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 teams will 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.

Soumo Ghosh
AIFF Media Team

MANJERI: Jamshedpur FC had surprised one and all with their performance in the 2021-22 season, when they were crowned Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield champions, a silverware that is covered by Indian clubs for more reasons than just pride.

Winning the Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield affords you the opportunity to rub shoulders with the best of Asian football in the AFC Champions League.

The Red Miners are now just one match away from securing their spot in the AFC Champions League 2023-24 season, and striker Ishan Pandita is raring to go for his shot in the top level of Asian football. Jamshedpur FC are set to face Mumbai City FC in the Hero Club Playoffs. The winners of the match will get direct entry into the AFC Champions League group stage.

"The boys have put in a good mini pre-season to get ready for this game and the Hero Super Cup ahead. We’re feeling good and ready for this big game," Pandita told the-aiff.com. "It’s a massive occasion for the club. We won the league last year, but due to a few changes in AFC rules, we were unable to compete this season.  However, now we have the chance to do so and we’re hungrier than ever."

While Jamshedpur finished top of the league last season, the 2022-23 campaign has been a difficult one, with the club finishing 10th in the Hero ISL. Pandita is looking forward to putting the disappointments of this season’s league campaign behind, to build a better future for the club.

"Yes, it's been a tough season. Things haven’t gone our way, but that’s done now. We’ve had a little break to clear our minds, refresh and come back ready," said Pandita.

The centre-forward himself has had somewhat of a lean season, but the Cup campaign is an altogether different affair.

"I’m always hungry to score. There’s no better feeling than finding the back of the net. I want to score as much as I can, but most importantly, I want to help the team win. A good run here in Kerala will help a long way in putting the disappointments behind us," he said.

It’s not only a battle to get his club into the top levels of Asian football for Pandita, but also one to secure himself a spot in the Indian National Team. The striker had been a part of the Blue Tigers outfit during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kolkata last year, when he scored his first goal in international football against Hong Kong.

"Personally, it was a great moment for me. I'm sure I’ll score many more goals for India and help us reach greater heights as a country. I’m always working hard and staying focused," he said. Pandita, however, missed out on the Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament in Imphal last month and the 24-year-old is eager to get back into the coveted blue jersey.

Pandita has had the rare opportunity of spending his adolescent years in football in Spain, where he played in the UD Almeida youth setup, followed by the Leganes U-19 side, before playing for Pobla de Mafumet CF and Lorca FC. Since then, the prodigal striker has returned to India, where he has now spent three seasons, first at FC Goa, and now at Jamshedpur.

"It's been three seasons now in India. I think I’ve done alright considering the minutes I’ve gotten on the field. Playing as a number 9 in the Hero ISL is the toughest position by far. I haven’t gotten enough minutes to develop and grow. Hopefully in the next few years I can win the position for the club and obviously my country," said Pandita.