WIFA’s Hon. General Secretary Mr. Souter Vaz congratulated Kenkre FC, highlighting that the club will be the sole flagbearer from the state in the Hero I-League. Kenkre FC Director Joshua Lewis and Coach Akhil Kothari were also present at the press conference.

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Kenkre FC Director Joshua Lewis gave credit to the whole team that was always motivated and gritty to walk the extra mile. He also said that in the 21 years of the club’s existence, the club had always promoted local talent, and it believes in growing players in their backyard. He added all of this will stir up the impetus in the new and upcoming players.

Coach Akhil Kothari laid down the challenges ahead in terms of preparatory time. He also said the club as a unit has the clarity and intent to perform well in the Hero I-League. Akhil explained that the club intends to play the core team which participated in the Qualifiers in October without making too many changes.

Rajasthan United Football Club topped the qualifier charts by finishing first and Kenkre came second. In the yesteryears, Kenkre FC had made six attempts to breakthrough, and this was their lucky 7th. WIFA Secretary Souter Vaz confirmed that due to Chennai city FC pulling back from the tournament, Kenkre FC qualified after finishing at the runner-up position in the qualifiers.

Kenkre FC started their preparation camp today, and the team will be travelling to Kolkata on 16th December for the Hero I-League 2021-22 season commencing from 26 December 2021.

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A total of 10 teams will represent as many states in the Hero I-League Qualifiers 2021, from within a centrally organised Bio Bubble in Bengaluru.

This edition of the Hero I-League Qualifiers will also see as many as seven teams make their debut – Hyderya Sports FC (J&K), Corbett FC (Uttarakhand), Delhi FC (Delhi), Madan Maharaj FC (Madhya Pradesh), Rajasthan United FC (Rajasthan), Kerala United FC (Kerala), Ryntih SC (Meghalaya). Meanwhile, the likes of ARA FC (Gujarat), Kenkre FC (Maharashtra), and FC Bengaluru United (Karnataka), who have played in the competition before, complete the lineup.

The aforementioned clubs have all gone through the process of nomination by their respective state FAs, and have successfully submitted the required documents for the league and club licensing on time.

“It’s great to kick-off the Indian Football domestic season once again with the Hero I-League Qualifiers. What makes the tournament all the more special this season is that we will have double the number of teams that played in the competition last year, and seven of the 10 teams are debutants,” said AIFF Leagues CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar.

“All the teams will be hosted in a central Bio Bubble, and that goes a long way in affirming that we are all firmly committed to taking Indian Football forward together. I wish the participating teams all the best,” he further said.

The 10 participating teams will be split into two groups of five teams each. The Group Stage will be conducted in a round-robin format, with every team playing their rival clubs within their respective group once. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the Final Round, which will be played in another round-robin format with each of the four teams playing against each other once. The team that finishes at the top of the pile in the Final Round, will earn promotion to the Hero I-League 2021-22 season by virtue of winning the Hero I-League Qualifiers 2021.

The 10 teams who will be playing in the Hero I-League qualifiers are as follows:

Hyderya Sports FC (J&K)
Corbett FC (Uttarakhand)
Delhi FC (Delhi)
Madan Maharaj FC (Madhya Pradesh)
Rajasthan United FC (Rajasthan)
ARA FC (Gujarat)
Kenkre FC (Maharashtra)
FC Bengaluru United (Karnataka)
Kerala United FC (Kerala)
Ryntih SC (Meghalaya)

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

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Laldanmawia Ralte, Lalrindika Ralte, Brandon Vanlalremdika and Lalram Chullova have all been key players for East Bengal in the current Hero I-League, which can very well see the ‘Red and Gold’ lift the trophy – given Chennai City FC drop points against Minerva Punjab FC, and Quess East Bengal win against Gokulam Kerala FC.

After spending two seasons away, it was a homecoming for Lalrindika Ralte when he signed for QEBFC for the current season. The other three players joined the Kolkata giant in 2017 from former Hero I-League champions Aizawl FC, and this assimilation built a great bonding flavour in the Red and Gold camp.

While the Red and Gold dressing room has players is a wonderful symphony of cosmopolitan culture, the little chats or convenient interactions in mother tongue for the Mizoram players helps them to connect better. The hard work during training and the relaxed dressing room environment has shown its colours on the bright performance of the Mizo Brigade.

After an eight-match unbeaten streak, Quess East Bengal sit a point adrift of leaders Chennai City, with 39 points. With March 9 being the showdown, the Mizo Quartet will play a vital role to ensure Quess East Bengal FC success and lift the coveted I-League championship.

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