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Calicut FC Triumphs in Inaugural Super League Kerala, Reviving Kozhikode's Footballing Spirit

Calicut FC Triumphs in Inaugural Super League Kerala, Reviving Kozhikode’s Footballing Spirit

By November 10, 2024 0

The Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, witnessed a resurgence of the city’s footballing passion on Sunday as Calicut FC emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the Super League Kerala. The stadium, once a hub of footballing excellence, was brimming with 36,000 enthusiastic fans who witnessed a thrilling final between Calicut FC and Forca Kochi.

The match began with a swift move down the left flank by Calicut FC’s John Kennedy. The Brazilian winger charged into the box and delivered a superb pass to Thoi Singh, who slotted the ball home in the 15th minute. The goal ignited the crowd and set the tone for an exciting match.

The second half saw Calicut FC extend their lead through a free-kick. Kervens Belfort, the Haitian striker, chested down the ball and slammed it into the net, giving Forca Kochi goalkeeper no chance. The goal virtually sealed the victory for Calicut FC, who had dominated the match throughout.

Forca Kochi managed to pull one back in injury time through Dorielton, but it was too little too late. Calicut FC held on to their lead and emerged as the champions of the Super League Kerala.

The victory was a testament to the city’s enduring love for football. In the past, Kozhikode has produced legendary players like I.M. Vijayan, who was present at the stadium to witness the resurgence of football in his hometown. The final match was a reminder of the glory days of Kozhikode football and offered hope for a bright future.

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Calicut FC and Forca Kochi to Clash in Super League Kerala Final

Calicut FC and Forca Kochi to Clash in Super League Kerala Final

By November 9, 2024 0

The inaugural Super League Kerala is set to culminate in a thrilling final between league leaders Calicut FC and Forca Kochi on Sunday night at the Corporation Stadium. The two teams have already faced off twice in the league phase, with Calicut FC winning one match (1-0) and the other ending in a draw (1-1).

Calicut FC, the league’s highest-scoring team with 20 goals, will be looking to maintain their impressive form. However, Forca Kochi boasts the league’s top scorer, Brazilian striker Dori, who has netted five goals. Calicut FC also has two players with four goals apiece: Kervens Belfort and Gani Nigam.

Calicut FC coach Ian Gillan is wary of Forca Kochi’s defensive prowess. “Their defensive record speaks for itself, and we will need to be smart in breaking them down,” he said. “We have worked on our offensive movements, transitions, and creating spaces to exploit, and we’ll look to put that into action from the first whistle.”

Forca Kochi coach Mario Lemos believes the final could be a tactical battle. “Our team has worked hard to refine both our defensive organization and our attacking patterns,” he said. “We will look to neutralize Calicut’s attacking threats while exploiting the spaces that will open up as the match progresses. It is about finding that perfect balance between defense and attack, and we are confident we can do that against a quality side like Calicut.”

The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams eager to claim the inaugural Super League Kerala title. The kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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Calicut FC Sets Sights on I-League, ISL Glory

Calicut FC Sets Sights on I-League, ISL Glory

By October 21, 2024 0

Calicut FC, the current chart-topper in the Super League Kerala, has set its sights on bigger goals. The team, which has already secured a spot in the league’s semifinals, is aiming to lift the title and eventually participate in the I-League.

“One of our goals is to participate in the I-League, we are preparing ourselves to get the capability to reach that level. And the next goal is naturally the ISL,” said V.K. Mathews, the owner of Calicut FC.

The club’s ambitious plans include improving its training facilities and establishing its own training ground. “Next year, we will have our own training ground. It will be in Kozhikode but we’ll look at Kochi as well. Getting a practice ground is not that difficult and we need to have a swimming pool and other facilities. And we must have an academy connected to it,” said Mathews.

Mathews believes that it will take a few years for SLK clubs to break even financially. “The franchise budget for a SLK club is somewhat the same level as the I-League. I don’t think (SLK) clubs will break even in the first three years. The financial success of this depends on the viewership, the viewership has to go up. For that, we have to sensitise and get more and more people interested in the Super League. One of the ways of doing it is how deeply we are involved with the community, the schools, the academies…when the boys and girls from academies come, then the viewership will go up.”

Ian Andrew Gillan, Calicut’s head coach, feels that the SLK — India’s lone State league that allows foreign players — could be a good model for other States to follow. “You can probably reduce the number of foreign players but you need foreigners to raise the standard of Indian players and to make the league attractive,” said Gillan.

Gillan, who has worked with clubs in Australia, Indonesia, and Nepal, believes that India needs more facilities for the sport. “With your massive population, if you can embrace that by providing the facilities, give the kids a game and you’ll develop better,” he said.

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Calicut FC Triumphs Over Malappuram FC, Ascends to Top of Super League Kerala

Calicut FC Triumphs Over Malappuram FC, Ascends to Top of Super League Kerala

By October 12, 2024 0

Calicut FC emerged victorious in their Super League Kerala match against Malappuram FC, securing a 2-1 victory at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. This triumph marked Calicut’s first home win, propelling them to the top of the table with 13 points from seven matches.

The match began with Calicut dominating possession but struggling to find the net. However, their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Thoi Singh’s cross from the right found Gani Ahmmed Nigam inside the box. Nigam, under pressure from two defenders, swiftly passed the ball to Kervens Belfort, who unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner.

Calicut’s second goal came just nine minutes later, once again initiated by a move from the right. Muhammed Riyas and Andres Nia combined effectively, setting up Belfort for a neat header that beat goalkeeper Tenzin Samdup.

Malappuram, who had won their opening match against Forca Kochi but had struggled since, managed to reduce the deficit in the 80th minute. Pedro Manzi, who had just entered the game, converted a penalty to give his team a glimmer of hope.

However, Calicut held on to their lead, securing a crucial victory that boosted their title aspirations. The win also marked the first time Calicut had defeated Malappuram in the Super League Kerala.

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Gani Ahammed Nigam: From Subroto Cup Near-Miss to ISL Aspirations

Gani Ahammed Nigam: From Subroto Cup Near-Miss to ISL Aspirations

By September 19, 2024 0

Ten years ago, Gani Ahammed Nigam and Malappuram’s MSP HSS came tantalizingly close to pulling off a major upset in the Subroto Cup international junior football tournament. With Gani scoring a goal late in the first half, MSP led 2-0 and nearly shocked Brazil’s Colegio Estadul Santo Antonio (St. Antony’s School) in the under-17 final. However, the Brazilian side managed to snatch victory with a last-gasp goal that leveled the score 2-2 and forced the match into a tie-breaker.

“The Subroto Cup final was a pivotal moment in my life,” said Gani, the Calicut FC forward, in a recent interview. “I scored seven goals in that tournament, and it made me realize that I wanted to pursue football as a career.”

Now 26 years old, Gani is eager for more such turning points in his life. With three goals in as many matches in the ongoing Super League Kerala (SLK), he is in fine form and believes that continued success here will help him return to the Indian Super League (ISL) soon.

“I feel like I’m getting my goal-scoring touch back,” said Gani, who has played for several ISL teams, primarily as a winger. “If I get a good offer in the ISL’s January transfer window, I will definitely consider it.”

Gani’s football journey began at the age of nine at the Kadathanad Raja FA academy near his home. After five years there, he moved to MSP School, where he honed his skills and developed into a formidable player. Like many players from the Malappuram area, he has also played extensively in sevens football.

“I played my first sevens match with seniors at 17,” explained Gani. “You learn to make quick decisions and improve your decision-making skills because the ground is so small.”

However, Gani expressed concern about the current state of sevens football in the region. “It’s become very rough and violent,” he said. “There’s a lot of kicking, elbowing, and fighting. It’s scary, and you could get injured. I think it’s changed a lot in the last couple of years, but I don’t understand why because fans enjoy good, clean football.”

Despite the challenges, Gani remains optimistic about his future in football. He is determined to continue scoring goals and helping his team achieve success. With his talent and dedication, he is confident that he can reach even greater heights in the years to come.

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Forca Kochi FC Forces Draw Against Calicut FC in Mahindra Super League Kerala

Forca Kochi FC Forces Draw Against Calicut FC in Mahindra Super League Kerala

By September 19, 2024 0

Forca Kochi FC staged a remarkable comeback to salvage a 1-1 draw against high-flying Calicut FC in the Mahindra Super League Kerala at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Wednesday night.

Calicut, playing at home in front of a boisterous crowd, began as the favorite after its impressive away victory over Malappuram FC. Despite Kochi’s promising start, Calicut took the lead through its local forward Gani Nigam, who had scored twice against Malappuram, just before halftime.

Kochi’s goal came as a surprise to Calicut. Jijo Joseph skillfully evaded several defenders and sent a precise pass to Nigam. The Calicut forward, despite being closely marked, calmly lifted the ball over Kochi goalkeeper S. Hajmal, who could only watch helplessly as it sailed into the net.

The home side nearly extended its lead early in the second half, but Richard Osei’s dangerous header from a corner was expertly saved by Hajmal.

Kochi emerged from the break with renewed vigor, and within 10 minutes, the Calicut goal came under intense pressure. However, goalkeeper Vishal Joon thwarted three consecutive attempts by the visiting players.

The equalizer finally arrived in the 75th minute when South African Ngubo Siyanda headed in a long cross from the right by Kamalpreet Singh.

The result leaves Calicut with five points from three matches, while winless Kochi has two points.

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Calicut FC Appoints Australian Coach Ian Gillan with Ambitious Football Development Plans

Calicut FC Appoints Australian Coach Ian Gillan with Ambitious Football Development Plans

By August 27, 2024 0

Calicut FC, a football club founded by Technocrat V.K. Mathews, has ambitious plans to establish itself as a top-tier team in Indian football. To achieve this goal, the club has appointed Australian coach Ian Gillan, who brings a wealth of experience from his stints in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Gillan’s vision aligns with Mathews’ long-term development plans for football in Kozhikode. He believes that Super League Kerala is a progressive concept that can foster the growth of local talent. By playing alongside experienced foreign players, young Indian footballers can gain invaluable experience and improve their skills.

Gillan emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation for football in the state. He believes that the development of local talent is crucial for the overall growth of Indian football leagues. By providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities, Super League Kerala can contribute to the creation of a robust football ecosystem in the country.

The club’s aspirations extend beyond the Super League Kerala. Gillan and Mathews share the ambition of seeing Calicut FC compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League in the future. The club’s long-term vision and its commitment to developing local talent have attracted Gillan to the project.

Gillan’s appointment is a significant step in Calicut FC’s journey towards becoming a major force in Indian football. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the club towards its goals. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Calicut FC is poised to make a significant impact on the football landscape in India.

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