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Blasters appoint David Catala as new Head Coach

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Kerala Blasters FC is pleased to confirm the appointment of David Català as the club’s new Head Coach. The Spanish tactician, recognised for his modern approach to the game and extensive experience within European football, will assume his responsibilities with immediate effect. Catala has signed a one-year contract, securing his position at the club until 2026.

A former central defender, Catala enjoyed a distinguished playing career, amassing over 500 professional appearances in Spain and Cyprus before transitioning into management. His coaching career includes tenures at AEK Larnaca and Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division, NK Istra 1961 in the Croatian First Football League, and CE Sabadell in the Primera Federación. He now brings his expertise and leadership to Indian football, with a clear objective of guiding Kerala Blasters FC towards sustained success.

Upon his appointment, David Catala expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating:

“Joining Kerala Blasters FC is an incredible honour. This club has an unmatched passion, a city that breathes football, and a fanbase that turns every match into a spectacle.

The expectations here are clear—this is a club that deserves success, and together, we will chase it with everything we have. Kaloor’s energy and the stature of this great club demand nothing less than excellence.

I can’t wait to get started, and meet everyone at the club. Let’s go, Blasters!”

Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee emphasised the club’s belief in Catala’s leadership, stating:

“To lead a club like Kerala Blasters FC, one needs to have determination, a calm head on his shoulders, and an ability to absorb pressure. With David, we believe we have ticked those boxes. We now need to work with him to provide him with the best possible tools to succeed and take our club to newer heights. I would like to wish him the very best for his journey with the Blasters.”

Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys also conveyed his confidence in the new appointment:

“David convinced me with his determination to work and ambition to achieve new highs for himself and Kerala Blasters. I trust his abilities to manage a group and keep the team together in tough moments. I think his calmness and competence are exactly what our club needs at this moment in this position. Wishing David all the best with this new challenge.”

David Catala is set to arrive in Kochi soon to begin preparations for the Super Cup alongside the squad. His appointment signals a new direction for Kerala Blasters FC, with a focus on strong leadership, tactical evolution, and a commitment to achieving greater milestones in the challenges ahead.

#WelcomeDavid

Head Coach, Reserve Team

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Job Title: Head Coach, Reserve Team

Location: Kochi, Kerala, India

About:

Kerala Blasters Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Kochi, Kerala, that competes in the Indian Super League. The club is built on three strong pillars of Collectivism, Inclusivity and Sportsmanship, KBFC aims to being the biggest Football Club in India that generates young and talented players who not just represents the club in the National level but also the country in an international playing field, thereby reinforcing the legacy of Kerala towards the sport.

Purpose:

To lead the Reserve Team, focusing on player development and competitive performance aligned with the club’s vision.

Responsible for:

  • Lead the Reserve Team’s technical, tactical, and physical preparation in alignment with the club’s footballing philosophy.
  • Develop and implement training programs that promote player development, competitive performance, and smooth integration into the first team
  • Manage matchday preparation, squad selection, in-game tactics, and post-match analysis
  • Focus on the holistic development of players (technical, tactical, physical, and psychological), ensuring they are prepared for progression to the first team.
  • Provide individual development plans for high potential players and ensure continuous monitoring and feedback.
  • Foster a professional, disciplined, and growth-oriented environment to develop young talent
  • Work closely with the First Team Head Coach, Sporting Director and Academy Director to ensure alignment in coaching methods, playing philosophy, and player transitions.
  • Attend technical meetings and provide regular reports on team progress, player performance, and potential first-team candidates.
  • Assist in scouting and recruitment processes by identifying and evaluating potential talent for the Reserve Team.
  • Provide assessments and feedback on trialists and academy graduates.
  • Maintain transparent and effective communication with players regarding expectations, roles, and development opportunities.

Who we are looking for:

  • AFC/UEFA A Diploma in Coaching.
  • 3-5 years of experience as Head Coach.

Interested candidates to send CV along with Covering Letter to careers@kbfcofficial.com.

Subject of the email must be “Head Coach – Reserves”

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs MCFC

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Kerala Blasters FC prepares to play its final home fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. The team will look to sign off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on a positive note.

Team News:

Kerala Blasters FC:

The Blasters’ season has been a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistent results. Despite challenges, the team will be eager to showcase its resilience and end its home campaign with a positive result.

For the Blasters, this match presents an opportunity to focus on defensive stability while exploiting spaces on the counterattack. The absence of playoff pressure could also allow the coaching staff to experiment with squad rotation and tactical flexibility.

While the league table may no longer be a defining factor for Kerala Blasters, the significance of this fixture remains undiminished.

Mumbai City FC:

The Islanders are coming off a gritty 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. They fought back from two goals down despite being reduced to ten men. Decisive goals from Jon Toral and Nathan Rodrigues earned a hard-fought point for MCFC.

How do you watch and follow the game?

Catch the action live at 7:30 PM IST on Sports18, JioHotstar, Star Sports-3, Asianet Plus and OneFootball.

Kerala Blasters FC Fan Advisory Board Members Announced

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Kerala Blasters FC is proud to introduce the members of its Fan Advisory Board (FAB), a group of dedicated supporters who will serve as a vital bridge between the club and its passionate fanbase. These individuals will play a key role in shaping fan engagement initiatives and Providing valuable insights to enhance the overall experience for all Blasters supporters.

Fan Advisory Board Members

International Representatives:

  • Gokul Gopalakrishnan (Poland)
  • Mathew George (United Kingdom)
  • Rahul Satish (Germany)
  • Pranav B Pillai (Spain)
  • Ajay Haridas (United Kingdom)

Domestic Representatives:

  • Sourab M Kalliyan
  • Somu P Joseph
  • Rakesh RS (Chennai)
  • Cerin Pathos
  • Rejin T Jays
  • Abijth Peroth (Bangalore)
  • Muhammad Jabir T A
  • Sajith AS

PWD Representative:

  • Anandkumar Subramony

The Fan Advisory Board members were selected based on their dedication, knowledge, and passion for Kerala Blasters FC. Their role is to provide valuable perspectives, ensuring that the voices of the fans are heard in key discussions related to the club’s growth and community engagement.
With the formation of the FAB, Kerala Blasters FC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the connection with its supporters. This initiative is a step towards fostering a more interactive and inclusive fan culture.
The club extends its gratitude to all applicants and looks forward to working closely with the board members to enhance the fan experience.

An update on KBFC’s Fan Advisory Board.

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Kerala Blasters FC originally planned to have a 12-member Fan Advisory Board (FAB) to facilitate greater interaction between fans and club. However, due to the overwhelming response and high-quality applications, the club has decided to increase the number of members from 12 to 14.

This ensures greater representation, with voices from diverse backgrounds being able to contribute to club development. The FAB will serve as a direct link between fans and management, having a say in significant decisions and projects.

Thank you to all applicants for their passion and commitment. Stay tuned for updates as the FAB works to enhance the fan experience and contribute to Kerala Blasters’ future success.

How to Watch & Follow FCG vs KBFC

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

The Blasters will be eager to turn things around against FC Goa at the Fatorda in a crucial away fixture tonight.

TEAM NEWS

Kerala Blasters FC

The Blasters’ interim head coach, TG Purushothaman, was candid about his team’s struggles in their last match. Despite showing aggression and intensity in the first half, clinical finishing from the Mariners saw KBFC fall short.

Currently eighth in the standings with 24 points from 20 matches, the Blasters remain in the hunt for a playoff spot but must deliver strong performances in the remaining fixtures. Purushothaman has emphasised the need to rectify mistakes and improve on key areas as they prepare to face the Gaurs.

FC Goa

FC Goa enter this game after a solid 3-1 away victory against Mumbai City FC. With this result, they have cemented their place in the top two, accumulating 39 points from 20 matches.

Head coach Manolo Marquez has been pleased with his team’s performances, highlighting their ability to control games and capitalise on key moments. With Goa still eyeing the League Shield, they will be eager to extend their impressive run and maintain their stronghold at the top end of the table.

Key Players to Watch (Kerala Blasters FC):

Dusan Lagator: The experienced midfielder will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game and providing defensive cover.

Jesus Jimenez: The dynamic forward has been a force to reckon with this season, netting 11 goals and racking up an assist.

Vibin Mohanan: The talented midfielder will play a vital role in KBFC’s midfield battle against Goa’s creative playmakers.

How to follow the action?

Catch the action live at 7:30 PM IST on Sports18, JioHotstar, Star Sports-3, Asianet Plus and OneFootball.

Match Preview: KBFC vs MBSG

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

The Blasters return to action at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi as they gear up for a head-to-head clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Following a dominant 3-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC, the Blasters will be eager to continue their winning momentum against a formidable Mohun Bagan side.

Team Updates:
Kerala Blasters FC
The Blasters showcased a dominant performance in their recent match against Chennaiyin FC, securing a vital win with goals from Jesus Jimenez, Korou Singh, and Kwame Peprah. Interim Head Coach T.G. Purushothaman praised his players for their execution, emphasizing the need for consistency moving forward. “All credit goes to the players; they implemented our strategies perfectly. We must maintain this momentum,” he stated.

With the squad exhibiting strong attacking skills, the Blasters will aim to leverage their home advantage against a formidable Mohun Bagan team. Milos Drincic led a resilient defensive performance in the last match, and the backline will need to be equally strong to contain the Mariners’ attacking threats. However, the Blasters will have to cope with a significant setback as Noah Sadaoui has been ruled out due to injury.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mohun Bagan SG are coming off an emphatic 3-0 victory over Punjab FC. Head Coach Jose Molina praised his team’s collective effort, highlighting the contributions of his players across all departments.

Despite their impressive form, Mohun Bagan has injury concerns, with key midfielders Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa uncertain for this fixture. Adding to their woes, Greg Stewart will miss the match due to suspension. However, their attacking duo of Jamie Maclaren, Liston Colaco, have been in fine form and will be a major threat to the Blasters’ defense.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH (KBFC):
Jesus Jimenez: A key attacking presence, Jimenez’s creativity and finishing ability will be crucial in unlocking Mohun Bagan’s defense.

Kwame Peprah: A powerful forward, Peprah’s movement and strength in the box will test the Mariners’ backline.

Milos Drincic: The defensive leader, Drincic’s ability to organize the backline and make crucial interceptions will be vital against Mohun Bagan’s potent attack.

How to watch and follow the game?
Catch the action live at 7:30 PM IST on JioHotstar, Star Sports-3, Asianet Plus and OneFootball.

Kerala Blasters FC vs. Mohun Bagan Super Giant: A Rivalry Forged in ISL History

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, Kerala Blasters FC has shared an intense and competitive rivalry with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, formerly known as ATK and later ATK Mohun Bagan. The fixture has consistently been one of the most talked-about clashes in the league, including two ISL finals between both sides. Over the years, these encounters have played a crucial role in shaping the league’s history, making this one of the most highly anticipated fixtures every season.

ATK was one of the founding teams of the ISL, later merging with Mohun Bagan in 2020 to form ATK Mohun Bagan. The club eventually rebranded in 2023 as Mohun Bagan Super Giant, adopting the legacy of Mohun Bagan while continuing its participation in the ISL. Throughout these transitions, their clashes with Kerala Blasters have remained fiercely contested, with passionate support from both sets of fans.

ATK vs. Kerala Blasters (2014-2020)

The rivalry began in 2014, with Kerala Blasters reaching the first-ever ISL final, only to fall short in a narrow 1-0 loss. The following seasons saw Kerala Blasters challenge ATK in several tightly contested matches.

In 2016, Kerala Blasters secured an important league-stage win, showcasing their ability to stand toe-to-toe with their rivals. The season ended in a dramatic final where Kerala Blasters fought hard but were edged out in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Between 2017 and 2019, the matches remained competitive, with both teams achieving wins and sharing points on several occasions.

ATK Mohun Bagan vs. Kerala Blasters (2020-2023)

Following the merger that formed ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020, the rivalry took on a new dimension. Their first meeting under the new identity ended in a close contest, with Kerala Blasters falling short by a single goal.

The matches that followed were often high-scoring and action-packed, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw in 2022. The 2022-23 season saw Kerala Blasters push their opponents to the limit, delivering competitive performances in both encounters.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Kerala Blasters (2023-Present)

With the club rebranding as Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023, Kerala Blasters continued to build upon their rivalry with them. The Blasters delivered a decisive away performance against the Mariners in December 2023, in what was a closely contested match.

The 2024-25 ISL season has already seen another competitive fixture, with Kerala Blasters putting up a strong fight in a 3-2 battle on December 14, 2024. The upcoming match between the two teams presents another opportunity for Kerala Blasters to make a strong statement.

The rivalry resumes on February 15, 2025, as Kerala Blasters FC faces Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. With the home crowd behind them, the Blasters will be eager to secure a vital win. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.

Secure Your Tickets Now!

Fans can experience this highly anticipated clash live at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase on DISTRICT by Zomato and ensure you are a part of the electrifying atmosphere as Kerala Blasters take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in this crucial ISL fixture.

Blaster to Watch: Lalthanmawia Renthlei (Amawia)

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Lalthanmawia Renthlei, fondly known as Amawia, is one of the exciting talents in Kerala Blasters’ 2024-25 squad. 

The 22-year-old winger from Mizoram, who signed a three-year deal with the club in June 2024, is settling into the team’s rhythm and honing his skills to make an impact in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season.

Early Career and Rise at Aizawl FC

Amawia started his football journey with Aizawl FC’s U-14 team in 2015. After six years of development, he was promoted to the senior team in 2021.

Over the course of three seasons, he made 42 appearances in the I-League, scoring five goals and providing eight assists. His departure from Aizawl in May 2024 marked the end of a nine-year chapter, as he took on new challenges with Kerala Blasters.

New Beginnings with Kerala Blasters FC

Since joining Kerala Blasters, Amawia has made seven appearances, debuting on December 22 against Mohammedan SC. 

Utilized mainly as an impact substitute, he has come off the bench six times and started once in the Blasters’ last fixture against Chennaiyin FC. 

While he hasn’t registered any goal contributions yet, his performances have highlighted his agility and flair, creating space and unsettling opposition defenses.

With the season heading into its defining moments, Amawia will aim to keep growing and be a key contributor for Kerala Blasters.