Kalyani Group - Second I-League team from Pune

Members of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Bid Evaluation Committee met at the AIFF Headquarters in Football House on Monday (August 25, 2014) to take a call on the proposed bids for the upcoming I-League 2014/15 season onwards.

The committee accepted the bid of the Kalyani Group to participate in 2014-15 I-League which commences from January 17, 2015.

The corporate giant will be fielding their team from their base in Pune. The premier league competition of the country will now comprise of 11 teams. 

Robin Singh to play for JSW Sports

JSW Sports have signed national team striker Robin Singh, the Bangalore-based I-League club announced on Thursday. Twenty three-year-old Singh, who made his India debut at the Nehru Cup last year, signed a two-year contract with the club that makes its League debut this coming season. 

A product of the Tata Football Academy, Robin spent three seasons at Kolkata club East Bengal before signing the dotted line for the Bangalore team. The young striker has had a promising run since graduating from the TFA and is often touted as a player who will make it big. 

“There was more than one reason to sign for this club. It’s going to be a young squad and the way they are going about setting up the club is very professional. That apart, I have been to Bangalore to attend camps and I enjoy the vibe of the city. I’m really excited to be part of this team,” said Singh who was named among the 30 probable by national coach Wim Kovermans for the upcoming friendly against Tajikistan. 

Singh scored a goal against Chinese Taipei in an AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier, in Myanmar earlier this year. 

JSW Sports CEO, Mustafa Ghouse said the club is pleased to have Robin on board. “Robin possesses tremendous potential and we are happy to have signed him. We are certain he will do well at the club and strike a chord with the fans in Bangalore.”

Former Man U player to coach JSW Sports' Bangalore football team

AIFF.com release 

JSW Sports has appointed former Manchester United player Ashley Westwood as Coach of the club for the 2013-14 I-League Season. 

Highly experienced in England as a player, Westwood had a period as Manager of Kettering before partnering with Michael Appleton as his Assistant Manager at clubs including, Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn.

“This was too exciting a prospect to turn down. I have been around for a fair bit of time on the English Football scene and the chance to change things in this part of the World is a challenge I will relish,” said Westwood.

A defender during his playing days, Westwood began his career as a Trainee at Manchester United and was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side in 1995 before turning out for a host of Clubs in a career that spanned a little less than two decades in England.

Westwood added: “I did my study and have no doubt about the Company its owners having vision. There is a genuine ambition to the whole project and I would love being able to leave my stamp on it.”

Parth Jindal, who looks into activities of the Team said: “We are pleased to appoint Ashley Westwood as the Head Coach of the Club. He is young, experienced and shares our vision and passion for the Game. We believe he is the right man to take our Club to where we want to see it.”

Image source: wiki

Pailan Arrows term to thrash HAL

Riding high on their last win, Pailan Arrows forked out an entertaining game of football and defeated bottom-placed HAL  2-1.

Playing a controlled game and creating several scoring chances, Pailan Arrows took the lead in the 39th minute. A high-ball from the mid-field fell to Ajay Singh in the left-wing. He ran thru the pelanty box and took a powerful crack to the goal, the ball hit the diving HAL keeper Amar Deb and went into the goal.

Post lemon-break saw a revived HAL looking for an equalizer, substitute RC Prakash was controlling the mid-field, and HAL had the maximum possession. A good move from the left flank brought in the equalizer – Malemnganba Meetei’ took a left-footed cross, staying away from the two markers, Nigerian Abdulla Hamza jump was perfect, and had no difficulty in heading the ball to the  goal.

TFA cadet Alwyn Geroge scored the winner in the 82nd minute when the ball was passed to him after playing a series of short passes in the mid-field. The talented striker took a powerful goal-bound shot from the edge of the penalty box.

Pailan Arrows coach Sujit Chakraborty reckoned this victory as a ‘hard fought win’, “We played well and controlled the game in the most of first half. However, we did miss many out of those created chances. HAL too played very well at the starting of first half.”

Chakraborty added, “I’m happy that we won two matches consecutively, we’ll try to play well in our last round match.”


With this win Arrows now have 16 points from 25 matches while bottom placed HAL Bangalore stays at 8 points from 25 outings. 

Prayag to continue the good work, HAL seek redemption

Riding on a big win against Pune FC, confident Prayag United to lock horns with HAL on Thursday, November 10. The Aircraftmen, losing the last encounter after dishing out a competitive game are looking to seek redemption.

Early morning drill at Bangalore Football Stadium

Coming from a big win against Pune FC, Prayag United will be playing with the same 4-4-2 combination - Kayne Vincent and Josimar da Silva Martins on the front and Lal Kamal Bhowmick and Denson Devadas marshalling the midfield.

Lalkamal has been a consistent performer for last 2 seasons, Kayne Vincent to play an important role in Yusif Yakubu absence.

HAL seem to be content with the formation they’ve played in the previous three games - a defensive plot. With five midfielders covering the defense it will provide a solid base, however, the attacking options are limited, with striker Abdullah Hamza often having a lone battle up front.

The worrying factor for tomorrow’s match is the injury of veteran RC Prakash and keeper P Pramod, both the players could not practice today, and appeared doubtful for the match. 

A product of DYSS, Hubli-boy Chinta Chandrasekhar Rao turning out for the Kolkata team

Prayag Coach Sanjoy Sen look the least bemused in mainstay Yusif Yakubu’s absence, “we’ve good enough players in the team.” Also, unfazed about missing Abhijit Mondal under the goal posts, “There’s no first choice, next choice in game, players should be competent enough to make it to the team.”

Coming from a hat-trick match, HAL defense need to check big-bodied Josimar

Match starts at 3 pm at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

HAL to be Pune FC’s nemesis again

I-League round 23 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore seems to be an exciting encounter when Pune FC, fresh from an upset win against Kingfisher East Bengal runs across their nemesis for this season, HAL.

Fresh from their winning exploits at home, Pune FC meet HAL who perennially turns out to be their bogey team. So, when the two meet in tomorrow’s I-League encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the one thing HAL will hope is to continue the trend.

Having met each other four times, the Bangalore-side holds a 3-1 win-loss advantage that hands them the psychological edge on field. HAL have beaten Pune FC twice in this season, identical 1-0 at the Federation Cup and I-League Round 10 at the latter’s backyard. 

The scorer for both occasions, striker Hamza, is passing through a bad patch, he too would like take this opportunity to set the record straight.

HAL decided to practice at their ground instead of the match venue, however, could not do so due to waterlogged pitch.

HAL is currently locked in a relegation battle, they are no pushover and possess the ability to stun any opponent with an uncanny approach of scoring against the run of play and then bottling out the opposition.

Having tasted enough defeat in the past few games, HAL is well aware that any further slip-up will mean staring at relegation. They are currently placed in the 12^th spot in the standings, while PuneFC stands pretty at 7^th  with 26 points.

Pune FC team consists of a number of Bangalore representation - veteran S Venkatesh, custodian N Balaji, Lester Fernandes, and J Prasad.

HAL is keen to perform well, more so, for the departed soul of their fellow teammate, Arun Kumar. 

HAL hold Mohun Bagan

The mariners failed to come out of the jinx of the Aircraftsmen and ended their Bangalore campaign in 1-1 draw. A brilliant strike from Surkumar Singh gave Mohun Bagan the lead in the 30th minute of the match, J Murali was quick enough to equalize for HAL, and with both teams failing to get past the goalkeeper the game ended in the same result.

It was the 3rd consecutive draw for the Subhas Bhowmik’s ward and the HAL boys have every reason to be happy as they remain unbeaten to Bagan in this season.

Mohun Bagan started well with Chiddi and Muritala giving jitters to the opponents’ defense.  The goal seemed to be coming just in a matter of time. Surkumar Singh came up with a brilliant swerving long ranger. The ball was precisely placed at the corner of the goal that was beyond the reach of HAL goalkeeper.

HAL captain J Murali cut short the joy for the Bagan fans when he equalized from a pass from R C Prakash. Murali took a ground shot at the far post beyond Sangram’s reach.

After replacing Ishfaq Ahmed in the second half, Satish Kr. Jr. displayed his class when ran down from the right flank after dribbling past couple of HAL defenders. TD Bhowmik rates him highly, he feels that Satish needs to harness his skills and has a bright future.

Captain Murali was today’s man of the match.
 
HAL manager M Muralidharan was a happy man, “We played as a team today and looked like were playing good match.” Muralidharan added, “Everybody carried out their role as per plan, today’s performance was much better, and this can be termed as the best home match so far.”

After the match, TD Bhowmik stressed the importance of Baretto-element for the team, “I missed him as a player and more than that today the team missed a leader in Barretto.”

The coach lauded his team for performing well in such a bad football pitch and seemed content with the fact that no one got injured, “With such hard and bounce, this ground is ideal for knee injury”, added the coach.

HAL faces another defeat

HAL started their home campaign in a dull note as Karim Bencherifa-coached Salgaonkar convincingly beat them 1-0. Ghanaian striker Yusif Yakubu’s shot hit the post several times and the scoreline might not depict the true essence of the game. This was the third consecutive defeat for the aircraftsmen.

Yakubu trying to squeeze past HAL defense

Decent crowd came out on a busy weekday at the Kanteerava Stadium to cheer their team. This stadium was hosting a top-level football match after several seasons. However, much to crowds disappointment, Salgaonkar took the lead in the 11 minute of the game from Brazilian stopper back Luciano Sabrosa header from a Ryuji Sueoka corner.

Salgaonkar dominated the rest of the first half by displaying total control on the midfield and some tight defending.

HAL’s striking ability was marred by the absence of Xavier VijayKumar, who is virtually out for the next three weeks. The striking partnership of Hamza and Meikinlung didn’t pose any real threat to the Salgaonkar defense.

Second-half saw a better HAL, with the midfielders trying to play possession game. They provided aerial ball to the strikers, however, the later failed the crack opponent’s defense.

Femi challenges Sueka, Yakubu looks to collect the ball

Salgaonkar missed a penalty in the 70th minute of the match and failed to score their second goal. Sueka was brought down by the keeper inside the penalty box. Yakubu’s penalty kick was saved by the keeper.

Sueka takes a powerful shot

HAL kept pressurizing Salgaonkar in the last few minutes of the match, however, some wayward dead ball shots didn’t help them to get back in the game.

In the post-match press conference, Salgaonkar coach Karim Bencherifa highlighted the importance of getting full-points from an away game. Also, praised his players for pulling out this match on a difficult ground which was full of uneven bounce.

Muralidharan, HAL manager expressed his distress with the unavailability of top players. Team will play 19 more matches, he is confident of HAL coming back from behind.

Next match:

• Round VIII: Sunday, January 9, 2011 Vs Air India

* Picture courtesy: Paul Dharamraj

Mumbai FC Halts HAL

Riding on back-to-back wins, the minnows, HAL and Mumbai FC locked horns at the historical city of Kolhapur. The Mumbai-based outfit perfectly used the only opportunity of the match and garnered 3 points. This is their 3rd win from as many matches. 

For HAL, it was their first loss, the result could have gone in HAL’s favor.  They missed few half-chances, and one of RC’s shot was brilliantly saved by their keeper.

Team truly missed the service of Xavier VikayKumar. Ever-dependable Xavier was not playing for HAL today after he pulled his hamstring in one practice session in Bangalore few days back. Also, yesterday in Kolhapur, the injury was aggravated in the practice session. Looking at the immensity of the I-league, the team management decided not to field him. 

The goal for the Essel Group-owned team came from the foreign recruit Ebi Theophilus Sukore in 76th minute. Left-wing midfielder, Nicolas Rodrigues put a pass for Ebi, HAL defense failed to pick him, Ebi came from the middle, and scored the only goal of the match.

HAL by all means played a decent game and their opponent for today never looked as strong as the result depicts.  Their dream return to the I-league division 1 were arrested by Mumbai FC, they were tad unlucky today, and the opponent utilized only chance they got in the game.

Next match:

• Round IV: Saturday, December 18, 2010 Vs Viva Kerala

  

HAL return in style in I-League, JCT pay the price of being overconfident

A perfect start one could have ever imagined! 

Riding on an early goal from the wily Xavier Vijaykumar, HAL made a staring return in the big stage of Indian football. After a brief hiatus in I-League, the minnows from Bangalore have done it all themselves.  

 “Unknown quantity is always a better choice than the known”, who else will be thinking that other than R Thyagaraj, the coach of the victors. Coach sounded very tentative when GardenCitySoccerStars met him less than a week ago during the practice session, which was quite apparent, as he was just a few weeks old in the office.

Talking to GardenCitySoccerStars from Gurgaon, coach was joyous in saying, “Glad that we have garnered 3 full points from an away game. Our boys put in a combined effort, played a great game, and all credit goes to them!”

HAL returns to Bangalore on Sunday and then they move to Kolkata to play against Mohun Bagan on Wednesday, December 8.
 

The lone goal of the match came in the 13th minute. S Muralidharan passed a long ranger to Xavier, chasing the ball down the right flank, Xavier dribbled one defender and moved into the penalty box, where he fooled another defender with his trademark left leg dribble, and then placed the ball to the goal.
 

HAL thoroughly dominated the first half, missing as many as 3 sitters. Playing with only one foreigner, JCT tried hard in the second half, however, good defending by HAL thwarted their plan.

Xavier was at its best even after the match, “JCT underestimated us - they had no preparation at all, and took us too lightly!”

“Even they were confident that a thin-framed player (like me) could not score that goal”, Xavier adds in jest.

5 more away matches to play in the month of December. They have made a great start, now it’s all about maintaining composure and momentum.

HAL: Injury scare before I-league

Come next Friday and the mission I-league kicks-off. On a Saturday morning at the practice ground, it was business as usual for HAL - strenuous workout under the watchful eyes of the newly appointed coach, R Thyagaraj. However, few key players were not seen in the practice session – mainstay Xavier Vijaykumar missing from the ground and Hamza nursing a muscle cramp.

Bemused Hamza watches the proceedings from the gallery

Owing to the AFC coaching licensing criteria for I league division 1 teams, HAL has appointed a new coach in Thyagaraj. Hailing from Bangalore, Thyagaraj has played local football for his employer, BEL, all his life, later he took the coaching mantle for the same team. For the last couple of years, he was seen as an AFC Instructor conducting AFC certificate courses across India. 

Very vocal on the football pitch

Thyagaraj has all the necessary ingredients to be successful and earns the players’ respect. However, he lacks the coaching experience needed in a big scene like this. Meanwhile, Muralidharan, who was instrumental in bringing HAL in the big stage of I league division 1, will now don the role of Technical Director.  

 

Coach demonstrates an 1-1 situation to RC as the Technical Director enters the arena

Talking to the GardenCitySoccerStars, coach Thyagaraj sounded real, “I’m just 2 weeks old in this office and players have responded well. We have to move on with the available resources and take on our opponents.”

When asked about the inaugural game against JCT on next Friday, December 3, coach appeared little worried, “We have few injury vexes. Currently the injured players have gone for doctors consultation, I’m hoping that they will be fit to play against JCT.”

“We will be playing away from home and would apply a cautious approach. JCT is a set team (as against HAL), most of the players have represented Punjab in the Santosh Trophy. A draw against JCT would do good for us”, added the coach. 

Post practice pep-talk

Definitely Thyagaraj has task cut out all December as his team plays as many as 6 away games.

In the meantime, the soccer lovers of the garden city wait to witness HAL’s home match in the I-league division 1 after several seasons. As expected, the Bangalore Football Stadium should be ready by January 2011, and we’ll have some exciting football actions.

I-League schedule for HAL - ii

Here's the refurbished schedule released by the AIFF:

1. Friday, November 26 , 2010: HAL Vs JCT Mills
2. Wednesday, December 1, 2010: Mohun Bagan Vs HAL
3. Sunday, December 5, 2010: HAL Vs Mumbai FC
4. Saturday, December 11, 2010: Viva Kerala Vs HAL
5. Wednesday, December 15, 2010: Chirag United Vs HAL
6. Sunday, December 19, 2010: HAL Vs Pune FC
7. Thursday, December 23, 2010: AIFF XI Vs HAL
8. Wednesday, December 29, 2010: HAL Vs Salgaocar
9. Tuesday, January 4, 2011: Air India Vs HAL
10. Friday, January 7, 2011: Churchill Brothers Vs HAL
11. Friday, January 14, 2011: East Bengal Vs HAL
12. Sunday, January 23, 2011: HAL Vs Dempo
13. Sunday, January 30, 2011: HAL Vs ONGC
14. Sunday, February 6, 2011: JCT Mills Vs HAL    
15. Sunday, February 13, 2011: HAL Vs Mohun Bagan
16. Sunday, February 20, 2011: Mumbai FC Vs HAL
17. Saturday, February 26, 2011: HAL Vs Viva Kerala
18. Friday, March 4, 2011: ONGC Vs HAL
19. Wednesday, March 9, 2011: HAL Vs Chirag United
20. Sunday, March 13, 2011: HAL Vs AIFF XI
21. Saturday, April 2, 2011: Salgaocar Vs HAL
22. Sunday, April 10, 2011: HAL Vs Air India FC
23. Saturday, April 16, 2011: Pune FC Vs HAL
24. Friday, April 22, 2011: Dempo SC Vs HAL
25. Sunday, May 1, 2011: HAL Vs Churchill Brothers SC
26. HAL Vs  East Bengal, TBD

When will HAL form their team?

With just a day left to register players for transfer window one of this season, I-league division I entrant HAL is yet to come-up with a team list. After making several attempts to get the team composition over past couple of weeks, coach Muralidharan again requested to wait for a day.

This is a definite slackness from the part of HAL management. It is a well know fact that there are several shortcomings for a public sector team. However, they had a good 3-months window to close on quality players of their choice. Rather than going in that path, they took things easily, and conducted a trial-cum-practice sessions for last 2 week.

As expected, the quality of players seen in the trial were miserable as the top ones already got their club. So HAL had to content themselves by selecting from a below average lot, who primarily came into the fray after not managing to get a club elsewhere.

The team management can always argue about the bureaucracy and protocols involved in running a sports team for a public sector organization like HAL. However, they should take a leaf out of another I-league division I newcomer, ONGC. The oil major had a vision right from the beginning and managed to set a formidable side.

What else can you ask for when ONGC have picked 3 core players from HAL?

Who are the outstation players?

HAL coach was kind enough to inform the selected outstation players who came here for trial - former Mohun Bagan and Air India player James Singh (junior), Bengkok Nameirakpam from Lajong FC, Kalia Kulothungan, who played for Mohun Bagan last season, and Meikinlung from NISA.

Though the first 3 players came from division I club, they were barely seen playing regularly for their team. Last year, Kulothungan played few I-league matches with minimal success.

The goal keeping position will be an all-Kerala affair, with keepers taken from Malabar United and Viva Kerala. Also, HAL is inducting taken few players from Salgaongar and Indian Bank.

Foreigners?

Well, the tried-and-tested in Bangalore Fredick Ockwagbe and Abdulla Hamza. How well they perform in the national-level is yet to be seen. The latest of the coup is in the form of Rohit Chand, a junior international player from Nepal, who represented his country in the AFC U-19 qualifiers. The 4th foreigner position still remains empty. HAL might fill the vacant slot during the second transfer window.


How about the local talents?

The local players got the raw deal for sure!

It was quite evident that the players on HAL roll, Xavier VijayKumar, Rajendra Prasad, and Satish Kumar Sr will be automatic choice. Midfielder J Murali makes to the team. Veteran striker and former international RC Prakash makes a comeback after maintaining a low profile for couple of seasons.

What is baffling is the shoddy treatment given to a host of local players. Remember, these talented local players helped HAL to regain lost glory. Instead of rewarding them by extending their contract, they were told to join the practice session. These guys wanted to be a part of this Bangalore team, so they continued practicing without asking for a contract.

Doesn’t stop here. These players were again told to join the trials and after attending trial for two weeks they were shown the door. Moreover, this happens at the end of the transfer window and they have no option to choose a club.

Talented midfielder Karthigayen joins BEML after playing 3 seasons with HAL

Former Under-19 India international Chethan Kumar is yet to be contacted

Club management could have handled it in a better way by informing them in well advance. Few players got offers from Goa and Kerala. However, they got verbal assurance hoping to continue with the same club and didn’t went ahead with it.


Curious case of Amar Deb

After playing under the bar without missing a single match last season, experienced custodian Amar Deb was left in the lurch. On last Firday, he was told by the club authority that they don’t need him, got better quality keepers, and can only include him if he aggress to play in the same remuneration he got last season.

And guess what, Amar was promised a double salary hike after HAL got promoted in the I-league division I. To be precise, the former keeper of East Bengal, Amar has played 32 games in the last season and many times risking injury.

He has been reliable under the post and helped HAL in several occasions, be it the Manorama Gold Cup, Federation Cup, or I-League Division II. 

A jubilant Amar after taking HAL to I-league Division I

He was going thru the turmoil when he got a second lease on life. Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan summoned him after their under-19 keeper got injured. Amar left for Kolkata on last Sunday and he has submitted his inter-state transfer application yesterday.

Amar is glad to be a part of Mohun Bagan. He might not be an obvious choice for the starting line-up, but he is confident of his ability to put a good show in practice, and make it to the team.

HAL to finalize team by next Tuesday

When the majority of the I-League division 1 teams are loaded with pre-season schedule, Garden City Soccer Stars just dropped in to the HAL ground to see the where the new entrants for this schedule are up to.

Mainly because of the absolute aloofness from the team management, even after making several attempts to know the team composition.

HAL was playing a practice match with an Army team. 2 sets of team playing in each half, mainly trying to evaluate the players on trial.

The player’s lot mainly comprising of locals and outstation players from Kerala were seen in action. Also seen were former Mohun Bagan player James Singh jr. and Mohammedan Sporting player Zaheer Abbas.

James played last season for Air India and Zaheer Abbas is making a comeback after sitting the entire last season due to back injury.

While talking about the players on trial, Coach Muralidharan rued missing couple players who impressed him during the trial, “We almost closed on TFA graduate Henry Gangte and East Bengal player Malsawkima and was going to offer them when they got a call from Mumbai FC with a better package in terms of money.”

“We still have few more days, I’ve few players in my mind, and will finalize by next Tuesday.” said the coach.

Being asked about the delay in selection when most of the teams have already formed their squad and the pool of quality players available for selection are less, coach simply acknowledged, “We’ve certain limitations for being a public sector enterprise, money influx is less, and decision takes long time.”

“We can’t afford to hire expensive players, we will be taking BEML’s Nigerian striker Hamza and might do away with one of our last year’s overseas player. We’re scouting PAO (players of Asian Origin) in Australia.” 

Setting formidable side for a new entrant will always be a challenge at the top level, however, proper planning could have optimized the situation. HAL got promoted in the I-League division 1 in May 24. Almost 3 months gone and yet they are unable to put up a team.

With several national-level tournaments coming up in a month’s time and marathon I-league in less than 3 months, HAL has task cut out.

I-League schedule for HAL

Garden City Soccer Stars just managed to take hold of the schedule of the I-League Division 1, which will start from the month of November. However, this is still a tentative schedule and subject to change. Per this schedule HAL will be playing 6 home matches in the first leg and 7 in the return leg.

First leg

• Home - Saturday, November 20, 2010: JCT, Bangalore
• Away - Friday, November 26, 2010: Mohun Bagan, Kolkata
• Home – Wednesday, December 1, 2010: Mumbai FC, Bangalore
• Away – Sunday, December 5, 2010: Viva Kerala, Calicut
• Away – Saturday, December 11, 2010: Chirag United, Kolkata
• Home - Wednesday, December 15, 2010: ONGC, Bangalore
• Away - Sunday, December 19, 2010: AIFF U-19, Delhi
• Home - Thursday, December 23, 2010: Salgaokar, Bangalore
• Away - Thursday, December 30, 2010: Air India, Mumbai
• Home – Tuesday, January 4, 2011: Pune FC, Bangalore
• Away - Saturday, January 8, 2011: East Bengal, Kolkata
• Away – Friday, January 14, 2011: Churchill Brothers, Goa
• Home – Sunday, January 23, 2011: Dempo, Bangalore

Return leg

• Away - Sunday, January 30, 2011: JCT, Ludhiana
• Home - Sunday, February 6, 2011: Mohun Bagan, Bangalore
• Away - Sunday, February 13, 2011: Mumbai FC, Mumbai
• Home – Saturday, February 19, 2011: Viva Kerala, Bangalore
• Home - Sunday, February 27, 2011: Chirag United, Bangalore
• Away - Friday, March 18, 2011: ONGC, Mumbai
• Home – Tuesday, March 22, 2011: AIFF U-19, Bangalore
• Away - Saturday, March 26, 2011: Salgaokar, Goa
• Home – Sunday, April 3, 2011: Air India, Bangalore
• Away – Saturday, April 9, 2011: Pune FC, Pune
• Away - Friday, April 15, 2011: Dempo, Goa
• Home – Sunday, April 24, 2011: Churchill Brothers, Bangalore
• Home – TBD, East Bengal, Bangalore