Mohammedan Sporting Club is poised to make history as they step into the ISL 2024-25 season, taking on Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC in their opening game at Kishore Bharati Krirangan. From playing in the 2nd Division I-League to securing promotion to the top tier of Indian football after winning the I-League last year, the Black and White Brigade has made a monumental leap forward.
Black Panthers’ head coach, Andrey Chernyshov, can’t wait to be part of this historic moment. He said, “This will be a historic match because it’s the first-ever ISL game for Mohammedan, for the players, and for me. It’s truly something special.” Chernyshov also urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support the team. “After a few matches, we’ll get a better understanding of the level and atmosphere, but we expect the supporters to come out tomorrow,” he added.
Team captain and local favorite, Samad Ali Mullick, echoed this sentiment. “Our pre-season has gone well, and we’re hoping for positive results in the ISL. I urge the supporters to come and cheer us on tomorrow,” said Samad.
For Mohammedan’s players, who have already proven themselves in the I-League, the ISL presents a new and tougher challenge. However, the squad has been bolstered by new arrivals. Domestic signings like Amarjit Singh, Makhan Chote, and Gaurav Bora will be key, alongside new foreign signings Franca and César Lobi Manzoki. The club, however, has been dealt a major blow with versatile midfielder Mohammed Kadiri sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, and they are yet to find his replacement.
Both the coaching staff and players agree that a longer pre-season period would have been ideal. Their Ghanaian forward commented, “Twenty-five days of pre-season is a bit short, so it will take some time to fully settle into the league. But we will aim to pick up as many points as we can in the early matches to help us peak later.”
Despite these challenges, the club is determined to make this historic moment memorable. From the players and coaching staff to the backroom staff, everyone is working tirelessly. The staff has been meeting day and night to ensure everything is in place for the big day.
“Yesterday (Saturday), we finished our work at 3 AM. It’s been hectic, and today we’ll be working in full swing to make sure everything is ready before the game,” said a staff member, in charge of Kishore Bharati Krirangan, speaking to RevSportz.
The fans are equally excited to be part of this new chapter in the club’s storied history. The management is expecting a full house for the ISL opener, with the ticket demand at an all-time high.
“There’s been a huge craze for tickets; many fans might even have to wait outside,” a club official said.
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