Chennai: The fifth season of the Indian Super League had already begun yesterday and the defending champions
Chennaiyin FC will kick off its campaign against last year’s s runners-up Bengaluru FC at Kanteerava Stadium today – a repeat of last year’s final.
Fans in Chennai are gearing up for the new season and are waiting to see the defending champions in action.
Nivin Joel a die-hard fan says, ‘I like football and I was super excited when ISL was started. Being a Chennaite, right from season 1, I have cheered for Chennaiyin FC. Last season I watched all the home games from the stadium and this year too I have booked a season ticket. Can’t wait to see the men in blue in action as defending champions.’
Manoj another CFC fan says ‘Like CSK in IPL CFC is the strongest team in ISL. This year definitely with Jeje, Raphael Augusto and other quality players CFC has it all to lift the cup. Waiting to soak in the electric atmosphere at Marina Arena during the matches in Chennai.’
Saminathan, a football player from a local club in Tambaram says ISL has improved the standard of football in the country ‘Initially when ISL made its entry I didn’t care much about it and only followed EPL and La Liga. But slowly only during the third season, I started seeing it and ISL has definitely given a huge fillip to the standard of Indian players. I am rooting for Bengaluru FC this year as I am a big fan of Sunil Chhetri.’
Sathyamoorthi from Trustpuram, a football player who is a part of Minerva Punjab’s junior team also is happy that fans have started supporting football. He says ‘Finally, It is good to see Indian football receiving support from the fans. ISL is also the best place where young talents emerge. Especially with legends of the game like Tim Cahill coming into play the tournament players can learn a lot.’
‘My role model is Sunil Chhetri so I support Bengaluru but Chennai and Jamshedpur are also teams to watch out for,’ he says.