A RevSportz Exclusive
The current season of the Super League Kerala (SLK) is at its business end, as Kannur Warriors face Thrissur Magic FC in the grand finale in Kannur on Friday night.
This is the second season of the tournament, and both Kannur and Thrissur are first-time finalists. Fan engagement in the tournament has been through the roof, with sold-out stadiums for almost every game. SLK 2025 has been a resounding success.
Amid the grim situation of national football, Super League Kerala has emerged as a silver lining for the fraternity.
To understand the scenario better, we spoke to Dr Hassan Kunhi, Chairman of Kannur Warriors, chief coach Manuel ‘Manolo’ Sanchez, and their skipper, Adrian Sardinero.
“Kerala Breathes Football” – Dr Hassan on the League’s Growth
Rohan: Dr Hassan, this is the second season. From television and social media, we’ve seen an overwhelming response. But give us a ground-level view – how has this tournament felt from the inside?
Dr Hassan: Thank you, Rohan. I’m truly excited. Even in our first season, the response was very good, but this year has been something else altogether.
Last season, matches were spread across four venues, and some places, including Kannur and Thrissur, did not have proper home grounds. This season, every club has its own home ground, and that has made a huge difference.
Kerala is a football-loving state, people play football in every nook and corner. Especially in regions like Kannur, Malappuram, and the Malabar belt, football is the number one sport.
Last season, we reached the semi-finals and fell short. This year, we crossed that barrier and reached the final, which will be played on December 19 at our home ground in Kannur.
All five of our home matches were completely sold out. Across Malappuram, Calicut, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur, stadiums were nearly full – often at 80–90% capacity. Only Kochi saw slightly lower attendance due to a venue change.
Today, Super League Kerala is a name everyone is talking about. In Kannur especially, the entire city is buzzing about the final. I’m extremely excited.
Tactical Turnaround and Trust in the Coach
Dr Hassan (continues): I must also thank our captain and our coach, Manuel Sanchez. He’s been with us from the start and has done a marvellous job. We were fifth at one stage and then climbed into the top four.
Manuel made significant tactical changes. We won a crucial last league match against Thrissur, and with the right results elsewhere, everything fell into place. His strategy worked, and now we are in the final, aiming to win it.
“An Exciting Football Discovery” – Manuel Sanchez on Kerala
Rohan: Coach, you’ve worked across different countries and clubs. What about Kannur Warriors and the Super League Kerala project convinced you to take up this challenge?
Manuel Sanchez: Thank you, Rohan, and thank you for this opportunity. From the very beginning, I felt this was a serious football project with a big future. When I arrived last season, I immediately sensed the passion, structure, and ambition behind the league.
When you work in a new country, you must have an open mindset. For me, Kerala has been an exciting discovery. The football culture here is real – you feel it the moment you enter the stadium. The atmosphere, the crowd, the emotional connection with the team –
it’s incredible.
As a coach, you always want new challenges. Working abroad, in a different football environment, motivates me. This has been a new chapter in my career, and so far, it has exceeded expectations.
I truly believe in this club and this project. I’m grateful to the board, the management, and the players for the trust they’ve shown from day one.
“You Feel Like a True Professional Here” – Adrian Sardinero
Rohan: Adrian, you’ve played in Spain, Greece, and Australia for some big clubs. How different has your experience been in the Super League Kerala?
(He was part of the Getafe squad during the 2010–11 La Liga season, and played against both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at their peak.)
Adrian Sardinero: Like the coach said, it’s been an unbelievable experience, especially for foreign players coming into a completely different culture.
This is my second season here, and from the start, we could see that this was a serious project that keeps growing. One of the most impressive things is the hunger of the young Indian players, their desire to learn and improve.
The organisation of the league is excellent. We’ve played in many countries, including strong European football environments, and here – despite it being only the second season – you feel like a true professional. The facilities are good, the pitches are excellent, and the stadiums are full.
The football level has improved significantly from last year. Better Indian players and stronger foreign signings – it’s clearly moving in the right direction.
People in Kerala genuinely want to watch good football, and we’re proud to be part of that.
Investing Amid Uncertainty – Dr Hassan on Vision and Belief
Rohan: Dr Hassan, a slightly critical question. Given the uncertain state of Indian football at the national level, what motivates you to invest? And what’s the long-term vision for Kannur Warriors and Super League Kerala?
Dr Hassan: That’s a wonderful question. When I was invited to own this club, I didn’t think about commercial returns at all.
Kannur has a deep football history – football existed here from British times. But in recent years, that glory faded. My aim was simple: to bring football back to Kannur.
I’m fortunate to have co-owners who fully support this vision. Running a football club is expensive – it requires commitment, patience, and belief. We’ve never compromised on quality, whether in players, coaching, or infrastructure.
Super League Kerala is growing rapidly. In five years, I truly believe this will be a club and a league that all of India talks about. Only then will valuation and returns come – but that’s not my focus today.
This is Kerala’s first true state league. The crowds here often exceed those of the ISL because clubs represent districts. People feel ownership. This is their team.
That emotional connection is the league’s greatest strength.
Developing Indian Talent – Sanchez on the Bigger Picture
Rohan: Coach, how do you see Indian players, especially local talent, and the role this league can play in national development?
Sanchez: For me, coaching here goes beyond results. Developing young local players is a major responsibility, and one I take very seriously.
The improvement from last season to this one has been impressive. Indian players here have strong technical and physical potential. The next step is tactical education –
understanding the game better, decision-making, and consistent competition from a young age.
That’s how football cultures grow. With proper training structures and regular competition, Indian players can reach a much higher level.
Kerala already has the passion. Now, step by step, the footballing knowledge is growing too.
“Football Is Players and Fans” – Adrian on Packed Stadiums
Rohan: Adrian, how important is playing in front of packed stadiums?
Sardinero: It’s everything. Football, at its core, is about players and fans.
Every match here feels like a festival. When you play in front of 20,000–30,000 people, you give more. You feel the responsibility, the energy, and the joy.
Coming from Spain, a major footballing nation, I can honestly say that here, you sometimes feel even more like a professional footballer because of the passion in the stands.
The people of Kerala love football, and that love is the foundation of this league.
A Message to the Fans
Rohan: Dr Hassan, your message to the Kannur Warriors fans before the final?
Dr Hassan: We are proud of our fans, especially our supporters’ group, the Red Mariners. Thousands stand with us every match.
My message is simple: enjoy the football. We may win, we may lose – but football is about emotion, joy, and unity.
Support the team, support the game, and keep believing. This is just the beginning for Kannur Warriors.
Rohan: Thank you, Dr Hassan, Coach Sanchez, and Adrian. All the very best for the final.
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