Nov 25, 2022Kerala has been experiencing a football revolution recently with the emergence of Kerala Blasters, an Indian Super League (ISL) team, and its passionate fan base. Over the years, the team has significantly impacted the state’s football culture and gained a large following of dedicated fans. They have reached the finals thrice in 8 years, including last year, but were never able to lift the trophy for the team and fans. In 2023, the team led by Jessel Carneiro, under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is hopeful of winning this year’s title. The team has a mix of experienced and young talented lads. They are focusing on building a core and balanced team for the long run.
Kerala Blasters FC
The Yellow Army
Kerala Blasters was established in 2014 and quickly gained a reputation for its energetic and enthusiastic support. The team’s passionate fanbase, known as the “Yellow Army“, has been instrumental in driving the growth of football in Kerala. They have turned the team’s matches into a high-energy and exciting spectacle that has become a central part of the state’s football culture.
Working On Grassroots Level
The team has also been working to foster a robust grassroots football culture in Kerala. They have been running football camps and academies to develop young talents and investing in local football leagues and tournaments to encourage the growth of the sport in the state. The team has also been working with local schools and colleges to promote the sport and inspire the next generation of footballers.
Kerala Blasters Young Indian Talents
The Greek football player, Dimitrios Diamantakos, 29, scored 9 goals this season. But these chances were created by young Indian talents playing for the team.
The club is discovering and nurturing young football talents from Kerala and surrounding regions. The club has a strong youth development program, and many young players have gone on to represent the club’s senior team and even the Indian national team.
Some of the notable young talents from Kerala Blasters FC include
Sahal Abdul Samad
He is attacking Midfield, Age 25. He was the emerging player of 2018/19 and the golden boy for Kerala. People believed that he would be the next Sunil Chhetri for India. But his form dipped after that. In the past 2 years, he is back in the old flow and playing good football to keep KBFC in the cup run.
Jeakson Singh
Defensive Midfield, Age 22. KBFC signed the Manipur Football Player in 2018 and promoted him to the senior team in 2019. He is an integral part of the club and National team in defensive midfield.
Rahul KP
The young lad is attacking Right Winger, Age 22. He is a local boy. He has been part of the team since 2019 and started the 2022/23 season as a sub for the first three matches. But now he is a first-team player and playing an essential role in Kerala Blasters’ journey with 1 goal and 2 assists.
These players have shown their potential and have been crucial to the club’s success.
Experienced Players
Kerala Blasters FC has a mix of young talented players and experienced players. Midfielders like Adrian Luna, keep the game moving from midfield to winger and attackers. It provides stability to the team. Captain Jessel Carneiro controls the game from behind with other defenders and Goalkeeper Prabhusukhan Singh Gill.
The Loyal Fan Support
The fans of the club are known for their passion and support, and the club has been able to create a strong culture and tradition, making it one of the top clubs in Indian football. The rise of Kerala Blasters and the enthusiasm of its fan base has been key factor in igniting the football spirit in Kerala. The team’s success and impact on the state’s football culture have been a source of pride for the people of Kerala and have helped to establish the state as a major hub for Indian football.
Conclusion- Growth Of A Sport
Kerala Blasters and its fans have been at the forefront of the football revolution in the state, and their efforts have helped to lay the foundation for the continued growth of the sport in the region. With their passion and dedication, they are helping to create a brighter future for football in Kerala.
