Margao
Former I-League champions Churchill Brothers FC are set to kick off their 2024-25 season with an opening match against Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) at the JLN Stadium in Shillong on November 24.
The opening day of the I-League will feature a double-header, with Sreenidi Deccan FC facing Gokulam Kerala FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad at 4:30 PM IST, followed by Inter Kashi hosting SC Bengaluru at the Naihati Bankimanjali Stadium in Naihati at 7 PM.
This season’s 12-team league will run through December to March, with the final match set for April 6, 2025. Sporting Club Bengaluru and Dempo SC are the two new entrants after securing top positions in the 2023-24 I-League season. The participating teams are Inter Kashi, Sporting Club Bengaluru, Sreenidi Deccan, Gokulam Kerala, Aizawl FC, Delhi FC, Churchill Brothers, Rajasthan United, Dempo SC, Real Kashmir FC, Shillong Lajong FC, and Namdhari FC.
Churchill Brothers FC have assembled a formidable squad for the new season, with foreign recruits that have already caught the attention of their opponents. Under the guidance of Cypriot coach Dimitris Dimitriou, the team boasts an exciting mix of international talent, including Spanish forward Juan Mera, South African striker Wayde Lekay, English midfielder Kurttis Guthrie, Senegalese forward Pape Gossama, and Ivorian defender Aubin Kouakou. These foreign players are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s title ambitions.
Coach Dimitriou has built a dynamic squad, and if his foreign strikers find their rhythm, Churchill Brothers are expected to be a force to reckon with this season. The club’s prospects look strong on paper, with a balanced squad and an exciting attacking line-up that has the potential to set the I-League on fire.
Aditya Barros, the General Manager of Churchill Brothers FC, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete for the title. Speaking to The Goan, Barros outlined the team's strategy: "Our goal is to get off to a good start, collect as many points as possible early on, and then fine-tune our strategies as the season progresses. We are confident that our attack, particularly the partnership between Juan Mera and Wayde Lekay, will help us challenge for the top spot."
Despite the challenging schedule, Barros emphasized the team’s focus and determination. "We’re prepared to face tough opponents and our objective is to secure as many valuable points as possible. We understand the importance of this tournament and are fully committed to giving our best," he added.
With a star-studded squad and a strong tactical approach, Churchill Brothers FC will be one of the favorites for the I-League title. Barros concluded, "We are confident that we have what it takes to finish at the top. Our team is ready for the challenge, and we’ll give our best to secure the title."
