ISL: Can Mohammedan SC revive their storied footballing legacy?

Mohammedan Sporting Club, one of the oldest Indian football clubs in India, will make their debut in the Indian Super League this season on Monday when they take on Durand Cup champions NorthEast United at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.

The Black Panthers will now become the third club from West Bengal to play in the ISL 2024-25.

Their promotion to the league has completed the arrival of Kolkata's Big 3 in Indian football's top division. Earlier, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal joined the league.

These three clubs will compete in India's top tier together for the first time in a decade, adding excitement and fervor for Indian football fans.

Mohammedan Sporting, a 130-year-old club, qualified for the ISL after winning the previous edition of the I-League, the second tier of Indian football.

Road to ISL

Mohammedan SC qualified for the ISL, ending their grueling wait to make it to the elite level.

However, their journey to qualification was not smooth. In the 2022-23 edition, when the time came and the promotion from the I-League to ISL started, they performed poorly in the I-League as they finished eighth with 26 points and missed out on qualification.

However, they bounced back to lift the I-League title in the very next season (2023-24) and earned the promotion to the top tier of Indian football.

The team led by Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov, lifted the I-League title last season with a total of 52 points in 24 matches and scored 44 goals.

Players to watch out for

Alexis Gomez: The young Argentinian striker will be the key man for Mohammedan SC in their forward line this season. He also played a crucial role in the team's triumph in the I-league last year, having scored four goals and six assists.

Amarjit Singh: Mohammedan SC has had a few good signings this year, including the midfielder Amarjit Singh. The 23-year-old has already played in the ISL, having made 44 appearances.

Gaurav Bora: Another exciting addition to the squad this season is experienced center-back Gaurav Bora. He has plenty of experience in the ISL, having been part of the league since 2019.

Rochharzela: Mohammedan SC also signed an exciting attacker from the NorthEast United FC to bolster their attack. Rochharzela has proved himself in the ISL and troubled many teams in the past with his wing play.

Makan Chothe: One of the brightest signings for Mohammedan this season was Makan Chote, who had been outstanding in the last few seasons in ISL. He spent more than 1,000m minutes on the field in the previous season with Hyderabad FC.

Youngsters to watch out for

Sagolsem Bikash Singh: Mohammedan retained the youngster to the team after his terrific performance in the last season where he scored five goals and was a key member of the team's midfield.

Soraisam Robinson Singh: The 21-year-old was a top Indian performer in the last I-league season when he scored seven goals, playing for TRAU FC. He could be a good addition to Mohammedan's front line.

Sajad Hussain Parray: Mohammedan SC has also added the promising defender from Kashmir to their squad this season. Playing as a left-back, Sajad caught many eyes last season in the ISL because of his ability to rattle the opponents with his quick runs.

Last year, he also scored the winning goal for Hyderabad FC in what was their first and only victory in ISL 2023-24.

Squad

Coach: Andrey Chernyshov (RUS)

Goalkeepers: Bhaskar Roy, Nikhil Deka, Padam Chhetri, Subhajit Bhattacharjee.

Defenders: Gaurav Bora, Joe Zoherliana, Joseph Adjei, Mohammaed Irshad, Mohammed Jasim Paravakkal, Sajad Hussain Parray, Samad Ali Mallick, Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Zodingliana Adinga.

Midfielders: Rochharzela, Abdul Mohammed Kadiri, Alexis Nahuel Gomez, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Angousana Luwang Wagengbam, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Jeremy Laldinpuia, Lalremsanga Fanai, Lalrinfela Khiangte, Makam Winkle Chothe, Mirjalol Kasimov.

Forwards: Carlos Henrique France Freires, Cesar Lobi Manzoki, Robinson Singh Soraisam.

What to expect?

Mohammedan SC is one of the most experienced clubs in Indian football. But playing in the ISL for the first time, they will face a challenging time because of their lack of experience of playing in the top tier of Indian football for a long time.

However, Mohammedan SC will be no pushovers as they have signed plenty of promising youngsters to their squads from the other ISL clubs along with foreigners from the top leagues.

A top-eight finish Mohammedan SC in their debut season will be a commendable performance, but they will aspire to make a deeper run in the tournament.