Punjab FC unveils 26-member squad for ISL 11, set to face Kerala Blasters in first match

Punjab FC has announced its 26-member squad for the upcoming season. This will be their second season in the ISL, having been promoted last year. The squad was revealed at a press conference where the team also unveiled their home, away, and third kits.

Punjab FC, known as “The Shers”, will begin their ISL campaign against Kerala Blasters on 15th September in Kochi. Their first home match is scheduled for 20th September at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

Balanced squad of youth and experience

Punjab’s head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has selected a squad that blends youth with experience. The team’s foreign signings include Luka Majcen, Mushaga Bakenga, Ezequiel Vidal, Ivan Novoselec, Asmir Suljic, and Filip Mrzljak.

Among the new Indian recruits are Vinit Rai, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Muheet Shabir, and loan players Nihal Sudeesh and Likmabam Rakesh Singh. Promoted from the academy are Mohammed Suhail F. and Shami Singamayum, joining existing academy graduates like Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Manglenthang Kipgen, and Ayush Deshwal.

Coach confident about team’s prospects

Head Coach Dilmperis expressed confidence in the team, stating, “We have named a squad that can compete for top positions this season. Our foreign signings bring great experience, and we have a strong pool of Indian players. We’ve also retained the core of last season’s Indian players. Our pre-season preparations have gone well, and we aim to start the season strong and perform to our full potential.”

Five member coaching staff to take care

Dilmperis will be assisted by Assistant Coach Konstantinos Katsaras and Indian Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty. The coaching staff also includes Papaioannou Ioannis as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Manish Timsina as the Goalkeeping Coach.