Mumbai Teams gear up for I-League 3

by Chittu Shetty August 23, 2024

Among the 25 participating teams, three from Mumbai—MH Oranje FC (MOFC), MYJ-GMSC (MYJ), and Kenkre FC (KEN)— are gearing up to compete for a spot in the third tier of Indian football, the I-League 2.

As the 2024-25 I-League 3 season approaches, Mumbai’s football scene is abuzz with excitement. This season marks a critical juncture for Mumbai football, with 3 local clubs being in the mix thereby providing number of local talents with an opportunity to shine on the national stage.

The Group Stage Draw

The draw for the 2024-25 I-League 3 Group Stage, held on August 2, 2024, at Football House, has ensured that no two teams from the same state association will be in the same group, setting the stage for intense and varied competition.

MH Oranje FC (Group B, Goa):

MH Oranje FC will face stiff competition in Group B, hosted by SESA Football Academy at Dempo Academy Ground, Goa. The group includes top teams such as Kerala United FC, Garhwal FC, and Dalbir FA. Having faced relegation from I League 2 last season, on the final day of the competition, Maharashtra Oranje will look to bank on that experiences of last season and would be eager to get back into in I League 2

MOFC’s fixtures are set as follows:
3rd September, 9:00 AM: vs. SESA FA
5th September, 4:00 PM: vs. Kerala United FC
7th September, 4:00 PM: vs. Garhwal FC
9th September, 9:00 AM: vs. Dalbir FA

MYJ-GMSC (Group C, Aizawl):

As the reigning champions of the Mumbai Premier League, MYJ-GMSC finds itself in Group C, hosted by Chanmari FC at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl. They will go head-to-head with RKM FA, Coromandel FC, HAL Sports Club, and Chanmari FC. This will be MYJ-GMSC’s first National level campaign with the high altitude being an added testing factor. The team plans to arrive at Aizawl atleast a week ahead in preparation to their campaigns.

MYJ-GMSC’s fixtures are as follows:
5th September, 3:00 PM: vs. HAL Sports Club
7th September, 3:00 PM: vs. Coromandel FC
9th September, 7:00 PM: vs. Chanmari FC
11th September, 3:00 PM: vs. RKM FA

Kenkre FC (Group D, Diphu, Assam):

Kenkre FC, one of Mumbai’s most seasoned teams in national leagues, will compete in Group D, with matches hosted by Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at KASA Stadium, Diphu. Their opponents include Jaipur Elite FC, Klasa FC, Bhuna FC, and the hosts Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC. After two years in I-League, Kenkre has faced back to back relegation bringing them down to I League 3. The club would be eager to get back into the top.

Kenkre FC’s fixtures are as follows:
3rd September, 3:00 PM: vs. Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC
5th September, 3:00 PM: vs. Jaipur Elite FC
7th September, 3:00 PM: vs. Klasa FC
9th September, 3:00 PM: vs. Bhuna FC

Preseason Preparations: Setting the Tone

All three Mumbai teams have been actively preparing for the season with a series of preseason friendlies, fine-tuning their strategies and lineups. MH Oranje FC is looking to make a strong statement in their second season, leveraging their dynamic squad to navigate the tough Group B. MYJ-GMSC, fresh off their Mumbai Premier League victory, aims to carry their winning momentum into the I-League 3, while Kenkre FC will rely on their experience to overcome the challenges of Group D.

National Exposure:

The stakes are incredibly high for these teams, as they vie for promotion to I-League 2, the third tier of Indian football. Success in this league would not only elevate the profile of Mumbai football but also provide invaluable exposure for local players, offering them a chance to showcase their skills on a national platform.

As the season kicks off on September 3, 2024, all eyes will be on these Mumbai teams as they embark on their journey in I-League 3.

FootballCounter.com will be closely monitoring their progress, bringing you all the updates and insights from this thrilling competition

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