Goal.com provides you with an introduction to the I-League clubs of the season 2011-2012, with a brief introduction and links to each team...
Air India
| Nickname: The Pilots Home Stadium: Cooperage Ground, Mumbai Best Performance: 5th (1997-98) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (11th), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
Founded in 1952, Air India Football Club is one of the oldest institutional sides in the country. Though never considered as one of the glamour boys in the I-League, the Mumbai based outfit has often proved to be a tough nut to crack for many top sides.
Four times champions in the local league in Mumbai, Air India are best known for nurturing youngsters into big time players. Many of their former players have gone on to play with distinction for bigger teams in the later years.
Chirag United Kerala
| Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Kaloor International Stadium, Kerala Best Performance: 10th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (10th), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
Formed on August 8, 2004 the club officially took off on August 19 in a ceremony at FACT grounds, thus fulfilling the need for the state's representation in country's top football league, the National Football League (NFL).
Viva Kerala that was finally a dream realized and their first big break came their way when they found themselves a NFL in the Second Division.They surprised everyone by finishing second in its group and qualified for the final phase and went on to book their place in the National Football League 2007-08.
In June 2011, Chirag Computers bought the financially troubled Viva Kerala FC and renamed it to the present one.
Churchill Brothers SC
| Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Champions (2009-10) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (4th), Federation Cup (Group Stage), Durand Cup (Champions) |
One of the top teams in the state of Goa, having won the Goa League six times, Churchill Brothers started up in 1988 as Varca Club. After one season under the name Varca Club they renamed themselves Brothers Sporting Club. However, they were bought out by Churchill Braz Alemao and renamed themselves Churchill Brothers SC. Ups and downs in the club's fortune followed since then and they eventually went on to win the Durand Cup in 2007, following which they had their best year in 2008-09 by winning the 2008-09 I-League, 2009 Durand Cup, and the 2009 IFA Shield.
They are one of the favourites and are expected to provide a stiff challenge for the coveted the top crown.
Dempo SC
| Nickname: The Whites Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Champions (2004-05, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (3rd), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
The most successful club in 'modern' I-League history, the Goan outfit has been a constant performer in all the national football championship and has gained immense popularity in the last four decades of its existence. The team has several accolades and honors in its kitty. In the 2004-05 season, the club won its maiden National Football League title. They won the league again in the 2006-2007 season and followed it with the two more I-League triumphs in 2006-07 in its inaugural version and then in 2009-2010.
Arguably India's best performer in the continental tournaments, Dempo are a team to watch out for.
HAL SC
| Nickname: The Garden City Boys Home Stadium: Bangalore Football Stadium, Bangalore Best Performance: 12th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (12th), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
Yet another institutional Indian football club from Bangalore and named after the company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL barely escaped relegation on the final day of the last season. With a minimal I-League experience under their belt, survival will again be the top priority for the boys in green.
East Bengal
| Nickname: Lal Holud Brigade Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: Champions (2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (2nd), Federation Cup (Runners Up), Super Cup (Winners) |
Known to be one of the best footballing sides in India, the red and gold brigade have won the most IFA Shields in Indian Football and are tied for the most National Football League and Durand Cup championships with huge rival Mohun Bagan A.C and they will be looking to go one better this time around and achieve what the big guns of Kolkata have failed to do till now, that is to win the I-League after it's inception in 2007.
An organized team under Trever Morgan,the team will be one of the prime heavyweights for the big title.
Mohun Bagan AC
| Nickname: Sobuj Maroon/The Mariners Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: Champions (1997-98, 1999–2000, 2001–02) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (6th), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
One of the oldest football clubs in Asia, having been established in 1889, and often touted as the National Club Of India, Mohun Bagan will be looking to reignite their I-League glory after a flurry of star signings including Sunil Chhetri and Okolie Odafe.
However,a series of low key performances and off-field problems at the start of the season has seen former coach Steve Darby resign. In what seems to be a disastrous start, Mohun Bagan desperately need to find a way to pull up their socks ahead of the new I-League season.
Mumbai FC
| Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Cooperage Ground, Mumbai Best Performance: 7th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (7th), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
The minnows from Mumbai proved quite a thorn last season, finishing a respectable seventh and it remains to be seen how they cope up this time around. The ultimate underdogs, they may well not be challenging for the top honours but might well affect the top half of the league.
Pailan Arrows
| Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: 9th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (9th), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
Owned and managed by the All India Football Federation, Pailan Arrows (formerly AIFF XI and Indian Arrows) was set up in order to provide regular first team playing opportunities to youngsters and with a target of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
The team has thrown up some exciting products in the past seasons and like always will remain one of the most anticipated teams, as they showcase India's future talents.
Prayag United
| Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: 8th (2008-09,2009-10, 2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (8th), Federation Cup(Semi-Finals), Durand Cup (Runners Up) |
Prayag United S.C. was originally established in 1927 as Eveready Association. In 2006, it was renamed as United Sports Club to attract title sponsor and the football division owned by United Sport Football Team Private Ltd. With the inflow of sponsorship, the club clinched promotion to the first division of the I-League in 2007.
A rejuvinated outfit under coach Sanjoy Sen, Prayag United is probably the dark horses of the league, after impressive shows in Federation Cup and Durand Cup.
Pune FC
| Nickname: Red Lizards Home Stadium: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune Best Performance: 3rd (2009-10) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (5th), Federation Cup (Group Stage), Durand Cup (Semi-Finals), Friendly Loss Against Blackburn Rovers |
In an attempt to put the city of Pune in India's footballing map, the club was established in 2007, and gained promotion to the I-League in the 2009-10 season. Pune F.C., arguably one of the most professional football club in India, is also known now for having an inhouse football academy.
A hub of few of India's most remarkable talent, there is no denying that Pune FC is one of the teams on their way up.
Salgaocar SC
| Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Champions (1998-99, 2010-11) Recent Form: Champions: I-League 2010-11 (Champions), Federation Cup (Champions), Durand Cup (1st Round), Supercup (Runners Up) |
The year 1956 may well be described as the dawn of a new era in Goan football, as football loving Mr. V.M. Salgaocar, founder President of the VM Salgaocar Group of Companies, founded one of Goa's first ever football club Salgaocar SC in order to give a platform to the Goan youth to showcase their immense footballing talent to the country. In 1962 when India liberated Goa from Portugese rule, Salgaocar Football Club became the first Goan team to be extended an invitation to play in the prestigious Durand Cup in New Delhi.
Footballing fate has taken it's course since then, and the team with several ups and downs over the years, now stand as the current holders and defending champions of the I-League.Under coach Karim Bencherifa, the Goans are a feared outfit and will do all they can to retain their coveted title.
Shillong Lajong FC
| Nickname: Reds Home Stadium: Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal Best Performance: Relegated In Their Only Season (2009-10) Recent Form: I-League Division Two (Champions), Federation Cup (Semi Finals) |
Shillong Lajong Football Club was established in 1983 in Shillong, Meghalaya with the prime objective of improving the diminishing standard of football in the state, and to spot, train and nurture local talent.
A travel to the north-east is always a tricky one for the the big teams, who are generally presented among a enthusiastic and hostile home support for Lajong. A few good signings in the summer mean they may well cause an upset or two.
Sporting Clube de Goa
| Nickname: Flaming Oranje Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Runners Up (2003-04) Recent Form: I-League Division Two (2nd), Federation Cup (Group Stage) |
Sporting Clube de Goa came into existence in 1999, when the public of Panjim decided to launch a football club after Cidade de Goa disbanded its football team. Thus, after Vasco Sports Club, Sporting became the second club of public shareholding in Goa. The club, built on the lines of Portuguese giants Sporting Clube de Portugal, has made rapid strides in the national circuit since.
Although they were relegated in the 2009-10 season, the side has made a quick comeback among the elites after 2nd place finish in the division two.
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