Kerala Blasters FC will kick off their 11th Indian Super League (ISL) season this Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi. The team hopes to deliver an Onam gift to Malayalees with a victory on Thiruvonam day. This will also mark the Blasters' first ISL match under their new coach, Michael Stare.
With Dmitry Dimantakos leading the attack and Jikson Singh controlling the midfield, the Blasters have strengthened their squad with key replacements. Moroccan player Noah Sadoui and Adrian Luna, both in outstanding form from the Durand Cup, are expected to boost the team's performance. In defense, Alexander Koff and Pritam Kotal will anchor the backline.
On the opposing side, Greek coach Panagiotis Dimperissa will lead Punjab FC, entering their second ISL season after being promoted from the I-League.
Kerala Blasters, despite completing a decade in the ISL, have yet to claim the title. They've reached the final three times and been eliminated twice, making this season crucial to keeping fan support strong. Fans have voiced disappointment over past seasons' failures, the loss of key players, and the team's recruitment strategies, hoping for a turnaround this time.
