Eleven years have passed since the Indian Super League (ISL) was established as part of the Indian Football pyramid with the goal of developing the Indian football scene. Having said that, the two Kolkata heavyweights, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, did not really make their ISL debuts until the 2020–21 season.
Currently, as the 2024–25 ISL season draws near, the final heavyweight from the city with a strong maidan culture has joined the Indian premier league.
The defending I-League football winners from India's second tier, Mohammedan SC, will be making their ISL 2024–25 season debuts. In the long term, the next I-League season will also be the first to have no clubs located in Kolkata.
In addition to leading Mohammedan SC, Andrey Chernyshov will be coaching in the Indian Super League for the first time this season. Under the tactical guidance of Andrey Chernyshov, the Black Panthers want to improve dramatically in the Indian Super League following their disastrous elimination from the Durand Cup 2024. Mohammedan Sporting Club has 14 games planned for the first half of the 2024–25 season.
The top two teams in the league and the top six teams automatically proceed to the semifinals and knockout stages, respectively, as per the knockout qualifying standards.
The Slavic tactician for Mohammedan SC is aiming for a top-six spot in their inaugural campaign. The fact that Mohammedan SC has advanced to the Indian Super League has also increased the total number of games that will be played, enhanced the competition level of the event, and added a little extra spice to the excitement of the next season.
Positively, the growth curve of the development has significantly changed under Andrey Chernyshov's tactical framework.
Mohammedan Sporting Club will play their maiden game in the ISL on September 16, 2024, against the Durand Cup 2024 champions, NorthEast United FC, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Mohammedan Sporting Club squad for ISL 2024-25
Goalkeepers: Bhaskar Roy, Nikhil Deka, Padam Chettri, Subhajit Bhattacharjee
Defenders: Gaurav Bora, Joe Zoherliana, Joseph Adjei, Mohammed Irshad Thaivalappil, Mohammed Jasim Paravakkal, Sajad Hussain Parray, Samad Ali Mallick, Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Zodingliana Adinga Ralte
Midfielders: Rochharzela, Alexis Nahuel Gómez, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Angousana Luwang Wahengbam, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Jeremy Laldinpuia, Lalremsanga Fanai, Makan Winkle Chothe, Mirjalol Kasimov
Forwards: Carlos Henrique França Freires, César Lobi Manzoki, Robinson Singh Soraisam
