Super League Kerala is good football model for India: Calicut FC coach

Calicut / September 9, 2024

Kozhikode, Sep 9: Super League Kerala (SLK) can serve as a model for other states in the country when India is charting out a long-term vision for football, Calicut FC coach Ian Andrew Gillian said today.

Matches at the two-month SLK are being held at international standards, he told a press conference on the eve of the opening match of Calicut FC in SLK in the city, recalling the excitement of the crowd and the positive attitude of the players at the opening match last weekend.

Describing SLK as an “asset” to football, Ian said players should get professional experience from the elementary level. “SLK is a great model to help with that. You have boys with good technical skills. They deserve an opportunity to play international level football,” he noted, stressing the need to avoid injuries.

Ian noted that the rains did occasionally hamper training, but said the enthusiasm of the fans can off-set the matter on the ground. “We hope to live up to their expectations,” he added.

Captain Jijo Joseph Tutu said all team members are working hard. “We hope to bring out a good performance.”

Calicut FC kicks off its campaign in SLK against Thiruvananthapuram Kompans at EMS Corporation Stadium here on Tuesday at 7 pm.

The SLK, which began on September 7 in Kochi, has teams representing Kozhikode, Kannur, Malappuram, Thrissur, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, slugging it out for the coveted trophy that carries a prize money of Rs 1.50 crore. 

Calicut FC will play five matches at the home ground EMS Corporation Stadium, which will feature the largest number of matches: 11 out of the total 33. This includes the first semi-final on November 5. The finals will be played in Kochi on November 10. All matches will be covered live on Star Sports and Disney Hotstar.

All the matches will be played at 7.30 pm to suit the TV and in-stadia viewership pattern of the football-crazy citizenry of the state.

ENDS

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