting’s opening matches include a home game against Durand Cup champions NorthEast United on September 16, followed by a clash with FC Goa. Chernyshov admits that the team is still in the early stages of preparation, having started training only two weeks ago.
Chernyshov’s focus is on tactical adjustments, with the aim of getting the team to gel within the first five rounds of the season. For perspective, Punjab FC faced a steep learning curve last season, needing 12 rounds to secure their first win after joining the ISL from the I-League.
In contrast, Punjab FC has made strategic changes of their own, including hiring a new coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, and signing Norwegian striker Mushaga Bakenga. Bakenga, once a sought-after talent, is expected to bring valuable experience to the team.
During a recent ISL media day, various coaches and players discussed the league’s dynamics. Odisha FC’s coach Sergio Lobera emphasized the importance of having a strong Indian player base, stating that a team needs seven Indian players on the pitch to succeed.
The media interactions also touched on individual experiences, such as Jamshedpur FC’s Khalid Jamil discussing his unique position as an Indian coach and the challenges faced by players like East Bengal’s Souvik Chakraborty in managing their physical approach during training.
As Mohammedan Sporting embarks on their ISL journey, they face the dual challenge of integrating a new squad and adapting to the league’s demands. With high expectations and a renewed sense of purpose, the club aims to make a significant impact in their debut season.