Hoping for a turnaround

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Three clubs from the State — Eagles FC, Golden Threads and Quartz FC — participated in the I-League second division last season.

None of the clubs managed to enter the top division of the league. It is too early to even talk about the pre-season preparation. These clubs that have represented the State are confident about making an entry to the top division of the country.

“The major problem is sponsorship. Not many business people are coming up to sponsor the teams. However, we are trying our best to maintain the team as it is this season,” says Golden Threads’ owner Noushad. Except the ouster in the second division, Golden Threads had a brilliant season winning the Cochin Premier League and State Club Championship.

“We will be able to talk about the players only after two months. Right now, we are confident of building a good team. Discussions are going on as to how the team should be built for the next season. Pre-season training will start by September,” he says.

Meanwhile, the Kozhikode-based Quartz FC will don a professional outlook and will be a more competitive outfit than the last season. “The football loving people of Malabar are left out of the top fight — we want to fill this gap and emerge as a club that represents Malabar. To meet the expectations of the fans, we will be undergoing a major makeover next season. Discussions are already going on and the official launch of the team will be held shortly,” says Quartz CEO P. Haridas.

Eagles FC, another club from Kochi, have decided to rebuild the team. “We are relying on young players this time. The team has to be overhauled. Several talented youth from the State will be given a chance,” said Eagles manager T. K. Ponnan. Last season, the club was coached by former Indian international Jo Paul Ancheri.

Once defunct, Josco FC is on the path to revival. The club is getting ready to conduct selection trials soon. The other major club — Gymkhana FC from Kannur is trying for a top league entry this season.