IWL: Sethu FC unveils squad and jersey ahead of the new season

Chennai: Sethu FC unveiled their squad and jersey for the upcoming Indian Women's League (IWL) 2025 season at a press meet on Monday.

Indian Super League club Chennaiyin FC's head coach, Owen Coyle, attended the event, unveiled the jersey, and spoke with the Sethu FC coach and players ahead of their new season.

For the first time in IWL history, Sethu FC will play in Tamil Nadu, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, as part of the newly introduced home-and-away format implemented last season.

A rich legacy

Sethu FC boasts a rich legacy in Indian women's football, having won the prestigious Indian Women's League trophy in the 2018-19 season, just a year after being promoted to the IWL.

Many players from that championship-winning squad went on to represent the Indian National Women's Team.

The club further cemented its dominance by winning the Tamil Nadu Women's League in 2021, reinforcing its position as a leader in the sport.

Highlighting the club's contribution to women's football, it is noteworthy that 26 of the 88 athletes appointed under the 3% sports quota in government jobs in Tamil Nadu were women footballers who had once been part of Sethu FC.

Seeni Mohaideen, President of Sethu FC, spoke on the occasion, stating, "Having the Indian Women's League hosted in Tamil Nadu for the first time is a moment of immense pride for us. It not only gives us a chance to play on home soil but also allows our players to feel the energy and support of local fans.

"This is more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of women's football in our state. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for making this dream a reality and for standing by us on this historic journey," he added.

A strong squad backed by a young coach

Ahead of the new season, the club has appointed former Kerala Blasters women's club coach Shareef Khan as the head coach. The squad includes seven Tamil Nadu players, showcasing the club's focus on grassroots development in the state.

In addition, the squad features two African players, Amnah Nabob from Uganda and Moussa Zouwairatou from Cameroon, who are expected to bring invaluable experience to the young Indian players as they hone their skills.

Sethu FC will open their IWL campaign at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on January 11 against Sreebhumi FC from West Bengal.

Sethu FC squad list for IWL 2025:

Goal Keepers: Gyurme Dolmo Tamang, Nisari K ,Sarangthem Khambi Chanu, and Sharmila P.

Defenders: Vinothini R, Hoshika T, Gladys Zonunsangi, Mansi Anant Samre, Purnima Kumari, Ashwathi P, Ngopawdi K, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Anu T Sabu, Priya Chettri, and Santhiya P.

Midfielders: Lisham Babina Devi, Monisha Mannan, Kai Rumi, Giani Ramching Mara, Ruchi, Kayenpaibam Anju Chanu, Rivka Ramji, Sivisha C, Laxmi Tamang, and Amnah Nababi.

Forwards: Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Shanmugapriya, Malavika, Amisha Baxla, Laishram Rejiya Devi, Moussa Zouwairatou, Prameshwori Devi, and Yumlam Lali.