IWL 2024-25 Preview: A bigger, more competitive season over the horizon

The much-anticipated Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-25 is set to kick off on January 10, 2025, marking the start of another thrilling chapter in Indian women’s football.

The league is expanding with eight teams this season after two teams were promoted from the inaugural IWL 2 season.

Fans can expect a highly competitive tournament with 56 matches taking place across the country over the next three months.

These fixtures will not only determine the national champion but also offer the victorious team a golden opportunity to represent India at the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League.

Defending Champions Odisha FC: Can they keep the momentum going?

Odisha FC Women made history last season by clinching their maiden IWL trophy, breaking Gokulam Kerala FC’s long-standing dominance.

Under head coach Crispin Chettri, they finished the 2023-24 season as champions, marking an impressive start for the club, which was only founded in 2022.

This season, however, the Kalinga Warriors are facing a new challenge, as several key players have moved on, making way for a younger, fresher squad.

Despite the changes, Odisha FC boasts significant strength, including star attackers Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, and Jennifer Yeboah, along with a solid defense featuring Eliane Bodolo, Maryam Ibrahim, and goalkeeper Shreya Hooda, who kept nine clean sheets last season.

With the longest pre-season camp and valuable exposure to the AFC Women’s Champions League, Odisha FC is poised to defend their title.

Gokulam Kerala FC: Chasing their fourth title

Gokulam Kerala FC, the most successful team in IWL history, will be determined to reclaim their title after finishing second last season.

A slow start ultimately cost them a fourth consecutive championship, but they closed the season strongly, winning their final seven matches.

This year, under the guidance of new head coach Ranjan Chowdhury, Gokulam has a younger squad, but they will still rely on the experience of players like Golden Boot winner Fazila Ikwaput and defender Phoeby Okech.

New signings such as Catherine Aringo (Kenya) will further bolster their attack. With a mix of youth and experience, Gokulam Kerala is still one of the top contenders for the crown.

Kickstart FC: The underdogs with potential

Kickstart FC, based in Bengaluru, has been consistently in the title conversation but has yet to break through and claim the crown.

After finishing third last season, the six-time Karnataka Women’s League champions have made key signings to strengthen their squad.

With experienced players like Sanju, Ranjana Chanu, and Grace Dangmei joining their ranks, Kickstart FC will aim to finally win the elusive IWL trophy.

They will need to improve their home form, as they earned five fewer points at home than on the road last season.

If they can rectify this and build on their existing potential, Kickstart could very well be in the running for the top spot.

Sethu FC: The veterans looking to bounce back

Sethu FC, one of the most experienced teams in the IWL, will be looking to return to their winning ways after a somewhat disappointing fourth-place finish last season.

As former champions in the 2018-19 season, Sethu’s squad is filled with experience and potential.

Key players such as Nirmala Devi, K Ngopawdi, and Purnima Kumari will be crucial to their hopes.

The addition of foreign players like Uganda’s Amina Nababi and Cameroonian Moussa Zouwairatou will add quality to their midfield and attack.

After a season away from their home state of Tamil Nadu, Sethu FC will be delighted to play in front of their home fans again, and they will aim to rediscover their winning form.

HOPS FC: The youngsters with high hopes

HOPS FC, based in New Delhi, enters its third consecutive IWL season with ambitions of a top-four finish.

After finishing fifth last season, they are eager to improve and push for a higher spot this year.

Known for promoting young talent, HOPS FC has one of the youngest squads in the league, with players like Pooja and Naketa already making waves at the national level.

They will rely on their foreign signings, especially Gladys Amfobea and Constance Achiaa, to make an impact in the competition.

With their focus on youth development and rising talent, HOPS FC could be an exciting team to watch this season.

East Bengal FC: The powerhouse with big ambitions

East Bengal FC, one of the most famous names in Indian football, is ready to make a strong statement in their third IWL season.

With a squad packed with experience, including nine India internationals such as Ashalata Devi, Panthoi Chanu, and Sandhiya Ranganathan, East Bengal is one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.

Under the leadership of two-time IWL champion coach Anthony Andrews, they will be aiming to go all the way this season.

With their impressive squad and a passionate fanbase, East Bengal will be a formidable opponent for any team.

Sribhumi FC: The dark horses making their mark

Sribhumi FC, the champions of the inaugural IWL 2 season, are eager to make an impact in their first top-flight IWL season.

The Kolkata-based club has signed big names such as Bala Devi and Aditi Chauhan, both of whom are among the greatest Indian players in their positions.

With a blend of youth and experience, Sribhumi FC is certainly one of the dark horses in this year’s competition.

Their foreign signings, including Ghana’s Regina Antwi and Queenable Akousa Amankrah, will also add strength to their squad.

As newcomers to the league, Sribhumi will look to prove that they belong among the best in Indian women’s football.

Nita Football Academy: The newcomers ready to challenge

Nita Football Academy, the new entrant in the IWL, has made an impressive rise to the top tier of Indian women’s football.

After finishing second in IWL 2 last season, Nita FA has earned a well-deserved spot in the competition.

With a youthful and homegrown squad, including players like Manisa Panna and Juli Kishan, Nita FA will aim to make a solid debut in the IWL.

The addition of foreign players Sussana Konadu and Gifty Acheampong suggests that Nita FA is not just here to make up the numbers but is ready to compete at the highest level.

With the experience of coach Paromita Sit, Nita FA could surprise a few teams this season.

The IWL 2024-25 season promises to be a captivating one, with all eight teams ready to battle it out for the coveted title. With a mix of experienced veterans, rising stars, and talented new entrants, the league will showcase the best of Indian women’s football.

As the season kicks off, fans can expect exciting matches, unforgettable moments, and fierce competition.

The road to the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League starts now, and every team will be giving their all to claim the title and secure a spot on the continental stage.

All matches will be streamed live on ssen.co, bringing the action straight to your screens.