Mohammedan Sporting Club, who won the I-League last season and gained an immediate promotion into the Indian Super League, will be hungry to adapt as soon as possible to top-flight football.
The Black Panthers were close to indestructible in the I-League in their previous campaign, and their supporters will hope that they can carry that form into the ISL, although it is much easier said than done.
The club management – despite the fracas surrounding the ownership group – have backed head coach Andrey Chernyshov to the hilt, and it will be exciting to see the Russian bring his unique perspective to the table once again.
Punjab FC, who were the first club to get promoted into the ISL from the I-League, did well for themselves in their inaugural top-flight season, ending in the 8th position with 24 points to their name. This will inspire Mohammedan a lot.
Summer Transfer Window
One of the biggest issues that will plague the Panthers this season is the departure of their biggest players Eddie Hernandez and David Lalhansanga. The duo were instrumental in them winning the I-League, and their absence will be deeply felt.
However, they have gone big on Indian talent, with the likes of Sajad Hussain Parray and Makan Chothe arriving from Hyderabad FC and defender Gaurav Bora from NorthEast United FC. Amarjit Singh Kiyam is another big addition.
Their star signing in the summer window, undoubtedly, was attacker Cesar Manzoki, who arrived from the UAE Pro League. Another striker called Franca – who hails from Brazil – was brought on board by the management.
Pre-Season
Mohammedan participated in the season-opening Durand Cup but did not fare too well. They won just one game, against the Indian Navy, and drew one and lost the another. This will hardly give them confidence ahead of the season.
However, the Panthers have been working hard at training and playing a lot of friendlies with other clubs. They even travelled to play against a Super League Kerala XI in a charity match for landslide-affected Wayanad recently.
Head coach Chernyshov is known for his strict and regimented ways of training, and the lack of injuries in the squad is bound to bode well for him going into the ISL.
Playing at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Calcutta, they will hope to draw in a huge number of supporters for their opening fixture against NorthEast United on Monday, September 16.
Squad Compared to Last Season
Eddie Hernandez, David Lalhansanga, Evgeniy Kozlov, Samuel Lalmuanpuia and Juan Nellar, among others, are a few big names who have moved away from the club, although the Indian additions seem to have settled in nicely.
There does seem to be a tad of doubt in the minds of their supporters given the lack of depth in their squad in this campaign, especially in the foreigners’ department, but forwards Manzoki and Franca will add some semblance.
Nonetheless, the presence of attacking midfielder Alexis Gomez is bound to give the Panthers a lot of vision in the final third. The Argentine is known for his creativity with the ball as well as positioning without it.
Most Exciting Player to Look Forward To
Makan Chothe, formerly of Hyderabad FC, is the most exciting player to look forward to in the Mohammedan side this season. The Manipur-born attacker can play in a wide range of roles and will be used extensively by Chernyshov.
Chothe was one of the standout performers for Hyderabad in their disastrous season in 2023-24 and was quickly snapped up by Mohammedan in the summer transfer window earlier this year. He is brilliant as a CAM but can also contribute well as a winger.
Player with a Point to Prove
Goalkeeper Padam Chettri, one of the finest goalkeepers in Indian football, will be hoping that this season is kind to him and that he can establish himself among the top goalkeepers in the country.
Chettri was almost single-handedly responsible for Mohammedan’s defensive solidity last season, and a lot will be expected of him this year as well. His handling skills set him apart from his competitors, as do his leadership qualities.
Best XI
Formation – Padam Chettri (GK); Mohammad Jassim, Joseph Adjei, Mohammad Irshad, Sajad Hussain Parray; Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Alexis Gomez, Jeremy Laldinpuia; Makan Chothe, Franca, Cesar Manzoki.
A lot of new faces are expected to turn up for Mohammedan in their season opener against the Highlanders on Monday. One of the points of contention is going to be the fullback’s position on the left-hand side.
While Mohammad Jassim has proved himself in that role time and again (remember the winning strike against Sreenidi Deccan last season?), the versatile Joe Zoherliana is also an option. The attackers and midfielders more or less select themselves.
Predictions
Mohammedan may not expect too much from themselves in their debut season of the ISL, but their supporters will feel confident in the knowledge that their club will be able to hold its own.
The opening round of fixtures is rather challenging for the Panthers, with two Calcutta derbies coming thick and fast in October and November. However, Chernyshov loves challenges and this campaign will provide him with a big one.
Follow IFTWC for more updates on Indian football.
