The upcoming Hero Super Cup is sure to be one of the most exciting and competitive events in Indian Football. Sixteen teams from both the Hero ISL and I-League are ready to battle it out for India’s premier cup competition at a location unlike any other: Kerala. Not only does the winner receive a trophy, but also an incredible opportunity to participate in the continental level AFC Cup South Zone group which requires them to face last season’s winning team of Gokulam Kerala FC in a play-off match. The eleven teams participating from the Hero ISL & I-League automatically qualify for their group stages giving any team, regardless of their rank or place on the ladder, an equal chance of competing and grabbing victory and working their way up higher in world football!
There is an intriguing competition developing this season in the Hero I-League. Seven teams who are ranked from second to eighth will compete for a set of playoff qualifiers with the hope of reaching the group stage. On top of that, the two lower ranked teams who sit in ninth and tenth positions will also get a chance to battle for a place in the same qualifier. With this being such an important tournament, these additional playoff rounds should provide ample opportunity for all sides to stake their claim and reach their goal. Every team has something to fight for and fans can expect a highly competitive tournament with plenty of drama.
The draw for the upcoming Hero Super Cup was as exciting as ever, with sixteen teams from around the country all vying for a spot in the tournament. Group A consists of heavyweights Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, along with RoundGlass Punjab FC, who were recently crowned Heroes I-League Champions. Also included in the group is a winner of the qualifier between the second ranked Heroes I-League team and the victors of an eliminator. Group B is packed full of highly ranked sides including Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and East Bengal FC. They are joined by whoever secures victory in no less than a playoff between two rival Heroes I-League teams. There’s much to look forward to in that one! Meanwhile, Group C features ATK Mohun Bagan, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa and whoever claims triumph in a playoff between teams ranked third and eighth in the Heroes I-League; all four having much to prove if they want to secure their place in next round of this intricate cup competition.
The Hero Super Cup is finally here, and it’s coming to a computer or phone near you. Group D for the tournament consists of some of the biggest teams in India, namely Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, North East United FC and the playoff winner between the fifth-ranked Hero I-League team and the sixth-ranked one. This competition is highly anticipated due to the addition of an exciting new rule this season – the winners will qualify directly for next season’s AFC Cup! AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran even said that this competition “bridges a gap” in Indian football, hopefully it’ll be as amazing as promised and provide us with adrenaline-filled matches now through mid May.
Dr Prabhakaran expressed his enthusiasm for the Hero Super Cup, describing it as an important bridge between the Hero ISL and Hero I-League. He expressed his confidence that the Super Cup would serve as a platform for all clubs from India’s top two football leagues to come together altogether and engage in friendly competition. As part of this sentiment, he expressed delight that Kerala will be playing hosts to the Super Cup. This positioning of God’s own country was inevitably welcomed by Dr Prabhakaran, who was grateful to both the Kerala Football Association and the local government for their proactive cooperation to ensure that the competition is realised in Kerala. There is no doubt that this upcoming event will bring out some of Kerala’s most passionate football fans, eager to watch and cheer on some of their favourite clubs from across India compete together on one stage.
The general secretary of the Kerala Football Association, Anilkumar Prabhakar, spoke with great enthusiasm at the press conference announcing the draw in Kozhikode. His words were sure to excite the passionate football fans in Kochi and all over Kerala, as he expressed their delight at the opportunity to welcome the Super Cup to their beloved homeland. He went on to talk about doing their best for everyone involved in making this a successful event, showing that their positive attitude is already setting up a winning environment. Mr Prabhakar even took a moment to applaud AIFF for putting their trust in the Kerala FA and honoring them as hosts of this prestigious tournament. The people of Kerala are eagerly awaiting this exciting occasion!
