Bengaluru Match 7th: Two-time BDFA Champions FC Bengaluru United have added another feather to their cap – they have recently crowned the undisputed champions of the Stafford Cup. An undefeated campaign saw FCBU pip Chennayin FC 2-1, in a thrilling final following a sensational direct free kick by FCBU’s Vinil Poojary and a late winner from the tournament’s top scorer, Irfan Yadwad. The Stafford Challenge Cup was first played nearly a century ago and was revived earlier this year by the Karnataka State Football Association after a gap of 30 years.  

For Sushil Meitei, captain of FC Bengaluru United, winning the Stafford Cup was a privilege, especially given the tournament’s rich history. He also emphasized that winning the Stafford Cup was excellent preparation for the upcoming 2nd Division, I-League Qualifiers as the team was able to assess its strengths and weaknesses. “Winning the Stafford Cup after 30 years is a great feeling. It’s a privilege to be part of the team that won it. We can use this experience to prepare well for upcoming tournaments and make sure we perform to the best of our abilities.” 

According to Sushil, the hard work that the team put in ahead of the tournament and the tireless work ethic of the squad played a key role in their triumph. “We have been training very hard since January. When I arrived at the club, it was very clear that the environment is very competitive, and every player gives 100% in training. During matches, the squad is relentless for the full 90 minutes. I think this, along with the teamwork is something that truly sets us apart and will help us achieve the results we want.” Sushil also touched upon the special camaraderie within the squad. “We are a diverse group of players, but the team and the management have done well to build a welcoming and inclusive culture and this has helped forge a strong bond with each other.”

With the 2nd Division, I-League Qualifiers scheduled to kick off on the 13th of March, Sushil sounded confident about his team’s prospects, not only for the tournament ahead but beyond that as well. Having spent time in many leagues before, including the ISL, he believes that FCBU has a very promising future. “Whether it is the quality of facilities, the intensity of training sessions, the management or the approach to coaching and fitness, the level of professionalism is very high. Everything about the team makes me believe that FCBU will go very far in Indian Football.” 

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The new edition of the tournament is scheduled to be held from February 23 to March 4, with all matches set to be played at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

16 clubs are slated to take part in the knockout tournament and the teams will be divided into four groups. The winners of the four groups will advance to the semifinals.

The last two editions before the tournament was discontinued were played in 1993 and 1991 where Mohammedan Sporting Club and ITI Sports Club were crowned as the champions.

The Iraq Olympic Team who won the tournament in 1990, never returned the silver rolling trophy, donated by the Staffordshire regiment, to the organizers. It is said that the Iraqi team promised to return the trophy while taking it away, but never did. Efforts to retrieve the trophy through the Indian Embassy in Iraq went in vain due to the Gulf war. Hence, this forced the KSFA to make a new trophy to be awarded in the next two editions. It is also reported that the KSFA is planning to make a new silver rolling trophy to be presented in the coming years.

16 teams participating in the tournament divided into four groups 

Group A

1. FC Bengaluru United 
2. MEG and Centre FC 
3. Dempo FC
4. International FC Punjab 

Group B 

1. Roots FC 
2. Mohammedam Sports Club
3. Gokulam Kerala FC
4. PIFA Sports FC 

Group C 

1. Bengaluru FC
2. Kenkre FC
3. Sreenidhi Deccan FC 
4. Delhi FC 

Group D 

1. Kickstart FC
2. Chennayin FC
3. ARA FC
4. Kerala United

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