As all eyes are on the inaugural season of Super League Kerala (SLK) in September, football enthusiasts are hopeful that this new league could be a game-changer that will not only propel local football to new heights but also positively influence the local economy.
Six franchises will compete in the inaugural edition of Super League Kerala (SLK), representing the cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur. The franchises are named Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, Forca Kochi FC, Thrissur Roar FC, Calicut FC, Malappuram FC, and Kannur Squad FC.
The SLK, organized jointly by Kerala Football Association and Scoreline Sports Private Limited, will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, and Sports Council Stadium, Manjeri.
Apart from providing a platform for local talent to shine and gain national recognition, the league’s mission is to cultivate a football culture that resonates with Kerala’s fervor for the game. Experts say that the league will also create a positive impact on the economy of Kerala, from the travel and tourism industry to advertisement and entertainment.
“We need the involvement of corporates in the promotion of a game like football. Many were skeptical when the Indian Super League (ISL) was launched, but look at how it transformed football in India. Similarly, SLK will also transform football in Kerala. It will give immense opportunities for young players and bring professionalism to the game,” said K Ravindran, former national referee and current match commissioner, All India Football Federation. He added that the SLK will not only nurture local talent but also give them the exposure they deserve. “The league will open up more opportunities for young footballers and provide them with financial stability that could enable them to focus more on the game,” he said.
The SLK is already the talking point in India, with a bunch of prominent private investors, including foreign partners, coming forward to be part of it. Kaz Patafta, chairman and chief executive officer of A-League side Brisbane Roar FC, is a major stakeholder in Thrissur Roar FC. The franchise’s co-owners include Benoit Joseph of Magnus Sports and Mohammed Rafeeq of Nusym Technologies.
The SLK again hit the headlines after actor Prithviraj Sukumaran along with his wife Supriya Menon bought a major stake in Kochi Pipers FC, which has been rechristened as Forca Kochi FC in which legendary tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi also has a stake.
Apart from Prithviraj and Supriya, the other shareholders of Forca Kochi FC are Nasly Mohammed, Praveesh Kuzhipally, Shameem Backer, and Mohammed Shyjal.
While Kannur Squad FC is co-owned by M P Hassan Kunhi, Director of Kannur International Airport Ltd; Mibu Jose Nettikadan, Managing Director of Castle Group, Doha.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC’s owners include Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, member of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore; Dr. Mohamed Ilyas Sahadulla, CMD of KIMS Hospital; K C Chandrahasan, MD, Kerala Travels; and T J Mathews, co-owner, Kovalam FC. Malappuram FC is co-owned by V A Ajmal, MD, Bismi Group; Dr. Anvar Ameen Chelat, SAT Tirur FC and Grand Hypermarkets; and Baby Neelambra, President, Saudi Indian Football Forum, while V.K. Mathews, tech entrepreneur and Chairman, IBS Group, is the owner of Calicut FC.
“SLK will not only positively impact the travel and tourism sector but also create huge job vacancies in different sectors. Besides permanent employment, SLK will create a lot of employment opportunities on a temporary basis,” said Saby Jose, director of Kerala Destinations Private Limited.
“I’ve been a football fan since childhood, and it’s exciting to see such an initiative in Kerala. I believe SLK has the potential to change the dynamics of Kerala football,” said Anoop M, a resident of Kochi.
Though there is much excitement, there are also a few challenges that SLK will need to overcome to establish itself as a premier football league in the country. Consistent funding, infrastructure, and most importantly, fan engagement are crucial in determining the league’s success in the long run.
With significant funding from franchise owners and backing from sponsors, SLK is poised to make a substantial impact. “Football has always been in the hearts of Keralites. If the league can deliver quality results and build on professionalism, then it will surely become a success. It will truly evolve as a much-needed platform for young players to showcase their skills and inspire future generations,” said an official of the Kerala Football Association.
