Spreading the beautiful game across different regions of the country is one of the key objectives in Vision 2047, and the Federation’s plan to host the Hero Super Cup in Kerala, where both Hero ISL and Hero I-League have come together, is part of it. the-aiff.com is currently in Malappuram and Kozhikode and is following the progress of the clubs in the Hero Super Cup closely in a series of stories.

Akhil Rawat

AIFF Media Team

KOZHIKODE: The Hero Super Cup 2023 began with much pomp and show last Saturday evening at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. A rousing welcome for Kerala Blasters, magnificent fireworks, and Manjappada chanting and waving their yellow flags from an hour before kick-off until well after full-time made for a footballing spectacle in the heart of the city.

Gracing the stage with his presence was none other than Indian Football legend, IM Vijayan. Dressed in all black and with a beaming smile, he presented the Hero of the Match Award to young defender Bijay Chhetri for the match between Bengaluru FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC, which had just finished.

Delighted to welcome the Hero Super Cup to his beloved Kerala, Vijayan said, "There had been no tournaments here for a long time. Now, AIFF has decided to host a big one here, the Super Cup. The best clubs in India - from the ISL and the I-League participate here."

Based in Thrissur, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Kozhikode, Vijayan is excited to have the best clubs and players in India showcase their skills so close to where he began his legendary career.

"What makes me happy is that it's being hosted in the Malabar region - in Manjeri and Kozhikode. I expect a good crowd throughout the tournament. For both home teams - Kerala Blasters and Gokulam Kerala - it's a great chance to play some good games and valuable players for the future.” he added.

While Kerala Blasters had a successful opening-day outing, beating Hero I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab 3-1, Gokulam Kerala are in the same group with the Hero ISL Champions ATK Mohun Bagan. The Malabarians qualified for the group stage with a thumping 5-2 win over Mohammedan Sporting in front of a solid crowd in Manjeri.

Vijayan very well knows that Gokulam Kerala are not a team which is to be taken lightly even though they weren't at their best in the Hero I-League this season. "We all know that Gokulam are a great side. They've beaten some ISL sides in previous tournaments. Calicut is their home, where they enjoy great support," he said.

One of the big triumphs Vijayan was referring to was Gokulam's 4-2 victory over a fancied ATK Mohun Bagan side at their home in Kolkata in the 2022 AFC Cup Group Stage. The Malabarians had also previously beaten NorthEast United FC in the 2018 Hero Super Cup and Chennaiyin FC in the 2019 Durand Cup, a competition they went on to win.

“They have that confidence that they can beat any team,” stated Vijayan.

Gokulam have been one of the best sides in the Hero I-League over the past few years, winning the title in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Now, with promotion to the Hero ISL on offer for the I-League champions, Vijayan believes it's a valuable opportunity for Gokulam to rub shoulders against three other ISL teams in their Hero Super Cup group.

"Gokulam and the Hero I-League teams in general could use the Super Cup as a good stepping stone to the ISL,” he said.