Malappuram: The official launch of Malappuram Football Club marks an exciting start to the second season of the Super League. Around 2,500 fans came to Payyanad Stadium in Mancheri to see the club’s new young Spanish coach and players, including Roy Krishna. The arrival of Roy Krishna thrilled the crowd, and the entire team staff was introduced. Many people, young and old, attended the event, reflecting the passion of Malappuram’s football fans.
Former captain of the Indian netball and basketball teams, and popular actress Prachi Tehlan, was the chief guest at the event. She unveiled the club’s new official jerseys for the season. Youth promoters Arshak and Yusuf Ajmal received the jerseys. Other notable attendees included Ajil D’Almeida from Hummel India, Malappuram FC scouting director Anas Edathodika, Kerala Football Association president Nawaz Meeran, along with directors Dr. Anwar Ameen Chelat, Ashik Kainikkara, and Shamsudheen A.P.
The two-hour event featured a musical performance by violinist and musician Safin Fareed and his group, which added to the celebration. The support from Malappuram’s residents during the last season was appreciated, and the team directors expressed hope for similar support this year as they anticipate a packed stadium for the first home match on the 3rd.
The current squad consists of 24 players, including five foreign players. The head coach is 34-year-old Miguel Coral Torair, who is new to the team this season. Kleofas Alex, previously with the team, returns as the assistant coach. He has experience coaching Sat Tirur in the I-League second division and had also been the head coach for Chennaiyin FC’s reserve team. Former Indian player and Goan native Felix D’Souza is the goalkeeper coach.
Goalkeepers: Muhammad Asher, Ajmal P.A, Muhammad Jaseen
Defenders: Hakku Nediyodath, Nitin Madhu, Akhil Praveen, Sanju Ganesh, Tony Antony, Sabreen Bush, Jithin Prakash, Sachin Dev
Midfielders: Muhammad Irshad, Ghani Nigam, Abhijith P.A, Sayvin Erikson,
Facundo Ballardo (Argentina), Komron Tursunov (Tajikistan), Eitor Aldalur (Spain)
Forwards: Faslu Rahman, Akbar Siddique, Roy Krishna (Fiji), John Kennedy (Brazil), Muhammad Rizwan, Rishad Gafoor