Reshuffles & Returns: Old and new faces ready to take stage in Hero IWL
NEW DELHI: With the Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) set to kick off on April 26, attention has shifted not just towards the 12 teams that will take part in this year’s edition, but also their team composition. Predictably, a year-long gap between seasons has meant reshaping of squads, and the entries of many new clubs have also led to some surprising shifts in terms of personnel.
Perhaps the biggest shake-up — and also the biggest cause of all shake ups — is the entry of Odisha FC. The ISL outfit’s women’s team have been catching eyeballs off the pitch for the numerous big names they have signed to be part of the squad.
In addition to signing local stars Pyari Xaxa and Manisa Panna early last year, Odisha have also gone on to sign India internationals Sweety Devi, Karthika Angamuthu, Anju Tamang and Shreya Hooda. The biggest signing though, was saved for last, when they landed striker Bala Devi earlier this year.
Bala’s signing has understandably marked Odisha among the favourites even before a ball is kicked. The Manipuri stalwart will make a return to the Hero IWL after spending one season away and is among a few others to do so.
Another big name returning to the top division of women’s football after a brief absence is Indian midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan. Indumathi was last part of the Hero IWL in the colours of Sethu FC, when they won the title in the 2018-19 season. This season, she has shifted allegiances across the border to be part of the defending champions Gokulam Kerala’s formidable squad.
In addition to Indumathi, Gokulam have also signed youngster Hemam Shilky Devi for the season — one of the few new faces in a settled and experienced squad. Shilky, who was hugely influential in midfield for India in the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers Round 1, is a strong addition to a burgeoning Gokulam midfield.
Another player who will make her way back to the Hero IWL after missing out last year is right-back Dalima Chhibber. Chhibber was part of Gokulam’s title-winning team in 2019-20 and missed the season when she was playing in Canada. She returns to the league this season and will be donning the colours of Kickstart FC, the Bengaluru outfit who finished third last season. In addition to Chhibber, Kickstart have also signed Young Tigresses Shubhangi Singh, Astam Oraon and Babina Devi for the season.
Sethu Madurai FC, a perennial title contender have moved in a different direction this season, choosing to put their faith in youthful vibrancy and hunger in their search for the title. The club from Tamil Nadu have signed many Young Tigresses, which include Apurna Narzary, Sumati Kumari, Kajol D’Souza and Gladys Zonunsangi. It is an approach that focuses more on long term results than immediate dividends and may well turn out to be the coup of the Hero IWL.
Aside from these four, the season will also see many new clubs battling in the elite league, and many India internationals scattered across the clubs, hoping to add their own experience to the squad. The ever-formidable Eastern Sporting Union will have the services of goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, in addition to the returning Yumnam Kamala Devi. Kamala, who retired from international football after the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, will hope to show the credentials that have marked her out as one of the special few in the women’s game.
Also Read: Odisha and NorthEast United face off in historic Hero Super Cup semi-final
Also Read: FC Goa Dev Team go down 3-0 to ARA FC in 2nd Division League
MFA’s Nadkarni Cup 2024 kicks off on November 4 with 21 teams competing
The Nadkarni Cup, one of Mumbai’s most cherished football tournaments, is back for its 2024 edition, starting November 4 at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Bandra. Organized annually by the…
Sushil Kuamr 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup
Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 – Honoring a Legend Through the Spirit of Competition
This November 9, the Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 will take center stage, bringing together veteran players in memory of Sushil Kumar, a former football star whose legacy…
Nine Venues, One Final Destination: Santosh Trophy 2024 to kicks off November 15th across India
With Hyderabad set to host the much-anticipated final rounds of the 78th National Football Championship, the journey toward the trophy is about to begin across Eight cities nationwide. As each…
Mumbai City FC Outlasts Kerala Blasters in Six-Goal Thriller at the Arena
In an electrifying encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters. The high-stakes duel saw Nikolaos Karelis net a brace, while…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC dominates with a 4-2 win over D.K. Flag Foundation in Mumbai Premier League
In a thrilling encounter, MYJ-GMSC secured a commanding 4-2 victory over D.K. Flag Foundation, showcasing their offensive prowess and seizing control of the game with standout performances. MYJ-GMSC began with…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai City FC Strikes Back with Style: Late Goals Secure 3-1 Win Over Kenkre FC
Mumbai City FC with a crucial victory to secure their first win in the Mumbai Premier League this season, turning a tense clash against Kenkre FC into a memorable 3-1…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.