Kickstart FC, Sirvodem look for improvement ahead of Hero IWL clash

AIFF Media 

After the comfortable victory in their first match of the fifth edition of Hero Indian Women’s League, Kickstart FC will start as favourites while facing Sirvodem Sports Club on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Sirvodem SC on the other hand will eye redemption after their defeat against Arrows in their opening match.

Speaking on the upcoming fixtures Sirvodem head coach Chitra Gangadharan said, “We will focus on enhancing our performance in the next match. As most of our girls are young and first-timers to high-intensity tournaments at this level. This tournament is an opportunity for our players to test their abilities.” 

Quizzed about her take ahead of the next match, the gaffer said, “We face a strong opponent and are looking for good exposure and experience for our players who are ready to give their 100 per cent on the pitch.”

Chitra also highlighted the importance of improving mental health of her players. “We are focusing on improving mental strength of our players. That will help them handle these kinds of challenges. We are also trying to improve our teamwork and are looking forward to playing as per the tactical plan,” she said.

Kickstart clinched a comfortable 3-1 win against PIFA in the first match. Despite the positive start, Kickstart head coach Amrutha Aravind is not willing to consider themselves favourite. Rather she intends to work more on her team’s weaknesses. 

She said, “After the first match we have recognised our weaker zones and we are working on them.” She believes, “In the first match we were lacking combination play between our stoppers and midfielders while defending. We need to work on that in order to gather positive results.”

Speaking about their opponents, the Kickstart coach said, “We look at them as a good side managed by an experienced coach and thus we are working hard to make sure we grab full points against them.”

Sirvodem SC will face Kickstart FC tomorrow 20th April 2022, 15:30 PM (IST) at the Capital Ground in Bhubaneswar, and the match will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

 

Dominant Kickstart kick-off Hero IWL campaign in style

AIFF Media 

Kickstart FC started their campaign in the Hero Indian Women’s League (HIWL) with a dominant display, registering a 3-1 victory against debutant PIFA SC.

PIFA SC started the game deep down the defence keeping Kickstart at bay. The Karnataka-based side created a lot of chances as they kept Anjali busy under the PIFA post. It was finally at the 23’ minute that the deadlock was broken when defender Nirmal Devi scored a screamer from around 40 yards or more – already a contender for the goal of the tournament.

Forward Parameswari Irom doubled the lead for Kickstart in the 33rd minute. But the joy lasted seconds as PIFA pulled back one in the next move the same minute itself -- PIFA forward Nissilia sent it at the back of the net after she received an inch-perfect cross from the right-wing.

Thereafter the game opened as both sides continued to create plenty of chances. Kickstart utilized their wings well but lacked in their finishing while PIFA continued to build from their back.

Getting back from the halftime break, Kickstart seemed sharper as they kept on pressing looking for the insurance goal. PIFA SC lost too many balls in their midfield making it easier for their rivals.

Zairem of PIFA got the first booking of the evening for bringing down Kaviya illegally near the hour mark. It was seconds later that Kaviya sealed the fate of the match in the 58th minute. Nirmala lobbed the ball inside the box and with PIFA keeper Anjali fumbling, Kavya was quick to capitalise.

 

 

Kickstart take on debutant PIFA Sports FC in Hero IWL tomorrow

AIFF Media 

Seasoned contestants Kickstart FC will face off Maharashtra-based side PIFA Sports FC tomorrow, April 15, 2022, who will mark their debut in the fifth edition of the Hero Indian Women’s League (HIWL). 

The Kickstart gaffer Amrutha Aravind Valliyath sounded quite calm and confident ahead of their first game of the season.

Aravind clearly voiced their wish to fight for the championship, “Preparations are almost done for this year's title. We have a balanced side, and we will do our best for this year's championship”.

When asked about their game plan against PIFA the head coach said, “We are looking for an attacking style of play and we want a positive result”. 

The Karnataka league champions eyes to “take each game as a challenge” and work as “one team one dream". 

The game will kick off at 3:30 pm (IST) at the Capital Stadium, Odisha and the match will be live streamed on the Indian Football YouTube page.