The Club can confirm that midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma has signed a contract extension until 2027, with a further option to extend. Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said: “I’m very pleased to have Freddy extend his commitment with us until 2027. He is a brave and commited player – that’s what we need here at Kerala Blasters. I hope Freddy keeps improving and gives us more and more every season.” Since joining the Club last summer, Freddy has made 14 appearances for the Club. An injury kept him out of action temporarily midway through the 23/24 season. Freddy has featured regularly in preseason matches and Durand Cup this season, under new Head Coach Mikael Stahre, showing his adeptness at playing multiple positions in midfield. Freddy Lallawmawma said:“I’m honored and excited to extend my journey with Kerala Blasters until 2027. The support from the fans and the club has been incredible and I’m committed to giving my all on the pitch for the Club.” A defensive midfielder by trade, Lallawmawma is a player full of industry, tenacity, and hardwork. Everyone at Kerala Blasters would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Freddy on his new contract and wish him every success during his time here.

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that the following players have been loaned for the upcoming season : Likmabam Rakesh – Punjab FCBikash Singh – Mohammedan SCThomas Cherian – Churchill BrothersMuhammad Ajsal – Gokulam Kerala FCMohammed Arbaz – Real Kashmir FC The decision was made with a focus on providing ample game time and fostering the development of each individual involved. We wish them all the best for their respective loan stints!

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce the signing of Spanish forward Jesús Jiménez Núñez, on a two-year deal, until 2026. He joins KBFC after spending the 2023 season with OFI Crete, in the Greek Super League (Greece). Jiménez, 30, began his career in the youth system of Club Deportivo Leganés (CD Leganés), where he spent two seasons with the reserves team. Jiménez also spent time with Agrupación Deportiva Unión Adarve (2013/2014), Alcorcón B (2014/2015), Atlético Pinto (2015) and Club Deportivo Illescas (2015/2016). The 30-year-old striker’s first break-through came at FC Talavera, in the Spanish Third Division. In the 2016/17 season, he scored 26 league goals in 33 matches, helping the Club win promotion to Segunda B. During his two seasons with Talavera, Jiménez scored 36 goals in a combined 68 appearances across all competitions. The 6-foot, 176-pound striker then joined Polish first-division side Górnik Zabrze. In his four season with Gornik, he made 134 appearances, scored 43 goals and recorded 26 assists across all competitions (Ekstraklasa, Polish Cup and Europa League). Prior to his stint in Greece, Jimenez played for FC Dallas and Toronto FC in the MLS (USA). He recording nine goals and 6 assists during this time. Sporting Director Karolis Skynkis expressed his enthusiasm for the signing: “Jesús is a fantastic addition to our squad. His experience in various leagues, combined with his goal-scoring prowess, will significantly strengthen our attacking options. We are confident that Jesús will play a crucial role in our campaign and help us achieve success this season.” Jesús Jiménez also shared his excitement: “I am thrilled to start this new chapter with Kerala Blasters FC. The passion of the fans and the club’s vision align perfectly with my ambitions. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and creating lasting memories both on and off the pitch.” The Club warmly welcomes Jesús to the Blasters family and eagerly anticipates his contributions in the upcoming season. The player was part of the full preseason training with OFI Crete and is expected to join ready with match fitness.

In an intense Group C clash at the 133rd edition of The Durand Cup, Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC played out an hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan The draw saw both teams move to four points from two matches, with Kerala Blasters FC topping the group due to their earlier victory over Mumbai City FC The first half was a tightly contested affair with both sides creating chances and fighting for possession. In first-half injury time, Luka Majcen broke the deadlock after he made a perfectly timed run to beat the offside trap and latch onto a long pass from Nikhil Prabhu. The Slovenian striker controlled the ball expertly and slotted it past Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeper Som Kumar, giving Punjab FC a crucial lead. Kerala Blasters made strategic changes at the start of the second half as Head Coach Mikael Stahre introduced Pritam Kotal and Mohammed Aimen, injecting fresh energy into the team. The changes paid off quickly. In the 56th minute, Adrian Luna found Peprah on the left wing and Peprah’s precise cross reached an unmarked Mohammed Aimen at the far post, who calmly slotted in the equalizer. The remainder of the match was marked by end-to-end action, with both teams pushing for a winner. Punjab FC came close but Keeper Som Kumar made vital saves to deny Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak. Kerala Blasters in return nearly clinched victory in the dying moments through consistent attacks leaving fans on the edge of their seats. As the Durand Cup progresses, Kerala Blasters will aim to build on their strong performances and maintain their top spot in the group! Goal : Mohammed Aimen: 57′ Substitutions : 46′ : Hormipam ➡ Pritam Kotal 46′ : Yoihenba ➡ Mohammed Aimen 75′ : Aiban Dohling ➡ Naocha Singh

Kochi – July 31, 2024 – As the rigorous and rewarding first leg of the preseason in Thailand comes to an end, Kerala Blasters FC is set to embark on the next exciting chapter of their journey by competing in the prestigious 133rd Durand Cup in Kolkata.The Blasters, who are grouped alongside the CISF Protectors FT, Punjab FC & Mumbai City FC, will kick-off their Durand Cup campaign on August 1st against Mumbai City FC. This is followed by games on August 4th vs Punjab FC and on August 10th vs CISF Protectors FT. Under new head coach Mikael Stahre, there has been a focused approach on building up the right mentality & intensity in training sessions and matches. Fans would have been happy to see forward Kwame Peprah back amongst the goals as he looks to make a strong comeback from his injury last season. With 8 goals scored in three matches, there were plenty of ‘firsts’ in goal contributions as Pandita, Amawia, Saheef, Yoheinba, all got on the scoresheet. In the three games played in Thailand, the team achieved the following results: Despite starting with a loss, there have been clear signs of improvement. With new coaching principles, technicalities and tactics being introduced to the squad, Coach Mikael will be happy to have concluded the first leg with a dominant win against Thai top-division side Ratchaburi FC.  Meanwhile, Forward Jaushua Sotirio and midfielder Vibin Mohanan, both of whom suffered minor knocks in Thailand, are under rehabilitation with the team. Defender Prabir Das also returned home prematurely due to personal reasons. Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, who has been undergoing individual rehabilitation in Kochi, has now rejoined the team in Kolkata. Newly signed defender Alexandre Coeff will join his new teammates next week in Kolkata The Durand Cup squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Nora Fernandes, Som Kumar, Mohammed Arbaz Defenders: Milos Drincic,Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Alexandre Coeff, Aiban Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Naocha Singh Midfielders: Mohammed Azhar, , Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Yoihenba Meitei, Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Saurav Mandal, Bryce Miranda, Adrian Luna, Rentlei Lalthanmawia Forwards: Noah Sadaoui, Kwame Peprah, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Ishan Pandita, , Sreekuttan MS, Muhammed Ajsal, Mohammed Aimen With the Durand Cup on the horizon, there will be plenty of excitement to see the team back in competitive action. Forward Noah Sadaoui will look to carry forward his form from last season’s Durand Cup where he finished as joint-highest goalscorer with 6 goals. Head coach Stahre will also be hoping the players align with his philosophy and secure results in his first assignment with the team, aiming to challenge for the title. In light of the recent natural calamity and tragic loss of life in Wayanad, Kerala Blasters players will wear black armbands during their opening group fixture of The Durand Cup 2024. This gesture is to express our deepest solidarity and condolences to those affected during this difficult time.

Kerala Blasters FC is pleased to announce the extension of right back Sandeep Singh, who puts pen-to-paper on a contract extension until 2027. Since joining Kerala Blasters FC in 2020, the 29-year-old has been a versatile and reliable presence in the defensive lineup. In his 57 appearances for the club, Sandeep has demonstrated his consistency and adaptability across various positions in defence. For all his defensive contributions, fans will perhaps most fondly remember Sandeep’s memorable late winner against Odisha FC in the 2022-23 ISL Season. On the contract extension Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said : “I am very pleased to extend Sandeep Singh’ stay with us. He has been a reliable player in the ISL, and a experienced member of the dressing room. We’re looking forward to seeing him contribute even more with his experience and continue to be an important part of our team in the coming seasons.” Sandeep Singh said : “I am excited to extend my journey with Kerala Blasters FC. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and remain fully committed to contributing to the team’ success in the coming seasons. Together, we will strive to achieve great things and continue building on the progress we’ve made.” The extension of Sandeep’s contract underscores the club’s recognition of his value and the depth he adds to the squad. Over the past four years, Sandeep has been a crucial component of the team, and the Club is excited to continue building with him. The Blasters are set to kick-off their Durand Cup campaign on August 1st vs Mumbai City FC, as new head coach Mikael Stahre and the team look to hit the ground running. The squad has already shifted base to Kolkata, after completing the first leg of preseason in Thailand.

Kerala Blasters FC is excited to announce the extension of Montenegrin center back Miloš Drinčić’s contract until 2026. This decision comes after a standout debut season that showcased Miloš’ vital role in the team’s future success. Since joining Kerala Blasters FC in 2023, the 25-year-old has been a key figure in the defensive line. In his first season, Miloš made a significant impact across 22 games, contributing not only as a defensive leader but also with crucial goals, highlighting his versatility and importance to the squad. His gritty, physical style of play has garnered admiration from fans and teammates alike. On the contract extension Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said : “Miloš is a determined player with high motivation to perform and leadership qualities. I’m happy that he will continue with us and I’m looking forward for a good season ahead for him.” Miloš Drinčić said : “Continuing my association with Kerala Blasters FC was a pretty easy decision for me. The fans’ passion and the club’s vision perfectly match my aspirations. I’m proud to represent Kerala Blasters FC and look forward to making ongoing contributions and lead the team towards mutiple title triumphs.” With Miloš Drinčić’s extended commitment, Kerala Blasters FC is excited about the future and looks forward to many more impactful moments. The club anticipates that his presence, alongside recent signing Alexandre Coeff, will fortify the defense and contribute to the team’s prolonged success.

Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) is pleased to announce the signing of Alexandre Coeff. The experienced and versatile French defender, who last played for SM Caen in the French Ligue 2, puts pen-to-paper on a one-year contract with the Blasters. Pre-dominantly a center-back, Coeff has demonstrated impressive versatility throughout his career, slotting in comfortably as a defensive midfielder and right back on numerous occasions. Born in France, Coeff has had an impressive footballing journey, showcasing his talents across various leagues and continents. He spent his early days of football in the youth ranks of Plouzane Athletic, Stade Brestois 29, Guilers and Cavale Blanche Brest, before moving to the infamous RC Lens Academy in 2008. He received his first professional contract from RC Lens aged only 16, following impressive performances through the Club’s youth ranks. After a successful stint with RC Lens, having made 56 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, Coeff’s professional career took off with a series of significant moves, starting with Italian Serie A Club Udinese in 2013 who bought the player on a five-year deal. Still very young, Coeff was immediately loaned to La Liga Club Granada FC in 2014, helping the team finish a Club high fifth position. The following years saw a series of loan moves to top division teams like RCD Mallorca (Spain), Mouscron (Belgium), Ajaccio (France), and Stade Brestois (France), before moving on a permanent transfer to AE Larisa (Greece) in 2018. Between 2018 and 2023, the 32-year-old had stints with Ajaccio, Auxerre (both in France) and Brescia (Italy). Coeff’s experience is exemplified by his 320 career appearances across some of the biggest leagues, during which he also has a hand 25 goal contributions. He has also represented the France National Team at all age group levels. Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said: “Alexandre will bring us much-needed experience and quality, and he will reinforce different positions in our team. Additionally, we expect leadership qualities from him.” On signing with the Blasters, Alexandre Coeff said: “Hello to the entire Yellow Army, thank you for this warm welcome, I have rarely experienced this in my career, I can’t wait to vibrate with you on the ground, see you soon.” Alexandre Coeff becomes the club’s second foreign signing of the summer after Noah Saddaoui. He will link up with his new teammates soon, having requested some additional time due to personal reasons.

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that Nihal Sudeesh will spend the 2024/25 season on loan at Punjab FC. Nihal, who came up through the youth ranks of KBFC (barring a brief stint with the Indian Navy), made his senior team debut in the 2022/23 ISL season. The 23-year-old attacker, who has 19 appearances for the Blasters, will now join Punjab FC to further his experience. This move was decided keeping in mind the need for necessary game-time and match experience at this stage of the talented youngster’s career. The Club will be tracking his progress closely. Everybody at KBFC wishes Nihal all the best this season.

The Kerala Blasters FC squad has arrived in Thailand, as it kicks off preseason preparations for the 2024-25 season. The first team have set up base in Chonburi, at the Pattana Sports Comlex, where newly appointed Head Coach Mikael Stahre and his coaching staff are expected to take charge their first training session today. The first set of players arrived in Thailand early in the morning with more arrivals expected later in the week. Fans will be happy to note that defender Aiban Dohling and forward Kwame Peprah will be training again with squad following the season-ending injuries they sustained last season. Goalkeeping coach Slaven Progvecki will get a first look at newly signed goalkeepers Som Kumar and Nora Fernandes, both of whom joined in the summer. They are joined by Md. Arbaz, is now into his second pre-season with the first team. Meanwhile, Sachin Suresh is continuing his rehabilition in Kochi and is expected to join the squad later. Other fresh faces include winger R. Lalthanmawia and star forward Noah Sadaoui, both of whom are all set to participate in their first full preseason with the Club since joining the Blasters in the summer. Loan returnees Saheef, Ajsal and Bikash, all of whom gained valuable minutes and match experience last season, also joined the squad as they look to cement their place for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, youngsters Sreekuttan and Korou Singh have received preseason call-ups, the latter of whom is expected to join the squad later due to U-20 National Team commitments. The rest of the travelling squad includes plenty of familiar faces, as they look to kick-start preseason preparations on the front-foot. The full travelling squad is as follows: Goalkeepers Mohammed Arbaz, Nora Fernandes, Som Kumar Defenders Miloš Drinčić, Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Prabir Das, Aiban Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Naocha Singh Midfileders Mohammed Azhar, Mohammed Aimen, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Yoihenba Meitei Forwards Adrian Luna, Noah Sadaoui, iJaushua Sotirio, Kwame Peprah, Rahul KP, Bryce Miranda, Ishan Pandita, R. Lalthanmawia, Sreekuttan MS, Muhammad Ajsal, Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Saurav The Blasters will spend 3 weeks in Thailand before travelling back to India for the 133rd Durand Cup, which is set to commence on July 26.

*Kerala Blasters FC Sign Star Forward Noah Sadaoui* Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) is delighted to announce the signing of forward Noah Sadaoui on a two-year contract, which will keep the dynamic forward at the Club until 2026. Sadaoui brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of goal-scoring prowess to the Blasters, significantly bolstering our attacking options for the upcoming seasons. Born in Morocco, Noah has had an impressive footballing journey, showcasing his talents across various leagues and continents. His career began in the youth ranks of Wydad Casablanca, before moving to the United States to join the PDA Academy, the youth team of MLS side New York Red Bulls. After a successful stint in the US, contributing significantly to his college’s Championship runs and earning numerous All-MAAC First Team Honours, Noah’s professional career took off with a series of significant moves, starting with Israeli Premier League Club Maccabi Haifa in 2013. His first taste of silverware would come South-African side Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs), as he scored three goals in three appearances to help them lift the 2015 MTN 8. Between 2015 and 2017, Noah had stints at Miami United, with whom he won the 2016 National Premier Soccer League, Real CD Espana (Honduras), and Al-Khaburah SC (Oman). It wasn’t until the 2017-18 season that Noah had his break-through goalscoring season, having scored 16 goals in 20 appearances for Omani side Mirbat SC. Noah continued his form with Enppi SC (Egypt), making 6 goal contributions in 17 appearances, before returning to Morocco with MC Oujda. In his two seasons with Oujda, Sadaoui recorded 12 goals and 6 assists in 43 appearances. He went on to feature for Raja Casablanca and AS FAR, two of Morocco’s most decorated and successful clubs, before making a move to the Indian Super League (ISL) with FC Goa in 2022. The 30-year-old forward has 54 appearances in the ISL, with a mouth-watering tally of 29 goals and 16 assists to his name over the last two seasons. Having contributed to a goal in nearly every game he’s played, Noah has quickly risen to prominence as a star in the league and one of the most exciting players in the ISL. Noah has 4 National Team appearances since his debut in 2021. Most notably, he started in the semi-finals and the finals of the 2021 African Nations Championship, helping Morocco to the title. Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said: ‘‘I’m very happy Noah joined us to help reach our targets. Obviously we expect him to be one of most important players in our team and one of best players in the league like he was during the last two ISL seasons. I really appreciate his desire to join Kerala Blasters and feel that this association can be very successful.’’ On signing with the Blasters, Noah Sadaoui said: “I am really excited to join Kerala Blasters and be part of such a passionate club. The energy and support from the KBFC fans is simply incredible, and I cannot wait to play in front of them. I’m looking forward to contributing to the club’ success and being part of this exciting journey. Together, we can achieve great things and make our mark this season.” The star forward becomes the club’s first foreign signing of the summer. He will link up with his new team in Thailand, where the team is scheduled to kick-off it’s preseason preparations

FREEMANS Measuring Tools, Hand Tools and Power Tools is thrilled to announce a landmark 5-year sponsorship deal with Kerala Blasters. This multi-year agreement will see the FREEMANS logo prominently displayed on Kerala Blasters team kits, official merchandise and throughout their stadium facilities. Kerala has consistently been a key market for FREEMANS Tools since its inception in 1950. “We are thrilled to announce a 5-year sponsorship deal with India’s premier football team, Kerala Blasters Football Club” , says Sahil Nayar, Executive Director at FMI Limited. “Kerala has been a key market for FREEMANS Measuring Tools, Hand Tools and Power Tools throughout our 75-year rich history. We believe there is no better way to further strengthen our bond with the state and all Keralites than by supporting the Kerala Blasters. Furthermore, the partnership between FREEMANS and KBFC marks a significant step in our endeavour to support and nurture sporting excellence in our country. With this association, FREEMANS brings 1,500+ excited employees to join the Yellow Army and we will all be supporting the Kerala Blasters with full gusto for the next 5-years and beyond. Go KBFC!” The Kerala Blasters management said that they are delighted to welcome FREEMANS to the Blasters family. “It gives us immense pleasure to welcome FREEMANS into the Blasters family. This partnership is a testament to the shared values of excellence, dedication, and community support that both KBFC and FREEMANS embody. FREEMANS has been a trusted name in Kerala for decades, and now, as we join hands and embark on this exciting 5-year journey together, we are confident that this journey will elevate both our brands to new heights. We thank FREEMANS for the trust placed in us and look forward to a very meaningful partnership, creating impact on and off the field.” FMI Limited is the pioneer and the largest manufacturer of Measuring Tools in the Indian subcontinent. The diverse product line includes an extensive selection of Hand Tools and Power Tools. Marketed under the FREEMANS brand since 1950, the products meet the highest international quality standards. They are well established in over 60 countries worldwide and are amongst the first non-European companies to obtain CE (MID) certification for our measuring tools.

Kerala Blasters Football Club is thrilled to announce the signing of goalkeeper Nora Fernandes, who puts pen-to-paper on a 3-year-contract, until 2027. Prior to joining the Blasters, Nora was with I-League side Aizawl FC. In what can be considered a breakthrough season, the 25-year-old goalkeeper made 17 appearances, impressing with his commanding presence in the penalty area, his strong reflexes, and his overall shot-stopping abilities. Born in Goa, Nora started his youth and professional career at Salgaocar FC, having joined their U18 team. He represented them in the U18 I-League, and the Goa Professional League, before making the switch to Churchill Brothers in 2020. Between 2020 and 2023, the talented goalkeeper made 12 appearances. While the talent and raw ability was clear throughout, it was Aizawl that first spotted the potential, ultimately giving him a chance as first-choice goalkeeper in the 2023/24 I-League Season Nora’s inclusion is based on his consistent performances, natural ability, and commanding physique in front of the goal. We had a task to reinforce goalkeeper position and we see potential in Nora to give us depth in this position Karolis Skinkys – Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters FC I’m proud and excited to join club like Kerala Blasters FC. I’m really looking forward to my first ISL season and I’m determined to give my best and perform to the highest of my abilities Nora Fernandes – Goalkeeper, Kerala blasters fc Nora Fernandes becomes the Club’s fourth domestic signing of the summer as well as the He also is the second goalkeeper signing in the summer, after Som Kumar. Nora’s addition will further strengthen and deepen the first-team goalkeeping unit, which also includes Sachin Suresh. The entire Kerala Blasters FC community extends a warm welcome to Nora Fernandes and looks forward to a successful journey ahead. He will join the squad in Thailand, where the Blasters are set to kick-off preseason preparations for the upcoming season July 3rd onwards.

As the preseason in Thailand approaches, two squad members, Jaushua Sotirio and Sachin Suresh, who faced setbacks due to injuries last season, have arrived early in Kochi for fitness camp and medical evaluations. Sotirio, the Australian winger who joined Kerala Blasters FC from the A-League club Newcastle Jets, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during preseason training last year. Since then, he has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation to regain full fitness. His early arrival in Kochi marks a crucial phase as he undergoes comprehensive fitness assessments to gauge his readiness for the upcoming season. Similarly, goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, who made 21 appearances for Kerala Blasters FC last season, encountered his own setback when he dislocated his shoulder during an away ISL match against Chennaiyin FC. Despite this setback, Sachin has demonstrated resilience and commitment in his road to recovery through his rehab process. The club’s medical staff will conduct a series of rigorous fitness checks and tailored assessments to address each player’s specific needs. These evaluations are not only aimed at monitoring their physical recovery but also at enhancing their strength, agility, and overall conditioning to withstand the rigours of the upcoming season.

Kerala Blasters Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of winger R. Lalthanmawia on a 3-year contract until 2027. Lalthanmawia, an attacking winger, makes the move from I-League side Aizawl FC, where the 22-year-old made a name for himself through his ability to drive the game at pace, along with great skill on the ball and a consistent ability to build attacks. Born in Mizoram, Lalthanmawia began his development as a professional footballer with Aizawl FC’s U-14 team. Progressing through the club’s developmental system, Lalthanmawia advanced through Aizawl’s youth teams, eventually breaking into Aizawl FC’s first team in the 2022/23 I-League season. He had an immediate impact, playing 20 I-League games and contributing with 3 goals and 5 assists. Since then, he has gone on to represent Aizawl FC in competitions like the I-League and the Super Cup, becoming a vital member of the team. He added another 2 goals and 3 assists in the 2023/24 I-League season, taking his total tally for Aizawl FC 5 goals and 8 assists in 42 appearances. Karolis Skinkys said:“Lalthanmawia is a young player who brings with him a great deal of talent and opens up more attacking options for the squad. He still has a lot of areas to improve but we saw potential in him and believe that he can do it.” R. Lalthanmawia said: “I am very happy to be a part of a big club like Kerala Blasters FC. It is a massive opportunity for me, and I am grateful to the club’s management for showing faith in my ability. I will make sure to put in all my effort to contribute to the team’s success in every way possible over the upcoming season.” Lalthanmawia becomes the club’s third domestic signing of the summer, after Som Kumar and Likmabam Rakesh. His addition will strengthen the first team’s attacking front, providing more options for the squad. The Kerala Blasters FC family extends a warm welcome to R. Lalthanmawia and wishes him a successful season ahead. Lalthanmawia will join his first-team teammates in Thailand, where the Blasters squad is set to kick off preseason preparations for the upcoming season starting July 3rd.

Kerala Blasters Football Club is thrilled to announce the signing of defender Likmabam Rakesh. The highly promising left-back puts pen to paper on a 3-year contract that will see him don the Blasters outfit until 2027. The 21-year-old, born in Manipur, began his professional career with NEROCA FC. In 2018, he joined the Bengaluru FC Academy and went on to represent their U16, U18, and Reserve teams in various age-group tournaments, including the prestigious Reliance Foundation Development League. With his consistency, maturity and promise on display throughout his youth career, it was not long before NEROCA FC came calling, as he returned to the Club where he started his professional career with in 2022. Since, Rakesh has made over 40 appearances for Neroca FC in the I-League, Durand Cup, and Super Cup Qualifiers. While the majority of his performances have come in his usual left-back position, the young defender can even slot in as a center-back. Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director said : “We are delighted to welcome Likmabam Rakesh to Kerala Blasters. This season he has shown a lot of potentials, allowing us to believe that he can be a valuable player for us in the future. At this moment Rakesh and our attention is on finding the best way forward for his development.” The talented left-back has increasingly earned a reputation for his lung-busting runs up and down the flank, determination, and spirit, all of which fans can look forward to seeing in action when the new season kicks off. Likmabam Rakesh becomes the Club’s second signing of the summer, following goalkeeper Som Kumar who was announced last week.

As the 2024-25 season approaches, Kerala Blasters FC is set to begin preseason preparations in Thailand. The team will set up camp in Chonburi, Thailand, from July 3rd to July 22nd. The camp will mark the first opportunity for newly appointed Head Coach, Mikael Stahre, to take charge of the squad. Players will be reporting directly to the Pattana Sports Complex, where they will spend three weeks to prepare for the upcoming season. The three-week camp will feature at least three friendly matches, against top-division Thai Football Clubs. It will provide a fantastic opportunity for Coach Mikael and his coaching staff to understand, assess, and work with the squad, ahead of the Club’s participation in the 133rd Durand Cup that is set to commence on July 26. Sporting Director, Karolis Skinkys said: “I’m very happy that we have such an opportunity to start preseason in a training camp abroad. This will be useful for many reasons like team building, quality training conditions, and friendly matches. This is very important for new coaching staff as well.” Apart from the new signings joining the Club in the summer, new faces from the Academy are expected to join the squad in Thailand, as has been the practice and philosophy of the Club. The complete travelling squad will be announced in due course. While friendly matches will be conducted behind closed-doors, the Club is actively exploring options to bring the action closer to its fans. Fans are encouraged to stay connected through all social media channels for the latest updates on activities during preseason. The Club will fly directly to its group venue following preparations in Thailand to kick-off their competitive calendar with the 133rd Durand Cup.

10 June 2024 – Kerala Blasters FC are delighted to announce the signing of young Indian goalkeeper Som Kumar. The 19-year-old puts pen-to-paper on a 4-year contract until 2028. Born in Bengaluru, Som Kumar began his football journey at a young age. His potential was quickly recognized, leading to stints at Boca Juniors Academy and BYFL Academy. Som’s European adventure started in 2020 with NK Bravo in Slovenia, where he showcased his talents in an underage summer tournament in Italy, most notably against Bologna U17 where he came to prominence with a dynamic performance in front the nets. Som’s next move was a loan spell at NextGen Liga Club NK Krka, where he helped the U17 team secure a third place in the league. His consistent performances earned him spots in both NK Bravo and NK Krka’s U19 teams, eventually leading to his contract with Slovenian first-division side NK Olimpija Ljubljana, in February 2023. Kumar’s abilities and determination to succeed soon earned him a regular starting role at the club, culminating in his selection for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship squad. Som’s young international career has been equally impressive. A former member of India’s U16 and U17 teams, he made significant contributions during the India U16 team’s tour to the UAE in 2021. He then played a crucial role in the India U20 team’s success at the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship in Odisha, where his performance in the semi-final against the Maldives and the final against Bangladesh earned him the Best Goalkeeper award for the tournament. In 2023, Kumar was part of the squad for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers in Kuwait and later contributed to India’s victorious campaign at the 2023 SAFF U-19 Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said: “”Without intention to create any pressure on him, but I can positively say that Som is one of highest potential players in his generation. I’m happy he believed in the Kerala Blasters project and decided to come back from abroad. Som has right basics of football, correct mindset and he’s very mature for his age. All these points makes me believe that he can learn every day and have a bright future in KBFC.” Som Kumar said : “I am excited to join Kerala Blasters and look forward to contributing to the team. This is a great opportunity for me to grow as a player and I am eager to give my best for the club and its passionate fans.” With Som’s arrival, the club aims to build a robust goalkeeping squad capable of competing through the rigours of the entire season. We wish him all the best and hope that he contributes towards the success of the club in the upcoming season. Som Kumar becomes the first signing of the Club this summer. The Blasters previously announced contract extensions of defender Naocha Singh and Club captain Adrian Luna. Som, despite his young age, brings with him a wealth of experience from both domestic and international youth competitions. His signing is expected to further strengthen the team’s goalkeeping unit, which has progressed well under the guidance of Goalkeeping Coach Slaven Progovecki over the last few seasons.

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce the appointments of Björn Wesström and Frederico Pereira Morais as assistant coach and assistant coach for set pieces, respectively. Björn Wesström, 51, brings a wealth of experience to Kerala Blasters FC. His football management and coaching career began in 1999. In 2007, he assumed his first senior coaching role at Väsby United alongside Mikael Stahre, where they led the team to a historic second-place finish and promotion to Superettan. In 2008, Wesström became the scouting manager for AIK’s men’s team, and a year later, he was promoted to sports manager, during which AIK won the Allsvenskan, the Swedish Cup, and the Super Cup twice. He has since performed roles as chief of scouting, sporting director, and CEO of AIK. Prior to joining the Blasters, Bjorn served as director of football at Danish Club, Odense Boldklub. Frederico Pereira Morais, 36, has a diverse coaching background across various football landscapes. Predominantly a development coach, he started as head coach at Boavista FC in 2009, moved to AS Monaco as a trainer from 2013 to 2015, and then joined Leyton Orient as a youth training coordinator before becoming the first team’s assistant coach until 2017. From 2018 to 2023, Morais expanded his expertise in Norwegian football as the training coach at Sarpsborg 08. Kerala Blasters Head Coach Mikael Stahre expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions: “I am very pleased that Björn Wesström and Frederico Morais will be joining the Kerala Blasters coaching staff. I have known Björn for a long time and worked with him in various roles, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside him again. Björn is a highly experienced football professional who will positively complement the current staff while bringing enthusiasm and depth to the coaching team. Frederico is a coach who has a wealth of knowledge accumulated from his excellent experience in several countries. He is very modern in his approach to training, analysis, and set pieces, which is a huge strength. He will have an important role to play in the team’s development, in matches, and training, and I look forward to welcoming him soon.” The club extends a warm welcome to both Björn Wesström and Frederico Pereira Morais, confident that their expertise will be invaluable in preparing the squad for the upcoming season’s challenges. They are joined by Assistant Coach T.G Purushothaman and Goalkeeping Coach Slaven Provegcki in the back-room staff for the upcoming season.

Kerala Blasters Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Mikael Stahre as the Club’s new Head Coach. Stahre brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the team, marking an exciting new chapter for the Blasters. The 48-year-old joins on a two-year contract that will keep him at the helm of Kerala Blasters FC until 2026. With over two decades of coaching experience, Mikael Stahre has built a reputation for his tactical acumen and leadership qualities. His coaching career has spanned multiple leagues and countries. Throughout his career, Stahre has managed over 400 matches with prominent teams such as AIK (Sweden), Panionios (Greece), IFK Göteborg (Sweden), Dalian Yifang (China), BK Häcken (Sweden), San Jose Earthquakes (USA), Sarpsborg 08 (Norway), and Uthai Thani (Thailand). Stahre’s most notable achievements include leading AIK to the Swedish Allsvenskan title (league title), Svenska Cupen (cup), and Supercupen (cup), and guiding IFK Göteborg to the Svenska Cupen (cup). Mikael Stahre, Head Coach, said: “After some really inspiring & positive discussions with the management, I’m delighted to be joining Kerala Blasters – a fantastic privilege! I am very proud to be able to continue my coaching career in Asia, and to explore my 3rd country on this beautiful continent. I look forward to coming to India soon and meeting everyone. Let’s do some great things together. Go blasters!” Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said: “We followed our process while recruiting the new coach. It was a long marathon of many interviews and discussions to decide who fit the role best. Mikael is an excellent candidate, full of hunger and motivation, who ticked all the boxes of what we were looking for in our coach. He possesses immense experience and strong leadership. I’m happy to have Mikael on board and I look forward to working together.” Having started his head coaching career with Vasby United, Stahre took charge at AIK in 2008. Following a Swedish League Title and Swedish Cup double in 2009, he joined Greek first-division side Panionos in 2010. After a brief stint in Greece, he returned to Sweden to coach IFK Göteborg, eventually guiding them to a Swedish Cup in 2014. Stahre then led the recently relegated Dalian Yifeng, in China, to a third-place finish in the Chinese second division, narrowly missing out on a top-flight promotion. He finished his spell in China with a 26-13-9 record before returning to Sweden once again in 2016, this time to coach BK Hacken. In his lone season at Hacken, he elevated the team from 10th place to a record top-four finish, ending the season with a 14-6-10 record. Stahre then had spells in USA, Norway, Sweden and Thailand. In addition to his spells as a head coach, Stahre boasts an additional 14 years in youth coaching, with Gröndals, Hammarby and AIK from 1990-2005. He led the AIK Under-19 team to a national title in 2004. Stahre’s appointment marks a new chapter for Kerala Blasters FC, as becomes the first Swede to ever manage an ISL club. The Club is confident that his leadership will inspire the team to perform at their best and compete for silverware in the seasons to come. The new coach is expected to link-up with the team at the start of preseason.

Kerala Blasters FC is thrilled to announce that it has extended the stay of Club captain and the Club’s most capped foreign player, Adrián Luna, until 2027. This extension underscores Luna’s invaluable contributions and reaffirms his integral role in the squad’s future. Since joining Kerala Blasters FC, Adrián Luna has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership and dedication both on and off the field. His remarkable performances have not only earned him the admiration of fans, but have also solidified his status as a key player in the Indian Super League. The decision to extend Luna’s contract reflects the club’s commitment to building a strong and stable team foundation. With Luna’s contract extension, the club is confident he will play a significant role in helping Kerala Blasters FC further its ambitions in the league. Kerala Blasters FC looks forward to many more memorable moments with Adrián Luna and is confident that his presence will help contribute to the success to the club.

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce the extension of full-back Naocha Singh’s contract, committing him to the club until 2025. Arriving on loan from Mumbai City FC last season, Naocha Singh made a significant impact, featuring in 21 matches across various tournaments including the Indian Super League, Kalinga Super Cup, and the Durand Cup. His performances through the season showcased his prowess in both defensive and offensive roles, solidifying his position as a key asset for the team. The club expresses confidence in Naocha’s ability to continue contributing to its success in the upcoming season. We extend our warmest wishes to Naocha Singh and look forward to witnessing his continued excellence on the field.

Kochi – April 26, 2024 – Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) today announced that the club has parted ways its Head Coach, Ivan Vukomanovic.  Having joined the Club in 2021, Ivan Vukomanovic has left an indelible mark on the club. Under his stewardship, the Club qualified for the ISL playoffs consecutively for three years, including a ISL runners-up finish in his maiden season. The Club also recorded its highest points total, and its highest goals scored in a single season in 2022. Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys: “Coach Ivan Vukomanovic’s influence on the team development over the past three years has been truly invaluable. Working alongside him has been both a privilege and a pleasure. I’m immensely grateful for his contributions to Kerala Blasters FC, and I wish him all the best in all his future pursuits.” Club Director Nikhil B Nimmagadda: “This has been a difficult decision for us. I have had a trusting, open & friendly relationship with Ivan from day one. While the change is difficult, we feel it is the right time to make the next step. I am very grateful to Ivan for what he has done for KBFC, the stability he brought, & the wonderful foundation he has set for the Club’s future. He is and will always remain a dear friend & an integral member of our Blasters family. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” The Club would like to thank Coach Ivan for his efforts, dedication, and professionalism throughout his time at the Club.  The search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with the aim of appointing a suitable candidate who aligns with the Club’s vision and objectives. 

The Club would like to update that, Adrian Luna successfully underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of a chondral knee injury after which he is currently in the process of rest and recovery towards full fitness. In collaboration with a team of medical experts, the Kerala Blasters medical staff will closely monitor Adrian Luna’s rehabilitation, to ensure a seamless and complete recovery back onto the field of play. As a beloved member of the Blasters family, we wish Adrian Luna a swift recovery from this setback and hope to see him soon back in action leading the team.

Kerala Blasters FC regrets to announce that our midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma was involved in a serious bike accident late on Thursday night. The player sustained multiple injuries and was promptly admitted to the hospital. We are relieved to inform everyone that following a prompt response from the emergency staff and club medical team, Freddy is currently in stable condition. The thoughts and well-wishes of everyone at Kerala Blasters are with Freddy during this challenging time. The club’s medical team is closely monitoring his progress, and we will provide further updates as his recovery continues. We kindly request that the privacy of Freddy and his family be respected during this period, and we appreciate the understanding and support of our fans and the football community at large. We look forward to seeing Freddy make a speedy recovery and seeing him back on the pitch in due course.

With football season in full swing across India, here’s a look at how the respective seasons of the Club’s loaned players are shaping up currently. Bijoy Varghese (CB) I-League : Games: 2 | Playing Time: 166 minutes (Inter Kashi)Young center-back with playing experience within the Kerala Blasters’ first team is currently out on loan leading the defensive line of the newest I-League club side Inter Kashi, adding to his game time and exposure. Mohammed Saheef (LB) I-League: Games: 2 | Playing Time: 180 minutes (Gokulam Kerala FC) Saheef a lanky agile full-back who has shown promise through his rise from Kerala Blasters’ development system is currently on a loan tenure with Gokulam Kerala FC gaining the necessary match minutes to hone his skills and continue his growth as a footballer. Justine Emmanuel (RW) I-League: Games: 2 | Goals: 1 | Playing Time: 38 minutes (Gokulam Kerala FC) The Nigerian winger who impressed everyone with his brief stint within the KBFC first team at this year’s Durand Cup is already grabbing attention with his impact in the limited game time he has had at Gokulam Kerala FC.In Gokulam’s fixture against NEROCA last evening, Justine struck his first I-League goal and even earned his team a penalty, adding more anticipation to see how the rest of his season takes shape. Muhammad Ajsal (CF) – Yet To Play (Inter Kashi)The talented forward with a habit of finding the back of the net in the developmental football circles is yet to get his first opportunity to enter the field for Inter Kashi, however, it is only a matter of time before this talent from Kozhikode makes his presence felt. Sagolsem Bikash Singh (LW) – Durand Cup: Games : 3 | Goals: 1 | Playing Time: 229 minutes I-League: Games: 1 | Playing Time: 44 minutes (Mohammedan SC) Bikash one of Kerala Blasters’ local signings this year is currently playing an important role in the midfield of Kolkata-based club Mohammedan SC.He had an impressive outing with the club in this year’s Durand Cup and now would be looking to replicate his performances in the I-League season.

Kolkata : In last evening’s ISL fixture, Kerala Blasters secured three points in their away game against East Bengal FC with a 2-1 scoreline. Kerala Blasters went into the contest with a largely unchanged starting line-up from their last game against Odisha FC with only difference being Rahul KP making way for striker Dimitrios Diamantakos. The game started off with both teams looking to stamp their authority, which lead to the game being played with a certain degree of physicality which earned both teams two yellow cards each within the first quarter of the game. However the visiting team didn’t allow this to effect their gameplan, as the midfield combination of Adrian Luna with Daisuke Sakai build an attack through the heart of the East Bengal defence leading to Daisuke putting a ball from Luna into the back of the net in the 34th minute, registering his first goal in Kerala Blasters colors. KBFC continued pressing through the rest of the first half, giving literally no access to East Bengal to work their way upto into Blasters’ half of the pitch. East Bengal came into the second half with three substitutions and renewed vigour to attack and test the resolute Kerala Blasters defence led by the experienced Pritam Kotal. Despite East Bengal having greater amount of possession and more shots at the goal, the Blasters held on and nulfied every attempt from the Torchbearers to make a comeback into the game. The resistance was eventually shaken when in the 85th minute Kerala Blasters FC conceded a penalty which was taken by East Bengal skipper Cleiton Silva. However goalkeeper Sachin Suresh rose to the occasion and saved the penalty with a lot of composure. This moment was utilised by the Blasters unit to counter-attack in numbers soon transpiring into Dimitrios Diamantakos sealing the game in favour of the Blasters with a goal in the 89th minute. However Diamantakos was penalized with a second yellow card for the game soon after scoring, when he took off his jersey to celebrate his goal. Thereafter in the dying moments of the game, Blasters conceded another penalty due to a handball error in the box from full-back Sandeep Singh, this time Silva put the ball into the goal with the final whistle following soon after. The three points earned from this fixture took the Blasters to 13 points from 6 games making them table toppers in the ISL points tally, underlining the consistency shown by the team. Kerala Blasters will now be looking to continue this momentum when they play their next ISL fixture in Kochi on the 25th November against Hyderabad FC. Substitutions Mohammed Aimen [IN] – [OUT] Daisuke Sakai 90+5′ Rahul KP [IN] – [OUT] Kwame Peprah 79′ Mohammed Azhar [IN] – [OUT] Danish Farooq 62′

Kerala Blasters FC to take on East Bengal FC in Kolkata Kerala Blasters FC will play their second away game of this ISL season against East Bengal FC at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan later this evening, in what will be the team’s second away match for the current ISL season. After 5 games in this year’s Indian Super League, the Blasters find themselves among the swift movers in the points table with 10 points thus far, and a win tonight will take the team to the top of the points table. The Blasters approach the game with a lot of confidence after coming back from behind to clutch 3 points against Odisha FC in their last game in Kochi, whereas East Bengal would be looking forward to making the most of their home turf advantage leading into this fixture. Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC have a neck-to-neck record with very little to separate both sides in terms overall record while playing against each other. Head-to-Head Played – 6 Kerala Blasters FC – 2 East Bengal FC – 1 Draws – 3 Team news Kerala Blasters: The Blasters will be going into the fixture against the Torchbearers with a few key players missing out due to injury, with the ever-dependable midfield star Jeakson Singh becoming the latest to officially join the injury list. Player To Watch Kerala Blasters’ skipper Adrian Luna has been doing the bulk of the heavy lifting for the team, with his three goals so far in the season proving vital in KBFC securing their three victories so far. However the Greek marksman Dimitrios Diamantakos has started to hit his straps as the season has progressed, his ability to score consistently would be important for the Blasters to mount their challenge later this evening. Where to Watch Live ISL action this evening will kick off at 08:00 PM available on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema, with Malayalam coverage on Jio Cinema, Surya Movies and News 18 Kerala. Tune into the Kerala Blasters’ X (formerly Twitter) account posts, for all live match updates.

Kochi : Kerala Blasters made a gritty comeback in the 2nd half of their 5th ISL encounter for the season against a very well marshalled Odisha FC side to secure all 3 points, taking the team to second on the League table with 10 points. Odisha FC’ Sergio Lobera and Kerala Blasters’ returning manager Ivan Vukomanović both employed a 4-4-2 formation but it was Odisha FC who got off the blocks quicker, they built continuous pressure which led to Brazilian striker Diego Maurício driving the Juggernauts into an early lead. The home team created chances of their own, but Kwame Peprah and Rahul KP’s attacks were nullified by a resolute Odisha FC defense, who constantly threw their bodies into the line of multiple shots to deny the Blasters parity in the game. In the 21st minute of the match, Naocha Singh conceded a penalty due to a handball incident in his box, however young goalkeeper Sachin Suresh denied the penalty from Diego Maurício and a following rebound shot to disallow Odisha FC gaining further footing in the game. From there on there was a visible shift in momentum, with the vocal home crowd getting involved in the game, which in return opened the game further for KBFC to build up a counter-attack, however the score was still 1-0 in favour of the visitors at half-time. Soon into the half-time, coach Ivan Vukomanovic introduced midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma and striker Dimitrios Diamantakos into the game and the Greek international scored the equaliser off a ball into the box from Daisuke Sakai in 66th minute of the game, visibly rattling the vistors which led to many errors on the part of Odisha FC earning them as many five yellow cards for the game. Blasters didn’t relinquish this advantage and constantly peppered the Odisha FC defense in search of that winning goal, which eventually came from an Adrian Luna attack in the 84th minute when he curled a ball into the top left corner of Odisha FC’ goal, a shot that sailed over the defense and keeper’s reach making all of the home crowd erupt in joy. It was a massive comeback to overcome the early jitters and rally around in the second half of the game to mount the comeback that was displayed by the Blasters, Ivan Vukomanović’s tactical imprints were also clearly visible in the way he maneuvered his squad through timely substitutionsin the game’s second half. Kerala Blasters next will play their second away game of this ISL season in Kolkata against East Bengal on 4th November, with victories such as this one providing the necessary belief in the whole squad to face the challenges ahead. Substitutions Freddy Lallawmawma [IN] – [OUT] Vibin Mohanan 58′ Dimitrios Diamantakos [IN] – [OUT] Rahul KP 58′ Mohammed Aimen [IN] – [OUT] Daisuke Sakai 70′ Ishan Pandita [IN] – [OUT] Kwame Peprah 81′ Mohammed Azhar [IN] – [OUT] Freddy Lallawmawma 81′

Kochi : In last evening’s ISL fixture, Kerala Blasters were denied three points during their third home match of the season by Northeast United FC as they held the Blasters to a 1-1 draw. Kerala Blasters started the contest with their usual 4-4-2 formation against Northeast United FC’s 5-3-2 combination. As the game began, the home team held much of the possession and consistently attacked the opposition’s goal, but just missed gaining the lead by a slim margin. However in the 12th minute the Highlanders gained a lead through Spaniard Néstor Albiach who worked a goal into the lower half of the Blasters net to give his team an advantage. With four foreign players playing in their attacking half of the formation, the Blasters began to develop momentum through their attacks, changing the game’s momentum. Northeast United FC, however, went into half-time with a one-goal lead intact as the equaliser remained elusive for the Blasters. In the second half the Blasters entered without any changes to the XI, but with renewed intensity the home-team broke the defense of the Highlanders through a set-piece led by skipper Adrian Luna whose free-kick into the Northeast United box was deflected into the goal by a precise header from Danish Farooq, making him register another goal to back his goal against Mumbai City FC in Kerala Blasters’ last fixture. The game continued with aggressive momentum with Highlanders raking up as many as four yellow cards, whereas Kerala Blasters managed a sole yellow card through Rahul KP in the closing stages of the game. Eventually after a closely contested tussle, both teams ended the game with a 1-1 scoreline, with the highlight of the game being the aggressive play with lack of shot accuracy not allowing either team to have a decisive edge in the game. Kerala Blasters FC will now step-out for their next ISL fixture on 27th October against Odisha FC in Kochi. The game holds specific importance as it will be the game where Blasters head coach Ivan Vukamanovic will mark his return to the sidelines managing his team after serving his 10 match disciplinary ban. Substitutions Mohammed Aimen [OUT] – [IN] Daisuke Sakai 70′ Ishan Pandita [IN] – [OUT] Dimitrios Diamantakos 79′ Freddy Lallawmawma [IN] – [OUT] Vibin Mohanan 85′ Rahul KP [IN] – [OUT] Kwame Peprah 85′

Kochi, Kerala : Kerala Blasters FC will square up against Northeast United FC in their fourth match of the Indian Super League 2023-24 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi later this evening. The Blasters are currently placed fourth place in the League table with six points from three matches, while their opponent Northeast United FC is placed 5th on the table with 4 points in three games. Following a loss to Mumbai City FC in their first away match of the season, the Blasters will be looking to bounce back to winning ways, whereas Northeast United, on the other hand, are coming off a draw in their away fixture against Punjab FC. KBFC have a good record against Northeast United, having won eight of their 18 previous encounters. The last time the two sides met, Kerala Blasters FC beat Northeast United 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in an Indian Super League fixture on January, 2023. Head-to-Head Played – 18 Kerala Blasters FC – 8 NorthEast United FC – 4 Draws – 6 Team newsKerala Blasters: The Blasters will be going into the fixture against the Highlanders without the services of some key players due to factors like injury concerns and suspensions, challenging coach Frank Dauwen to test out the bench strength of the squad, providing an interesting layer to the game on an tactical front as well. Player To WatchKerala Blasters’ skipper and playmaker Adrian Luna will be the player to watch out for in this fixture. Luna who tends to feed off the energy and passion of the home fans put up two literally flawless performances in the first two home games, scoring two goals while also being at the forefront of creating chances, making him the key player in the game against the Highlanders to help his team acquire another three points at home. Where to WatchLive ISL action this evening will kick off at 08:00 PM which will be available on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema, with Malayalam coverage being on Jio Cinema, Surya Movies and News 18 Kerala.

Great news for Indian football fans in the Middle East. Young Blasters Sporthood Academy (YBSA), the grassroots and youth development arm of Kerala Blasters FC has launched its operations in Qatar. With this launch, kids living in Qatar get a chance to get trained as well as scouted to be part of the Youth development system set up by Sporthood in association with Kerala Blasters FC. The initiative launched in partnership with Blaster Sports Centre, the country partner for Qatar, has started operations in two turfs at the moment. “Our vision is to ensure that we build a pathway for Indian kids playing in Qatar to get an entry into ISL,” says Sippy Jose, Managing Director, Blaster Sports Center. In a short span of 3 weeks, the academy has crossed 150 registrations and aims to open many more centers across Doha.“Today we train 5000+ kids across 125+ locations in India. Some of them are in partnership with schools, some with turfs, public grounds, etc. We aim to follow the same strategy in Qatar as well” says Rahul Thomas, Cofounder & CEO, Sporthood. Schools/turfs interested in partnering with YBSA can reach out to us at http://www.blastersqatar.com/partnerships Sahal Abdul Samad’s growth both with the club and the national squad is a testament to the quality of footballing talent available in the Middle East. As a club, KBFC is very serious about talent development in the region and we stay committed to the vision of building a bridge for talent to flow from the Middle East to India. Nikhil Bharadwaj, Director KBFC. Post setting up the network in Qatar, KBFC and Sporthood plan to expand their presence to other GCC countries as well. Local businesses interested in joining the mission to become country partners of other GCC countries can reach out to us at www.sporthood.in/partner_with_us Age & skill appropriate trainingAt Young Blasters Sporthood Academy, kids are trained according to an age & skill-appropriate curriculum whetted by the technical experts at KBFC. Kids learn and progress between batches at their own pace, while falling in love with the beautiful game. Crafting dreams, one kick at a timeThe YBSA system gives ample opportunity for talented youngsters who wish to pursue excellence in football. Kids who enroll with the system in Qatar get access to the entire talent development pyramid which has been built out in India as well, including admissions to our Elite Squads and Residential Academies. 150 Registrations and Counting!We’re thrilled to announce that in just three weeks, we’ve crossed a significant milestone of more than 150 registrations! This overwhelming response is a testament to the trust and enthusiasm of the expat Indian community living in Qatar. For all the latest updates on our academy, coaching programs, and upcoming events, visit our official website at www.blastersqatar.com or reach out to us at +974 3348 1833.Instagram channel: www.instagram.com/ybsaqatar

Kerala Blasters wish to express our deep disappointment and concern with a regrettable incident that occurred during our opening match against Bengaluru FC. It has come to our attention that during the match, one of our players was subjected to a disrespectful gesture by a Bengaluru FC player. We want to make it abundantly clear that there is absolutely no room for racist and derogatory behaviour in our Club and in the sport. Racism, discrimination, and disrespectful actions have no place on the football pitch or anywhere else. We have filed an official complaint with the appropriate authorities, urging them to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. We trust that the authorities will treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and take the necessary steps to address it appropriately. We also call upon our good colleagues at Bengaluru FC to take appropriate action. Football is a sport that unites people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is a platform for mutual respect. We remain committed to promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect in football and in our Club.

Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of Japanese forward, Daisuke Sakai, one a one-year contract. Having played in various countries and leagues in Japan, Thailand, and Belgium, Sakai is a technical, skilled & versatile forward capable of operating in various positions across the front line. Daisuke has made an impact everywhere he has played. He has 24 goals and 10 assists till date in nearly 150 appearances. Having spent his formative years in Japan, the 26-year-old forward comes with a good footballing background and has also represented Japan at the U17 and U20 Fifa World Cup. Commenting on the signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “It is great to see Daisuke Sakai join the Kerala Blasters squad. His profile gives the coach more options. He also has experience playing abroad in his career, which I am sure will help him adjust to India easily. I look forward to seeing Daisuke making his mark with Kerala Blasters in the ISL this season.” Daisuke Sakai said : “Going to India and playing in a different league will be a new experience for me, which I am very thankful for. I am very grateful that Kerala Blasters have given me this opportunity. By doing well and contributing to the club’s success, I hope to repay the confidence the club has shown in me.” The Club extends a warm welcome to Daisuke into the Blasters Family. He is expected to link up with his new teammates in the coming week.

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that the following players have been loaned for the upcoming season:Bijoy Varghese (CB) – Inter KashiGivson Singh (CM) – Odisha FCJustine Emmanuel (ST) – Gokulam KeralaMuhammed Saheef (LB) – Gokulam Kerala Keeping in mind the growth and progression of players, the coaching staff felt the loan moves will the players with the necessary exposure and match experience required at this point in their careers. The Club would like to wish all the players the very best for their loan spells.

Kerala Blasters have reached an agreement with Punjab FC for the transfer of midfielder midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma, for an disclosed fee. Freddy puts pen-to-paper on a three-year contract until 2026. Over the past two seasons, the 21-year-old Mizoram native has been a commanding and combative presence in the Hero I-League with Punjab FC, winning the title with them last season. A defensive midfielder by trade, Lallawmawma is adept at playing in multiple playing positions within the midfield and full of indistry- qualities that he has displayed extensively and consistently over his career thus far. Commenting on the signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Freddy is a very good addition to the squad. He is young and eager to learn with the mentality to impact and control the game in the midfield. I hope he can quickly settle into the squad and contribute to the team’s success.” Freddy Lallawmawma said: “I am extremely grateful for this exciting opportunity. Kerala Blasters is one of the biggest clubs in the country and I see this opportunity as the next big step in my growth as a player. I promise to do everything within my control to do whatever role the club requires me to fulfill.” The Club extends its warmest welcome to Freddy. He is expected to link up with his new teammates in Kochi this week, where the team is preparing for the dubai leg of its preseason.

Kerala Blasters can confirm that it has reached an ageeement with FC Goa for the transfer of Aibanbha Dohling, for an undisclosed fee. Aibanbha puts pen-to-paper on a three year deal that will see him at KBFC until 2026. The transfer remains subject to completion of medicals. Aiban, who started his career with the youth team of Shillong Lajong in 2010, would eventually return back to Lajong for his professional debut in 2016 in the Hero I-League. Between 2010 and 2016, he represented the Tata FA Club in the youth I-League and represented Jharkhand in the Santhosh Trophy. In 2019, the young defender made the switch to the ISL signing on with FC Goa. A versatile and aggressive defender, who has primarily plied his tried on the left side of defense, Aiban has been a core member of the FC Goa team since joining the team and won both the Hero ISL Shield and Durand Cup with them. With over 80 games and experience in tournaments like Hero I-League, Hero ISL, Hero Super Cup, AFC Champions League and Durand Cup, Aibanbha Dohling comes into the Kerala Blasters squad with a wealth of experience and exposure and title-winning mentality. Commenting on the signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Aiban is a proven performer over the years in the Hero Indian Super League. His presence and experience in our squad will solidify our defense further. I expect him to continue delivering consistent performances in the upcoming season and gel well with rest of our defensive unit.” Aibanbha Dohling said :“It was a long window and I want to thank the Club for their persistence over the window and making this dream of mine happen. I am so happy and proud to join KBFC and I am ready for this new challenge. I look forward to giving it my all for the Club and bring cheers to the very passionate KBFC fanbase.” The Club welcomes Aiban into the Blasters family and wishes him the very best on this next chapter. Aibanbha will be joining up with the squad in Kochi soon as the Blasters get set to travel to Dubai for the last leg of preseason.

Kolkata: 27 August 2023: A closely contested pre-season friendly between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC ended in a 2-3 victory for the team from Punjab. This afternoon, both teams played at the AIFF Center of Excellence in Kolkata with pre-season game time and squad depth being the underlying focus of the game. An early goal by Punjab FC, Hero ISL’s newest team, established the lead, setting up a tussle that continued throughout the first half as both teams attempted to outflank each other through constant attacks. Bidyashagar, in good form, scored the equalizer following a precise ball delivery by fellow statesman Naocha Singh. As both teams retreated back into the sheds at the end of the first half, the score was 1-1. Entering the second half, Kerala Blasters made as many as five changes to their starting XI, and soon into the second half Punjab FC registered two goals in quick succession to put pressure on the Blasters unit. Post the 60-minute mark the Blasters again introduced more fresh legs into the game making five more changes at constant intervals ensuring some match-time to every available member of the squad. Around the 75th minute Miloš Drinčić and Yoihenba Meitei replaced Hormipam Ruivah and skipper Adrian Luna respectively, Miloš the towering Montenegrin center back stepping foot on the pitch for the first time in KBFC colors made an immediate impact when he headed a ball delivered from a corner-kick set piece, making the score 2-3. As the final whistle blew, both teams shook hands with Punjab FC holding onto their one-goal lead to the end. After the conclusion of this pre-season match, the Kerala Blasters will finish their stay in Kolkata and regroup in Kochi for a few days prior to embarking on the Hala Blasters Tour 2023, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 5 to 16, 2023. First Half : GK: Karanjit Singh Pritam Kotal ,Hormipam Ruivah, Marko Lešković, Naocha Singh, Bryce Miranda, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Sourav Mandal, Bidyashagar Singh, Adrian Luna Second Half : GK: Sachin Suresh Prabir Das ,Hormipam Ruivah, Bijoy Varghese, Naocha Singh, Bryce Miranda, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Nihal Sudeesh, Rahul KP, Adrian Luna Subs : Vibin Mohanan, Mohammad Azhar, Sandeep Singh, Justine Emmanuel, Muhammed Saheef, Miloš Drinčić and Yoihenba Meitei

Kochi, August 24, 2023: Kerala Blasters Football Club announces its partnership with Asian Paints, India’s leading paint and decor company, as the Official Paint Partner for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League 2023/2024. With this partnership, the Asian Paints logo will be displayed on the undercollar of the team’s jersey. This exciting collaboration marks a new chapter for both organizations and reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Commenting on the association, Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Limited, said ‘We’re thrilled to be associated with Kerala Blasters FC for the upcoming Indian Super League Season. This marks our second partnership with the team, and we take great pride in collaborating with such a formidable club in the tournament. At Asian Paints, we believe in fostering and supporting the sporting culture in India, and football holds a special place in this endeavour. The Indian Super League has played a key role in elevating the popularity of football across the nation, and we eagerly look forward to the forthcoming season. Our heartiest wishes to Kerala Blasters FC for this upcoming season!’ Commenting on the association, Nikhil Bhardwaj, Director, Kerala Blasters Football Club, said, “It is our pleasure to partner with a great brand like Asian Paints. We thank them for placing their trust in Kerala Blasters and thoroughly look forward to having a successful & colourful partnership together.” The collaboration between Kerala Blasters FC and Asian Paints goes beyond the realm of sports. It demonstrates a commitment to creating a vibrant sporting culture and building deeper connections with communities in India. About Asian Paints Limited: Since its foundation in 1942, Asian Paints has come a long way to become India’s leading and Asia’s second largest paint company, with a consolidated turnover of ₹ 34,489 crores (₹ 345 billion). Asian Paints operates in 15 countries and has 27 paint manufacturing facilities in the world, servicing consumers in over 60 countries. Asian Paints has always been a leader in the paint industry, innovating and introducing new concepts in India like Colour Ideas, Safe Painting Service, Colour Next and Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Stores. Asian Paints manufactures a wide range of paints for Decorative and Industrial use for interior and exterior walls. Their portfolio also includes SmartCare range for waterproofing, WoodTech products for wood finishes and Adhesives range for all surfaces. The company is also present in the “Home Improvement and Decor segment” and offers bath and kitchen products. The company also introduced lighting, furnishings, and furniture in its portfolio and offers a range of safe and supervised painting and interior design services.

Kerala Blasters stepped on the field at East Bengal Ground in Kolkata for an afternoon game against Indian Air Force Football Team earlier today. The eleven to take field in today’s game had a large core of youngsters lead by the experienced Pritam Kotal who donned the captain’s armband in absence of Adrian Luna. The Blasters dictated the pace of the game from the very first whistle with precise and sharp passing, creating constant attacks at the goal of the opponent. This sustained pressure helped Blasters in scoring their first goal in the 9th minute through a well placed shot from young Mohammed Aimen, earning him, his third goal in as many games of the tournament. Bidyashagar soon added to the Blasters goal tally with a clean strike in the 12th minute to assert his presence in the game. From there through the end of the first half KBFC held a large chunk of the possession with the midfielders combining smartly with the strikers to create multiple chances, without any further addition to the goals scored. In the second half, Kerala Blasters opened their scoring in the 57th minute through midfielder Danish Farooq who impressed with his all-round play both at the back and frontline of the pitch today. In the 62nd minute Vibin Mohanan provided a nicely aimed left footed cross that Bidyashagar headed into the goal to make it 4-0 for Blasters. KBFC rounded off their goal count for with a fifth goal in the 82nd minute again through Bidyashagar, who also brought up his hat-trick through that strike, producing a near flawless performance in the game. Kerala Blasters bows out of the Durand Cup 2023 with this dominant performance, with the highlight being the younger, inexperienced members of the squad stepping up and performing for the team.

Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of Ghanaian striker, Kwame Peprah, who puts pen to paper on a two-year deal until 2025.* Peprah, who hails from Kumasi, Ghana, has experience playing across the first divisions of Ghana, South Africa and Israel. The 22-year-old striker first gained attention with his impressive performances for local club King Faisal FC in the Ghana Premier League. He scored 2 goals from 13 appearances in his debut season in 2019. Following this, in a breakthrough 2020/21 season, Peprah scored 12 goals, finishing as the top-scorer for his club and as the second-highest goal-scorer in the league. Perpah then moved to Orlando Pirates in 2021, making an immediate impact. He was named the Pirates’ Player of the Season and also shortlisted for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award following an impressive 7 goals in his debut season. Prior to joining the Blasters, Peprah had loan spells with Maritzburg Utd. in the DStv Premiership and with Hapoel Hadera in the Ligat ha’Al. Commenting on the new signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Kwame is an important addition to our squad. His physical attributes and footballing skills make him a big asset for our team. A young, versatile, & fast-footed striker, I believe Kwame will pose a constant threat to the Hero ISL defences and help our team fight for the highest targets.” Kwame Peprah said : “Many thanks to the Club for providing me with this opportunity. I am really happy to join this amazing Club and to have the opportunity to play in India. I look forward to joining my teammates very soon and to kick-start the next season!” Subject to medicals, Kwame Prepah would be soon joining the rest of the squad. The Club would like to congratulate Kwame and wish him all the best for the upcoming season.

Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC played out a 2-2 draw in their Group C match of the Durand Cup earlier this evening. The match was a closely contested affair, with the Kerala Blasters creating plenty of chances without the finishing required to close out the game. In comparison, the largely inexperienced Bengaluru FC side made the most of the limited number of chances they managed to create through precision shooting in front of the net. Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 14th minute through a goal from young Nigerian forward Justine Emmanuel, and from that point onwards, the Blasters strung together multiple attacks against the young BFC side without bearing any addition to the goal tally. Eventually in the 38th minute, against the run of play, Bengaluru forward Edmund Lalrindika equalised for his team. From that point forward, the intensity of the game picked up for both teams, ending the half-time at 1-1 on an equal footing. Kerala Blasters began the second half with much higher intensity, raising the pace of the game in pursuit of a goal to break the deadlock; however, this created openings in the Blasters formation, which were brought to the fore by a goal from Ashish Jha in the 52nd minute that brought the Blues into the lead. Following the trend of the game, Rahul KP’s left-footed attempt missed the goal by a whisker in the 55th minute. Soon after, Rahul was subbed out for Ishan Pandita, who stepped on the field for his new team in the 59th minute, while Danish Farooq was replaced with young Mohammed Aimen in the 67th minute. These changes brought a new influx of energy into the Kerala Blasters attack, creating more and more pressure on the BFC defence. Eventually, in the 83rd minute, Aimen found the back of the net with a flawlessly placed goal after receiving a clinical pass from skipper Adrian Luna. With scores tied at 2-2, the Blasters suffered a body blow when defender Hormipam Ruivah received his second yellow card of the game in the 84th minute, leading to KBFC having to play with only 10 men for the remaining 14 minutes of the game. Post-injury time, when the final whistle was blown in the 98th minute, both teams found themselves level at 2-2.

TEAM NEWS This evening, Kerala Blasters FC will face off against reigning Durand Champions Bengaluru FC in a must-win Southern Derby fixture at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The two teams go into this game needing a victory to be able to keep their chances of progressing in the tournament strong. The Blues come into the game after securing a 1-1 draw against the Indian Air Force on Monday, whereas the Blasters are looking to bounce back from a 4-3 loss against Gokulam Kerala in their opening game of the campaign. QUICK RUNDOWN KBFC now finds themselves in a scenario where they have to win their last two remaining Group C games to enhance their chances of qualifying for the next round of the tournament. The two teams most recently played in April 2023 in the Hero Super Cup, resulting in a stalemate 1-1 draw featuring one goal each from Roy Krishna and Dimitrios Diamantakos for their respective teams. The Blues come into the tournament with a relatively inexperienced side, whereas the Blasters have deployed a squad with a mix of youth and experience at Ivan Vukamanovic’s disposal. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT Muhammad Aimen: The young midfield pocket- sized dynamo has been steadily grabbing attention with his energetic play and ability to move the ball into attacking positions. Jeakson Singh : With his presence, Jeakson Singh could again dominate the game’s flow for the Kerala Blasters and ensure that the Blasters retain most of the possession for the entirety of the game. Hormipam Ruivah: The young defender has grown in stature with every passing game over his time at KBFC, and his performance this evening at the back of the formation could prove to be vital to the result going in Blasters’ favour. WHERE TO WATCH Kick-off: 6.00 PM Live Streaming: Exclusive to Sony LIV Live Telecast: Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD The live updates for the game will also be made available through the club’s official Twitter account.

The Club can confirm that striker Muhammad Ajsal will join Hero I-League team Inter Kashi on a season-long loan deal. Having earned a maiden call-up to the senior team this pre-season, this move will see Ajsal continue his development with the necessary competitive match-time and experience. Everybody at the Club would like to wish Ajsal the best of luck on his loan spell with Inter Kashi.

Kerala Blasters FC have signed 24-year-old Montenegro centre-back Miloš Drinčić on a one-year deal for the upcoming Hero ISL 2023/24 season. Only 24, Drinčić has already amassed close to 230 appearances across the top tiers of Montenegro and Belarus. Drincic, who most recently turned out for Shakhter Soligorsk in Belarus, started his professional career in Montenegro with FK Iskra Danilovgrad in 2016. A string of consistent and dominant performances in the top division earned him a move to Sutjeska Niksic in 2021. Milos experienced his first silverware that same year as he would go on to become a mainstay in the Sutjeska Niksic team that won the championship in 2022. The young and towering Montenegrin, who has consistently competed in tournaments like UEFA Champions League & Europa Qualifiers, was part of Montenegro’s U17, U19, and U23 teams. On the inclusion of Miloš Drinčić into the Blasters squad Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Milos Drincic is exactly the profile we were looking for – fighter mentality, peak age, playing in top European league, and great ambition to represent Kerala Blasters. There were no doubts we wanted him. Though it took some time, I’m glad we have Milos with us. I wish him to become an important part of Kerala Blasters going forward.” Miloš Drinčić said: “I see this as a wonderful opportunity to explore a new challenge in a different league with a great Club. There was a good feeling from the first moment I started speaking with Karolis. I am really looking forward to this new chapter of my career, and I hope to make it a memorable one. I assure you I will be giving it my all both on and off the pitch.” Miloš Drinčić, who is set don the number 15 jersey this season, is set to join the Blasters camp in Kolkata. The Club extends a warm welcome to Milos into the Blasters family and wish him the best for the upcoming season.

As the curtain closes on the first leg of preseason, the excitement is palpable in the air as KBFC embarked on an exhilarating first month of preseason training, igniting their preparations for the imminent Durand Cup. Under the watchful guidance of the coaching staff, led by the head coach and his support team, the players dedicated themselves to a rigorous regimen of training sessions, cultivating essential skills, refining tactical prowess, and forging team cohesion. In a series of friendly matches against local clubs Maharajas College and Kovalam FC, the Blasters aimed to fine-tune strategies, grant playing time to players, and explore various technical and tactical combinations. Central to the training camp’s agenda was the cultivation of match fitness – high-intensity drills, endurance conditioning, and simulated matches were rigorously employed to ensure optimal physical

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Ishan Pandita on a free transfer. The national team striker has put pen to paper on a 2-year deal, until 2025. Pandita, who started his football career making waves in the BDCA Division A state league in Bengaluru, moved to Spain in 2014 at the age of 16. He joined the youth team of Alcobendas prior to representing youth teams Having represented the youth teams La Liga Clubs UD Almeria and CD Leganes. Ishan returned to India in 2020 with FC Goa, scoring 4 goals in 11 ISL appearances – all of which came as crucial game-winning and game-tying goals. Prior to signing with the Blasters, the 25-year-old striker spent 2 years with Jamshedpur FC with whom he won the Hero ISL Shield in 2022. To date, Pandita has made over 50 appearances and scored 10 goals across various competitions like the Hero ISL, Hero Super Cup, and AFC Champions League. His impressive performances earned him a maiden National Team call-up in 2021 and he has since featured regularly for the Blue Tigers. On his addition to the KBFC squad, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Ishan is someone who we believe has the ability to impact the game with his presence and physicality and change the course of any contest. The timing now is correct as we aim to compete for titles and for this, we need players with mentality and hunger like Ishan’s. He has to continue working hard and success will follow. I wish him the best of luck on the signing.” Ishan Pandita said: “Delighted to become a part of one of the most passionate and beloved clubs in the whole of India. I am very pleased that the think tank at KBFC showed trust in my skill and ability as a player. It was a very long transfer window for me personally but I’m sure I made the right decision. I can’t wait to don the iconic yellow jersey and give it my all to the fans and the club.” The club would like to congratulate Ishan Pandita on becoming the newest member of the Blasters family. Ishan has already joined the rest of his teammates in Kolkata, where preparations for the Durand Cup are in full swing. The Blasters are set to kick off their Durand Cup campaign against Gokulam Kerala FC on Sunday, August 13.

The club would like to announce that it has signed goalkeeper Lara Sharma on a one-year loan deal from Bengaluru FC. The 24-year-old is a polished product of Tata Football Academy. He has packs of experience having gone through the footballing ranks of Indian Arrows, ATK (reserves), and Bengaluru FC. A Durand Cup winner, Lara had also represented the national team U18 side. Commenting on the loan deal, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Lara is someone who we’ve followed for a long time. For now, we got an opportunity to see him closely for one season and also add depth to our goalkeeping department. I hope this upcoming season plays a substantial part in the growth of Lara Sharma as a player and that his time with us is mutually beneficial to both him and the club.” A visibly ecstatic Lara Sharma said: “The opportunity to play at KBFC is so special. The fans, the atmosphere, and the energy around the Club is so positive and I can’t wait to be a part of it all. I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and contributing to the club in every way possible.” We would like to welcome Lara Sharma into the Blasters family and wish him a very productive season ahead. He has already linked up with his new teammates in Kochi, as preparations for the upcoming Durand Cup are underway.

Kerala Blasters FC gained precious preseason game time when they faced Maharaja’s College football team in a friendly encounter at Ernakulam’s Panampally Nagar Football Ground this evening. Kerala Blasters entered the game with a 4-4-2 formation and concentrated on playing a pressing game, which yielded results in the form of regular goals through the entire 90 minutes of the match. The first half ended with a 4-0 lead, with Bidyashagar and Bijoy contributing two goals each. Hormipam Ruivah, who wore the captain’s armband, marshaled the backline well to ensure a clinical first half. The second half saw several changes in personnel but the Blasters attacking onslaught continued. Rahul found the back of the net twice along with a goal each for Diamantakos and Luna, stretching the final score to an impressive 8-0 in favor of the Blasters. As impressive as the attacking line-up was today, the defensive unit, comprising the likes of Hormipam, Prabir Das, Lešković, and Bijoy, was also equally clinical in dousing any possible attacks from building. New signing Pritam Kotal also got his first look as a Blasters player in what was a commanding second-half performance from the veteran defender. The preseason friendly was an important fixture in ensuring that the entire squad got some match minutes under their belts before the team faces more challenging fixtures in the Durand Cup lined up next month. LINEUPS First Half Sachin, Naocha, Hormipam, Bijoy, Prabir, Yoihemba, Azhar ( 23′ Roshan), Bryce, Justine, Bidyashagar, Ajsal ( 23′ Nihal ) Second half Karanjit, Saurav, Pritam, Lešković, Saheef, Jeakson, Danish, Aimen, Rahul, Luna, Diamantakos.

The Club would like to inform that forward Jaushua Sotirio suffered an ankle injury during a training session a few days ago. While the exact time frame for his full return is yet to be confirmed, upon initial assessment, Jaushua is likely to remain out of action until 2024. Our medical team, in collaboration with external specialists, will work diligently to provide him with the best possible care and support, ensuring his safe and efficient return to the field. During his absence, we trust that our fans and supporters will continue to show their unwavering support for Sotirio. We remain committed to Jaushua’s well-being and recovery, and we will provide updates on his progress as he works towards returning to full fitness.

The Club is thrilled to announce that goalkeeper Sachin Suresh has signed a three-year contract with Kerala Blasters FC until 2026. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who marked his first team debut earlier this year in the Hero Super Cup 2023, came through the youth system of the Club. Having represented the Reserves, on several instances even as captain, in the Reliance Foundation Development League, the NextGen Cup in UK, and the Kerala Premier League over the last few years, Sachin has impressed with his consistency, hunger, attitude, and ability. Sachin, who has already represented India at the U-17 and U-20 levels, was already training with the senior team for the last few years in a developmental role. Sachin’s impressive performances in the Hero Super Cup 2023 is a great indication of his growth with the Club over the last few years and a testament to his commitment in showing the right attitude & patience. Commenting on the extension, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Sachin has been with us for some time now and this extension is a reflection of his hard work, attitude, skill & temperament. I believe Sachin has the mentality it takes to perform & succeed at the most competitive levels, and one day captain this great Club. We see him as a very bright prospect and hence, the decision to back him with a long-term contract was clear. Now, he needs to keep his head down, stay humble, and keep working.” As the Club looks ahead to an exciting future, the contract extension of Sachin Suresh serves as a promising sign of the club’s commitment to developing local talent and building a formidable team. The organization remains dedicated to providing an environment that nurtures growth, while also aiming to provide an exceptional sporting experience for all stakeholders across the country.

The Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the transfer of Pritam Kotal. The deal will see Sahal Abdul Samad go the other way, bringing an end to his 6 year journey with the Club. The Club will also receive an undisclosed transfer fee. The former title-winning MBSG captain joins the Blasters having put pen to paper on a three-year contract until 2026. Kotal’s football journey began with the youth team of Chirag United, where an impressive stint opened doors to the India U-19 side. In 2011, Pritam joined the All India Football Federation’s developmental I-League side, Indian Arrows. He made 26 appearances for Arrows before earning a move to Mohun Bagan, in 2013, where he quickly established himself as a first-team regular. Pritam marked his ISL debut in 2014 with FC Pune City, from Mohun Bagan. He would spend two years there. In a standout 2015, he won the I-League title with Mohun Bagan and also won the I-League’s Best Defender for the year 2015. The trophy collection continued as he picked his maiden ISL trophy with ATK in 2016. The defender made a permanent switch to ATK in 2018, kickstarting a journey that saw him transform as a player and leader for both Club and Country. Since 2018, Pritam made over 125 appearances for the Club, becoming a vital cog in the team’s defense. Under his leadership and captaincy, the team would go on to lift two more Hero ISL trophies in 2020 and 2023. Pritam has been just as consistent with Indian National Football Team. Since his debut in 2015, he has been a mainstay in defense and has featured regularly for the Blue Tigers. been a vital cog in the team’s plans. He has made over 50 appearances for the Blue Tigers and has lifted numerous trophies like the SAFF Championship, Intercontinental Cup, and Tri Nations Cup with the national team. Equally apt playing at center back or right back, Kotal is known as a hard-as-nails defender. His strong tackling capabilities combined with an unwavering level of commitment and steel in his approach toward football have made him a true stalwart of Indian Football. An inspiring figure both on and off the pitch, Pritam has led by example for both Club and Country over the years. Commenting on the successful signing of Pritam Kotal and Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Pritam is a player with a tremendous work ethic and winning mentality. It is very rare to see players like Pritam who, despite having enjoyed the kind of success that he has enjoyed over the years, still want to reinvent themselves, get better, and maintain their standard of play. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our squad. There is no doubt that he is one of the finest players in Indian football. I am elated to have Pritam in our squad and expect nothing but great things from him this upcoming season.” An elated Pritam Kotal said, “I am delighted to join Kerala Blasters and embark on this new chapter of my career. The club’s rich history and passionate fanbase make it an exciting opportunity for me. I am eager to contribute my skills and leadership to the team and work towards achieving our collective goals. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by Kerala Blasters, and I promise to give my absolute best on the field. Together with my new teammates, I am confident that we will create memorable moments and bring success to the club. I am eagerly looking forward to wearing the Kerala Blasters jersey and making our fans proud. Let’s go, Blasters!” Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Pritam Kotal as he embraces this new journey with Kerala Blasters. Pritam becomes the fourth signing by the Club this summer, following the arrivals of Jaushua Sotirio, Prabir Das, & Naocha Singh. He is expected to link up with the squad in Kochi where preseason preparations have already begun.

The Club is pleased to announce that versatile Indian full-back Huidrom Naocha Singh has completed his move to Kerala Blasters for the upcoming season, on loan from Mumbai City FC. Huidrom Naocha Singh, who hails from Manipur, started his career with the NEROCA FC youth set-up. He made his senior debut with TRAU FC before returning back to NEROCA in 2018. Following impressive seasons in title-winning I-League and Durand Cup campaigns between 2019 and 2020, the 23-year-old defender joined Mumbai City FC ahead of the Hero ISL 2021-2022 season. The Manipuri defender then spent half of the 2021-2022 season on loan with SC East Bengal. Prior to joining the Blasters, Naocha went on loan to Roundglass Punjab. He played all 15 games without missing a minute en route to another title-winning campaign and displayed impressive performances on both sides of the defense. Comfortable on both feet, Naocha is capable of playing anywhere across the defense. He is known for his pace, strength, & tackling ability, qualities that make him a formidable option as a lung-bustling fullback. Commenting on the signing of Huidrom Naocha Singh, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said: “Naocha is someone who we see adding a different set of qualities to our defense. Still only 23, he comes with title-winning experience. We believe he is yet to reach his limits and the coaching staff is excited to work closely with Naocha to unlock his full potential. I expect him to gel very well into our plans for this season and wish him all the best for the same.” Huidrom Naocha Singh said: “I am so happy to join Kerala Blasters. They have always backed young players and with Coach Ivan, I hope to find new levels of performance that can contribute to the success of the team. The style of play at Kerala Blasters is something that appeals to me, and I hope to fit into that style and contribute my all to the success of the club. I cannot wait to start the upcoming season.” Naocha becomes the second full-back signing of the summer following the arrival of Prabir Das, who was announced earlier this window. The Club wishes Naocha the very best for his future with Kerala Blasters. He will link up with the squad in Kochi where preseason preparations have already begun.

Excitement and anticipation are prevalent throughout the Kerala Blasters FC camp as the player arrivals for the pre-season camp of 2023–24 have officially begun in Kochi as of July 10, 2023. The first batch of players and team staff that arrived late Monday evening were elated to see each other after a long gap. Some of the other players and coaching staff who are yet to arrive are expected to join the camp in the coming days. Once the pre-season camp kicks off, the squad will start practising and preparing themselves for the challenges of the upcoming season, with the Durand Cup immediately on the team’s radar. Watch this space for more in-depth details and news related to the Club

The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of T.G. Purushothaman as the new Assistant Coach for the first team on a 3-year contract, until 2026. Purushothaman, who has been promoted from our youth system, will bring his invaluable experience and dedication to further enhance the team’s coaching staff. As Assistant Coach, Purushothaman will work closely with the head coach and players of the first team, providing vital support and guidance to ensure the team’s continued growth and success. Additionally, he will maintain his existing responsibilities within the youth system, serving as a bridge between the reserve team and the first team. Purushothaman’s appointment reflects Kerala Blasters’ ongoing commitment to nurturing talent from within and building a strong foundation for long-term success. Having previously played a crucial role in the development of numerous young talents within our youth system, Purushottaman’s promotion to the first team coaching staff is a testament to his exceptional skills and expertise. With a deep understanding of our club’s philosophy and the unique challenges faced by young players transitioning to the first team, Purushottaman will play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless integration of talent. Commenting on the appointment of T.G. Purushothaman, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said: “We are delighted to welcome T.G. Purushottaman to the first team coaching staff. He is a coach who took important part in many of our current first team player development. As a club, we are proud to have people in our system who can take such a big responsibility. I believe coach will be providing our players with the best possible support to achieve their goals.” Purushottaman himself expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, saying:“I am honored and excited to join the first team coaching staff at KBFC. Having worked closely with the young players in our youth system, I am well aware of the immense potential within the club. I am eager to contribute to their development and help create a seamless transition from the reserve team to the first team. I also look forward to working closely with Coach Ivan and the rest of the coaching staff and hope we can make a great season!” The Club looks forward to the positive impact T.G. Purushottaman will have on the team and is confident that his appointment will further strengthen the coaching setup, fostering a culture of excellence and success both on and off the field.

In a landmark move, Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that young midfielder Vibin Mohanan has travelled to Greece for a one-month training stint with Greek First Division Club, OFI Crete. OFI Crete, one of the most respected clubs in Greek football, recognizes the potential and talent Vibin possesses. They have extended an invitation for him to join their pre-season, providing a remarkable opportunity to train and compete at the highest level. Kerala Blasters FC wholeheartedly supports Vibin’s decision and believes that this experience will be invaluable in shaping his professional career. The 20-year-old will train with the Greek side for one-month during which, he will be able to gain important footballing experience with the help of the coaches and staff at OFI Crete in an immersive training environment. The youngster is expected to take full part in the pre-season preparations, including travelling with the side to Netherlands for 2 weeks where they play at least 3 matches against Dutch First Division teams. Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters Football Club said: “This move is an indication of our belief in Vibin and an indication that talent at Kerala Blasters will be encouraged and nurtured. Vibin had an encouraging first season and we want to do the best to deliver on promises we make to young players like Vibin that choose to trust us with their future. Our endeavor is to have more moves like this, which can potentially open doors for others to gain a similar experience too. It brings me great pleasure to be able to see Vibin in a European context and hopefully set a benchmark for many more young Indian players to follow. I want to thank our colleagues at OFI Crete facilitating this training stint and we wish Vibin the very best for his time in Europe.” Vibin’s training stint is the second such initiative by the Club to facilitate international exposure trips for its players. Last season, Kerala Blasters academy graduates Aimen & Azhar joined Polish club Rakow Czestochowa for a similar training stint. Kerala Blasters FC remains dedicated to its youth development program and will continue to nurture and promote young talents within the club. We look forward to witnessing Vibin’s continued growth and success.

Kerala Blasters Football can confirm they have reached an agreement for the signing of winger Sagolem Bikash Singh. The 22-year-old joins KBFC on a two year deal until 2025, with an option to extend. The Club can also confirm that Bikash will spend the next season on loan at Mohammedan Sporting Club in a move that is expected to help accelerate Bikash’s growth as a player. Commenting on the contract signing of Sagolem Bikash Singh, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said: “Bikash is a very exciting prospect who needs regular playing time. At this point we want to give him the time and backdrop that help him develop further as a player. We wish his stint at Mohammedan Sporting Club would help him further his progress and be an option for Kerala Blasters in near future” Sagolem Bikash Singh said: “Being on the radar of a Club like Kerala Blasters is very heartening for me. While I am delighted to sign with this great Club, currently, my focus is on the tenure at Mohammedan Sporting Club. I hope to learn as much as possible during my time there and comeback with that experience under my belt. I want to thank the Club for trusting me and ensuring that my progress continues in the best way possible” The talented winger from Manipur, who spent the last season with TRAU FC in the Hero I-league, recorded 3 goals in 22 appearances. Offering tremendous flair, versatility, and the ability to fit anywhere across the attack, the addition of Sagolsem Bikash Singh will further boost an already growing core of young players at the Club. Bikash will gain further experience in the Hero I-League continuing his progress in a new environment, while being closely monitored and supported by Blasters staff. Everybody at the Club would like to wish Bikash the best of luck this term as we follow his progress with Mohemaddan SC.

In the latest CIES Football Observatory Weekly Post, the top 100 clubs in the world with the most followers on social networks have been highlighted, with Kerala Blasters FC ranked 70th in the list, being the only football club from India to feature. With 6.7 million followers across Twitter (2 million), Instagram (3.4 million), and Facebook (1.3 million), Kerala Blasters leads the football vertical on social media in India, with a virtual footprint which rivals that of some of the leading and most famous football clubs around the world. This strong and unrivalled social media presence epitomises a strong bond between the club and its fanbase. It also is a reflection of the club’s commitment to produce engaging and creatively-driven content that bridges the gap between the fans and the Club. “It is indeed a great achievement for our Club. It is a reflection of the club’s constant efforts to innovate digitally and find meaningful ways to connect and engage with our wonderful fanbase. There are ongoing efforts to further grow the Club’s brand and fan base beyond India. In the coming years, with pre-season tours and exposure matches being planned in the Middle East and South East Asia and exciting partnerships with global brands. we are well placed to tap into the Top 50 very soon.” The Club’s director, Mr.Nikhil Bhardwaj had this to say about KBFC’s rise in the digital world. It is an honor to represent India amongst all the international clubs on the list. The Club realizes the responsibility it bears to maintain these standards and remains committed to exploring and growing further through uncharted territories in the ever-important world of social media.

Kerala Blasters FC would like to announce that we have extended the contract of veteran goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for a period of one year, extending his stay at the club till 2024. This extension will see Karanjit Singh continue in his role as a part of the Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeping unit. Commenting on the contract extension of Karanjit Singh, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said: “Karanjit has a wealth of experience that holds our entire goalkeeping squad in good stead. His work ethic and bonding with the coaches and the rest of the squad make him a team player to the core. I hope he has a good upcoming season with us.” Karanjit Singh said: “This will be my third season at Kerala Blasters, and the experience that I have had and the friends that I have made at the club are truly close to my heart. I hope to contribute in every way possible to the success of the team in the next season.” The club would like to congratulate Karanjit and wish him the best for his upcoming tenure.

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the temporary pause of our Women’s Team. This decision has been necessitated by the recent financial sanctions imposed on our club by the football federation. While we respect the authority and decisions of the federation, we cannot deny our disappointment at the impact it is likely to have across various functions of our Club. After a very encouraging first season that saw our women’s team achieve tremendous results, this year the Club had plans for increased investments for our women’s team. These investments included a first-of-a-kind foreign pre-season tour accompanying our Men’s Team, player exchanges, exposure tours, and so much more. However, the financial sanctions have presented us with an unfortunate challenge. As a Club, we must prioritize the more immediate objectives and long-term financial stability. We deeply regret that we cannot continue our women’s team activities until such time that there is complete clarity on the matter. The decision to pause their activities was made after careful consideration and evaluation of the current circumstances. Not to mention, the Club is still awaiting further sanctions from the league body as well that are only likely to augment the financial impact on the Club. It is important to highlight that this pause is temporary. We will reinstate our Women’s Team upon closure of this matter in its entirety. To our incredible women’s team members, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the dedication, resilience, and talent you have displayed throughout your time with us. You have been an inspiration to us all, and we are committed to supporting you individually in any way we can during this pause. To our loyal supporters, we understand your disappointment, and we share your frustration. Your unwavering support for our women’s team has been phenomenal, and we assure you that we will be back. We firmly believe that the future holds brighter prospects for our women’s team. The pause we are currently facing is just a temporary setback, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering equality, inclusivity, and opportunities for all athletes. Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your continued support during these challenging times.

Kerala Blasters FC complete signing of experienced Indian right-back Prabir Das

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm the departure of Victor Mongil, Apostolos Giannou, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Harmanjot Khabra, and Muheet Khan from the team as their contract period expired on May 31st. The Club is thankful for the efforts these players displayed for the team, over their respective tenures. We would like to wish them the best for the future.

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that Club captain Jessel Carneiro will leave the Club after his contract runs out on May 31. The left-back’s journey with the Blasters comes to an end after four incredible years. Jessel, who joined the Club prior to the 2019-20 Hero ISL season, made an instant impact for Kerala Blasters in his debut season. During his first season, he exhibited exceptional defensive skills, neutralizing opponent attacks while actively contributing to the team’s offensive plays. A string of consistent performances led to Jessel’s multi-year extension and promotion as vice-captain of the Club in the subsequent season. Jessel would then step up to fill in admirably as Club Captain for the remainder of the season after a mid-season injury to the then captain, Sergio Cidoncha. In the ensuing 2021-22 season, Jessel was appointed as the Club’s permanent captain. His leadership and determination is exemplified by the fact that despite a mid-season shoulder injury that kept him on the sidelines, Jessel continued to lead the team with one of the youngest squads in the league at hand. With various players in only their debut season for the Club, under Jessel’s captaincy, the Club finished in the top four and as runners-up in the Championship final. In his four seasons with the club, Jessel amassed over 65 appearances, providing 6 assists. He leaves the club as a Club icon and fan favorite. The club extends its sincerest gratitude to Jessel for his unwavering contributions on and off the field. We wholeheartedly wish him the very best in all his future endeavors and look forward to welcoming him back at Kaloor.

Kerala Blasters FC extends contract of Defender Hormipam Ruviah until 2027

Kerala Blasters FC extends contract of Assistant Coach Frank Dauwen until 2025

Kerala Blasters Complete The Transfer Of Australian Attacker, Jaushua Sotirio On A Multi-year Deal

Kerala blasters fc extends contract with winger nihal sudeesh till 2026

KERALA BLASTERS EXTEND CONTRACTS WITH MUHAMMAD SHAEEF, MOHAMMED AIMAN & MOHAMMED AZHAR UNTIL 2026

Kerala Blasters is pleased to announce that Dimitrios Diamantakos has signed a new contract that will extend his stay at the club until 2024.

TEAM NEWS The encore game of Indian football in recent times is upon us, Kerala Blasters FC takes on Bengaluru FC in a pivotal clash at Kozhikode’s EMS Stadium. Both teams will be playing for both bragging rights and a chance of making it through to semi-finals, with it looking like a three way race in which Sreenidi Deccan is also in the running. Both teams come into the game with a few key players with yellow cards next to their names, with Dimitrios Diamantakos, Jeakson Singh and Ayush Adhikari from KBFC needing to be on the side of caution, whereas Rohit Kumar, Sandesh Jhinghan and Parag Shrivas having the added send off threat coming into the game. QUICK RUNDOWN Both the Blues and KBFC come into this game with contrasting results, whereas KBFC started their Hero Super Cup campaign with an impressive victory (3-1) against RoundGlass Punjab FC but then ended up dropping 3 points against Sreenidi Deccan in their very next game. Bengaluru FC on the other side started their campaign with a draw (1-1) against Sreenidi Deccan but came back strongly with a resounding victory (2-0) against RoundGlass Punjab FC, setting up a Super Sunday with three teams vying for the semi-final slot. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCHOUT Dimitrios Diamantakos remains KBFC’ strongest scoring force going into this game, a solid performance from him will definitely lead the charge for Blasters in the upcoming game, the added responsibility of the captain’s armband should also motivate him to lead from the front. Marko Lešković the towering Croatian will be pivotal in guarding the KBFC defenses, his presence at the backend of the formation is always reassuring for his side. Jeakson Singh, the national team midfielder could have decisive say in making the plays to attack the opponent’s goal, an impressive game for him could set the tone for the whole team. WHERE TO WATCH The live streaming of Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC will be available on Fancode, whereas Sony Sports 2 will be show the game live on television. The live updates of the game will be made available through Club’s official Twitter account also.

TEAM NEWS Kerala Blasters will take on RoundGlass Punjab FC for the first time since the later got promoted as an ISL team, at Kozhikode’s EMS Stadium. Both teams will be playing their first game of the campaign and would like to kick-start their tournament with a victory to their name. KBFC squad for the tournament despite missing a few key players, remains a good mix of young homegrown talent along with experienced campaigners both domestic and foreign, which gives KBFC a mix of players to put an exciting combination on the pitch. RoundGlass Punjab being the newest entrants within the ISL mix, would be keen to measure themselves against ISL teams during the Hero Super Cup. Players like Kiran Kumar Limbu, Juan Mera and Luka Majcen are most likely to lead the charge for their team. QUICK RUNDOWN Despite KBFC not playing their games on their home ground at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Kozhikode’s EMS Stadium is almost a second home for the team, with a large, vibrant football loving crowd expected to show up in big numbers to support the local team. KBFC would be managed by Frank Dauwen during the Super Cup and his tactics and player management would add an extra dimension of interest, during the upcoming game. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCHOUT Dimitrios Diamantakos, the greek sharpshooter was KBFC’s highest goalscorer in the previous ISL season and his attack and accurate finishing should press RoundGlass Punjab’s defences. Sandeep Singh grew as a cult hero for KBFC fanbase after his iconic late winner against Odisha FC during a home fixture in the last ISL, he suffered from an injury that later put him out of action through rest of the season, but after having made his recovery, he would be motivated to make a similar impact. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the golden glove winner from ISL 2021-22 is a crucial player to KBFC’ success, his dynamic reflexes and ability to improvise makes him a tough opponent for any opposition attack to get through. WHERE TO WATCH The live streaming of RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters will be available on Fancode, whereas Sony Sports 2 will be showing the game live on television.The live updates of the game will be made available through Club’s official Twitter account also.

Kerala Blasters FC announces the extension of Karolis Skinkys as the Sporting Director of the club for 5 more years. The contract is set to keep him in his role, at the helm of all sporting affairs, until 2028.

Welcome to House of KBFC, an independent consumer-focused business set-up spun out of Kerala Blasters Football Club. Tasked with leveraging theclub’s expertise and IP, House of KBFC aims to create products that appeal to our beloved fanbase and beyond.

Kerala Blasters will square off against Bengaluru FC in a raging South Indian affair at the Sree Kanteerava stadium, Banglore. Both teams will be looking for a win to clinch the important three points on the road to play-offs.

Kerala Blasters will take on Chennaiyin FC in the much-anticipated Southern rivalry at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. A win will take blasters closer towards their goal of qualifying to the playoffs

Kerala Blasters FC is proud to announce Indian cricketer Sanju Samson as its new Brand Ambassador. Sanju, a dynamic and prominent cricketer from Kerala and the captain of the Indian Premier League(IPL) side team Rajasthan Royals, will represent the club and its values on and off the field. He is an inspiration to many young sportsmen and women in Kerala, and his appointment as the brand ambassador of Kerala Blasters will further boost his impact.

Kerala Blasters will be facing East Bengal FC in an away fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. The Blasters will be aiming to assure their spot among the top six by claiming all three points.

Kerala Blasters FC is excited to confirm that it has reached an agreement for the transfer of Danish Farooq from Bengaluru FC for an undisclosed fee. The 26-year-old will join the club in this winter transfer window after penning a multi-year deal that keeps him at the club until 2026.

Kerala Blasters will face FC Goa in their fourteenth game of the season at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Fatorda, Goa. Blasters who are in the third position of the table will be looking to strengthen their point tally, whereas Goa who are in the sixth position will be looking forward to continuing in the race for playoffs.

Kerala Blasters Football Club can confirm that Sandeep Singh suffered a fracture in his ankle against FC Goa on Sunday and will be undergoing surgery for the same.

Kerala Blasters will face FC Goa in their fourteenth game of the season at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Fatorda, Goa. Blasters who are in the third position of the table will be looking to strengthen their point tally, whereas Goa who are in the sixth position will be looking forward to continuing in the race for playoffs.

Kerala Blasters will take on Jamshedpur FC in their first match of the year 2023 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Both the teams will be eyeing for a win to mark the start of a new year.

When JAMSHEDPUR FC opted to go for a 3-4-1-2 formation. Coach Ivan Vukomanović opted to field Blasters unit under 4-4-2 formation with Adrián Luna moving to the midfield replacing Ivan Kalyuzhnyi (who lost the match due to a suspension) and Apostolos Giannou joining Dimitrios Diamantakos in the frontline.

Kerala Blasters will take on Jamshedpur FC in their first match of the year 2023 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Both the teams will be eyeing for a win to mark the start of a new year.

When ODISHA FC opted to go for a 4-3-3 formation. Coach Ivan Vukomanović opted to field Blasters unit under 4-4-2 formation with Jessel Carneiro back in the starting line-up with Captain’s arm band.

Kerala Blasters will take on Odisha FC in the Boxing Day fixture of Hero ISL season 9 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. This game will mark the start of the second phase of the season for both teams as they have finished the first 10 matches beforehand.

Kerala Blasters will be taking on Bengaluru FC in the fiery Southern Rivalry at JLN stadium, Kochi. This mouth-watering clash will see both the teams facing each other for the eleventh time.KBFC is coming to this game after registering their fourth win in a row. The men in yellow defeated Jamshedpur FC for a solitary goal from Diamantakos. On the other hand, BFC previously faced a narrow defeat against ATKMB for 1-0.Blasters is standing in the 5th position of the league table with 5 wins out of 8 games. Bengaluru FC have 2 wins in 8 games and they are standing at the 9th position.

When JAMSHEDPUR FC opted to go for a 4-1-4-1 formation, Coach Ivan Vukomanović opted to field Blasters unit under his effective 4-4-2 formation. With Ivan Kalyuzhnyi and Jeakson Singh taking care of the central midfield area, Sahal Abdul Samad and Rahul KP ware in-charge of the wing attacks. Captain Adrian Luna joined Dimitrios Diamantakos in finisher role.

Kerala Blasters will square off against Jamshedpur FC at JRD Tata Sports stadium, Jamshedpur. KBFC is coming for the second consecutive away game after a hiatus of about 2 weeks.

Kerala Blasters Football Club can confirm that academy graduates Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar are all set to join the leading Polish club Rakow Czestochowa for a three week training stint. These academy graduates will train with the Polish side where they will be able to gain important footballing experience and participate in an excellent & immersive training environment.

A Compact and Disciplined display of football from KBFC brought an end to the unbeaten steak of HFC at Gachiboli Stadium.

Kerala Blasters will take on FC Goa in their fourth home match of the season at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.

Kerala Blasters FC successfully secured 3 points by winning against FC GOA on a 3-1 score line at Kochi.

Kerala Blasters will take on FC Goa in their fourth home match of the season at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.

Kerala Blasters FC announces Welcare Hospital as their official medical partner. Welcare Hospital is one of the leading privately held organisations intended to provide affordable but quality healthcare to people in Ernakulam. Welcare Hospital has a unique combination of best-in-class technology to ensure world-class healthcare services. The hospital has 6 state-of-the-art well equipped modular operation theatres with gas scavenging systems to ensure patient safety.

With Dimitrios Diamantakos opening his account for KERALA BLASTERS FC and Sahal Abdul Samad scoring twice , ‘MEN IN YELLOW’ are back in the winning track by defeating NORTHEAST UNITED FC 3-0 at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

Kerala Blasters will encounter Northeast United FC in their second away game of the season at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. In the last game against Mumbai City, the Blasters faced a defeat of two goals, but the character shown by the team in the second half has reignited the hope of many fans.

Though KERALA BLASTERS could not secure three points against the inform MUMBAI CITY FC on a close fight, match ended up with positive signs for the ‘MEN IN YELLOW’ from the second half.Vukomanović. The men in yellow opted to start with the star performer from last match, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi with Apostolos Giannou on the bench.means. A score line of 3-1 KERALA BLASTERS emerging victorious does not tell the complete story. With a tough fight till the end and scoring a goal against the flow of the game, EAST BENGAL FC have also sent out a clear message for opponents in the opening game itself

Kerala Blasters FC will square off against Mumbai City FC in the third home game of the season. In the previous match against Odisha FC, KBFC went down to a narrow defeat of 2-1. Harmanjot Khabra’s header goal in the first half of the game gave us the hope of 3 more points in the bag but things turned around in favour of Odisha in the second half. KBFC now has 3 points from 3 games.

After leading the score board for first 45 minutes of the game, ‘MEN IN YELLOW’ unfortunate not to secure a point again. When both teams were not ready to settle for anything less than 3 points, it was a match of two teams playing with calculated attacks. When Odisha FC opted for 4-3-3 formation, Coach Ivan made a slight change by moving Ivan Kalyuzhnyi behind the target man Dimitrios Diamantakos which made the formation change to 4-4-1-1.Mohun Bagan FC on Sunday night. ATK Mohun Bagan FC Coach Juan Ferrando opted for a 3-4-3 against the 4-4-2 formation from Blasters tactician Ivan
Vukomanović. The men in yellow opted to start with the star performer from last match, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi with Apostolos Giannou on the bench.means. A score line of 3-1 KERALA BLASTERS emerging victorious does not tell the complete story. With a tough fight till the end and scoring a goal against the flow of the game, EAST BENGAL FC have also sent out a clear message for opponents in the opening game itself

Kerala Blasters will lock horns with Odisha FC in the first away match of the Hero ISL season 9. Blasters, started off the season with an exquisite win against East Bengal FC fell short in the next game against ATKMB for 2-5. Even though it was the yellow army who took the lead against the Mariners, they came back to the game before half time and etched another win to their books.

After scoring first goal and taking the lead within 6 minutes to the game, Kerala Blasters were unfortunate to go down for a 2-5 score line against ATK
Mohun Bagan FC on Sunday night. ATK Mohun Bagan FC Coach Juan Ferrando opted for a 3-4-3 against the 4-4-2 formation from Blasters tactician Ivan
Vukomanović. The men in yellow opted to start with the star performer from last match, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi with Apostolos Giannou on the bench.means. A score line of 3-1 KERALA BLASTERS emerging victorious does not tell the complete story. With a tough fight till the end and scoring a goal against the flow of the game, EAST BENGAL FC have also sent out a clear message for opponents in the opening game itself

Kerala Blasters will be facing ATK Mohun Bagan at JLN stadium, Kochi in the second match of the season. KBFC who is coming after a tremendous win against East Bengal FC will be looking forward to continue their winning momentum. ATKMB on other side lost their introductory match against Chennaiyin FC and they will be eager to register their first win of the season in Kochi.

Kerala Blasters FC announces Welcare Hospital as their official medical partner. Welcare Hospital is one of the leading privately held organisations intended to provide affordable but quality healthcare to people in Ernakulam. Welcare Hospital has a unique combination of best-in-class technology to ensure world-class healthcare services. The hospital has 6 state-of-the-art well equipped modular operation theatres with gas scavenging systems to ensure patient safety.

BYJU’S, the world’s largest EdTech company, extends its association with Kerala Blasters FC for two more years as the club’s principal sponsor. This upcoming season will see the two brands step into the third consecutive year as partners. As part of the partnership, the BYJU’S logo will continue to be seen on the front of the official KBFC match and training jersey.

Kerala Blasters FC is proud to announce the unique premium Ice cream brand KIWI, as their official partner for the upcoming season of Hero Indian Super League 2022 – 2023 (ISL). KIWI devoted to creating ice creams of the very highest quality.

Kerala Blasters FC is thrilled to announce AMARON, India’s top-selling automotive battery brand, as their official partner for the forthcoming season of Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

With packed stadium of ‘YELLOW SEA’ and two teams fighting hard till the last minute for 3 points, the opening match for ISL 9 was electrifying in all
means. A score line of 3-1 KERALA BLASTERS emerging victorious does not tell the complete story. With a tough fight till the end and scoring a goal against the flow of the game, EAST BENGAL FC have also sent out a clear message for opponents in the opening game itself

The new iteration of Hero Indian Super League will kick-off on 7th of October, 2022 with Kerala Blasters taking on the Kolkatan side Emami East Bengal at JLN stadium, Kochi.

The snacking brand Bingo! from ITC Ltd., one of India’s leading FMCG conglomerates, announced a collaboration with Kerala Blasters Football Club KBFC – one of the leading teams of Indian Super League (ISL). Bingo! has been designated the Official Snacking Partner for KBFC in the 9th Season of ISL, scheduled to begin on October 7, 2022.

Ather Energy, India’s first intelligent electric scooter manufacturer, has joined the Kerala Blaster Football Club (KBFC) as their digital partner of the team. This will be Ather Energy’s 3rd consecutive year of partnership with the finalists from last season.

Kerala Blasters FC is excited to announce that they will be continuing their partnership with Delfrez for the second year in a row, for Hero ISL Season 9. Delfrez is Suguna Foods’ brand for processed poultry and mutton products.

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce Kalliyath TMT as their official partners for Hero Indian Super League Season 2022-23.Established in 1929, Kalliyath Group became renowned for its commitment to superior quality and fair-trade practices in the steel industry.

With a history of being the one stop service provider for all the travel needs and requirements, Widu Holidays has established itself in the travel sector industry with serving more than 10,000 plus members and spreading over to 6 major cities (Kochi, Calicut, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai). Since its establishment in 2017, Widus main aim was to provide quality travel services to business and leisure travellers at an affordable rate with assured quality and choices.

Kerala Blasters FC announced an extension with BodyFirst as the team’s official Nutrition Partner for the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League. BodyFirst, a Family Wellness and Sports Nutrition company based in Mumbai, aims to make India nutritionally efficient with its vegetarian, clean, safe, and qualified products that are formulated with clinically studied and researched ingredients.

Kerala Blasters FC is proud to partner with Denwud, one of the leading PVC board and furnishing material businesses in domestic and international markets as their ‘Associate Partner’ for the upcoming season of Indian Super League.

Kerala Blasters FC is happy to announce 1XBat Sporting Lines, an online news platform that brings you the most up-to-date and highlighted news in the world of Sports, as their Presenting Sponsor for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League. Through this association, 1XBat logo will appear on the chest and back of the jersey in the Official Kerala Blasters FC kits.

Kerala Blasters clinched an exquisite win against Mumbai City FC in the crucial match of the season(3-1). A brace from Alvaro Vazquez and a first-half goal from Sahal ensured us three points. Diego Mauricio scored the solitary goal for the visitors from the spot.

Kerala blasters will lock horns with our southern rivals Chennaiyin FC on 26th February 2022 on a
battle to win back the confidence. Both teams are returning from a defeat and will be striving to regain their confidence by a win.

The brand new edition of Hero Indian Super League is almost here. The league will officially kick-off on 7th of October, 2022 at JLN stadium, Kochi. KBFC will square off with Emami East Bengal in the inaugural match of ISL 9 and we all are very excited about the game as fans will be returning to the home after 2 long seasons.

Six months have gone since an unwelcome stranger has affected our lives. Everyday has been a battle for many of us. Like many things that come and go, yet another season of the ISL is upon us.

Kerala Blasters FC have announced the launch of their senior women’s team. The squad will participate in the upcoming Kerala Women’s League organized by Kerala Football Association (KFA) and compete to win the title and qualify for the IWL. In the next 2 – 3 years, the club also aims to represent the country at the AFC level.

Kerala Blasters FC is happy to announce the signing of versatile Spanish defender Victor Mongil for the Hero Indian Super Leagu 2022/23. He joins Kerala Blasters FC from the Hero ISL side Odisha FC and will stay at the club till 2023, with an option to extend.

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce the signing of Greek-Australian International striker, Apostolos Giannou, for the Hero Indian Super League 2022/2023 season. He joins the Blasters from A-League Club Macarthur FC and will don the iconic Yellow until the summer of 2023.

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce the signing of Ukrainian Midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. The young Midfielder joins Kerala Blasters FC on loan from FK Oleksandriya.

Kerala Blasters FC is delighted to announce the signing of Ukrainian Midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. The young Midfielder joins Kerala Blasters FC on loan from FK Oleksandriya.