Churchill Brothers begin their maiden ISL campaign against Mumbai City FC at Fatorda, aiming to make a strong statement under Dimitris Dimitriou.
Kolkata, October 11: A new chapter begins for Churchill Brothers FC Goa as they prepare to step onto the Indian Super League stage for the first time, facing Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday at 7:30 PM.
For a club that has already established its name in Indian football with two Indian Football League titles, the ISL presents a different challenge. The Red Machines now have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the country’s top clubs, beginning with a Mumbai City side that will also be looking to make a statement under a new head coach.
Churchill Brothers’ entry into the ISL comes after they acquired Jamshedpur FC’s sporting licence in August, along with the contracts of 12 players and two coaches. This gives the Goan side a group with existing experience of the league, something that could prove valuable as they begin their campaign.
Interestingly, their opening opponents are not entirely unfamiliar. The former Jamshedpur FC contingent played out a 1-1 draw against Mumbai City in April, with Brandon Fernandes scoring for the Islanders before Sarthak Goloui found the equaliser. However, a new campaign brings a different set of challenges, and Churchill Brothers will now have to prove themselves under their own banner.
Mumbai City, meanwhile, begin a new chapter under Manolo Marquez, who has previously won the ISL title with Hyderabad FC and enjoyed a successful spell at FC Goa. The Islanders conceded just nine goals in 13 matches last season, highlighting their defensive strength, and will hope to carry that stability into the new campaign.
Speaking ahead of the match, Marquez admitted that there are still uncertainties surrounding Churchill Brothers’ lineup, particularly regarding their foreign players. However, he expects the debutants to be highly motivated.
“We don’t know if some foreigners will be there or not. But, obviously, it’s the first game. I think that the motivation for Churchill Brothers will be very big,” Marquez said.
Churchill Brothers will be led by Cypriot head coach Dimitris Dimitriou, with experienced defender Gaurav Bora among the players expected to bring valuable ISL experience to the squad. Playing at Fatorda during the initial phase of the season also gives the Red Machines an opportunity to begin their journey in familiar surroundings.
For Dimitriou, the campaign is about more than just results. He wants Churchill Brothers’ presence in the top flight to help revive the connection between Goa and football.
“Our aim is to bring football back to Goa, bring a smile from football back in Goa,” he said.
That ambition adds another dimension to Churchill Brothers’ return to the national spotlight. The club’s history and achievements have already earned them a place in Indian football, but the ISL will demand consistency, adaptability and the ability to compete against established opposition throughout the season.
Their first test comes against a Mumbai City side strengthened by Colombian forward Wilmar Jordan Gil and Spanish midfielder Sergio Llamas, with Marquez tasked with integrating the new arrivals into his system.
For Churchill Brothers, however, the immediate focus will be on making their debut count. A positive result against an experienced ISL opponent would offer an early boost and set the tone for the challenges ahead.
The journey begins at Fatorda, with Churchill Brothers ready to take their first steps in India’s top-flight league, after crossing a long path.
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST tonight, and will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network, with streaming available on SonyLIV and YouTube.
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