Forza Kochi Gears Up for Super League, Eyes the Title

Kochi: Forza Kochi is preparing to compete for the Super League Kerala title this season, after narrowly missing out in the inaugural edition. The team’s coaching staff includes Miquel Lladó Planas from Barcelona, with Sanush Raj as the strategist and Harshal Rahman as the goalkeeper coach. The squad has been refreshed this year with an emphasis on new players.

The team’s international lineup features Rachid Aït-Atmane from France, along with Iker Hernández, Riego Ramón, Jimmavan Kessel, and Douglas Tardin. They are joined by key Indian players like Michael Soosairaj, Nijo Gilbert, and goalkeeper Rafique Ali Sardar. Forza Kochi aims for a strong start in their opening match on October 2 at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, where they will face the team that defeated them in the previous final. The club sees this match as a way to build momentum for the season. The team is currently holding its training sessions at Panampally School Stadium.

The first home match for Forza Kochi will be held in the third week of October at Cochin Maharajas Stadium. The club’s popularity grew last season, aided by their strong performance and the involvement of actor Prithviraj. Preparations for the new season are in their final stages, with the club having signed players and started its training camp well in advance.