Mohammedan Sporting Club will make their bow in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign after they won the I-League 2023-24 to secure promotion to the ISL. 

The century-old club became just the second team to be promoted into the ISL after Punjab FC in 2023-24. The Kolkata Giants will be the third club from the City of Joy to be a part of the ISL after Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC making the ISL a 13-team affair.

The club have a rich history having won the Durand Cup and the Federation Cup twice and the Calcutta Football League 14 times in their history. They also have the honour of being the first Indian team to win the CFL in 1938.

Having spent the last few seasons in the I-League, Mohammedan SC are ready for the ISL challenge that will see them lock horns with the best teams in India. 

As we look ahead to their debut campaign, here are things that one can expect with their inclusion in the ISL. 

Passionate fans

The fans are the heart, soul and pride of Mohammedan SC and have stuck with the team despite some difficult times in recent years. But their supporters who turn up in big numbers whenever their team plays are certain to light up the ISL. 

The new club management have made efforts to organise and unite the fan base which has been boosted by the recent upturn in results and the promotion to the ISL. 

Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan which will be the team’s home ground may not be as big a ground as the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, but the Mohammedan SC fans have the ability to make it a very hostile place for travelling teams. Their addition to the mix will further add colour to the ISL.

Rivalry with Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC

Mohammedan SC share old rivalries with other Kolkata Giants Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC and these will be rekindled in the upcoming ISL season. The three Kolkata teams haven’t always been competing in the same tier of Indian football in recent times and thus Mohammedan’s promotion will provide the stage for these matchups which a lot of history behind them.

Matches against Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC are called mini Kolkata derbies and those games are set to add an extra spice to the league in the upcoming campaign. 

Youthful and exciting squad 

Mohammedan SC have a young team heading into their debut ISL season with just one player on their current roster in his thirties. A total of 12 players are below the age of 25 with the average age of the team being just below 24. 

Despite the low average age, there is ISL experience in their ranks in the shape of Amarjit Kiyam, Makan Chote, Samuel Lamuanpuia, Gaurav Bora and Zodingliana Ralte which should help them navigate the added challenge of India’s top-tier league. 

But the age profile should give Mohammedan SC a fearless look which is in sync with the coach’s philosophy. 

Aggressive approach

Mohammedan SC’s I-League triumph was characterised by a bold, attacking and aggressive style of play. Head coach Andrey Chernyshov has promised to play the ISL in the same vein but it will be interesting to see if his players can back their manager’s words with actions on the pitch. 

Proactive and front-foot football have been the hallmark of Chernyshov’s team and if they are able to replicate that in the ISL, Mohammedan SC will be a very exciting team to watch and also give some of the other teams a real run for their money.

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Amarjit Singh KiyamGaurav BoraMakan Winkle Chothe