Bengaluru fc’s 4-2 win over Dempo fc confirmed them as the I- League champion on their debut season. The club got entry in to this edition’s I League directly, when JSW fulfilled all the terms and conditions of AIFF. The win ignites much hope in changing the face of Indian Soccer.
The journey of the I League trophy started from Punjab. It then moved between Kolkata and Goa. It made a brief sojourn at Mumbai. Since 2008, the trophy was shuffling hands in the city of Goa. Now, the silverware has moved southwards for the first time.
Previous year at this point of time, the club was not in existence. JSW showed interest in setting up a quality football club in the country. They met AIFF officials with the proposal. The demands of AIFF were fulfilled by the owners. Choosing the city for the club was the ultimate question. After deep consultation among the members of the club, they agreed to set up the shop in Bangalore.
The club searched a quality coach for the side. Ashley Westwood was jobless. Blackburn Rover’s owners Venkys of India had fired him after only 2 months in the charge. In terms of coaching, he had experience of Manchester United as well. He was chosen for the job after an interview.
At the same time, Sunil Chhetri was in a fix. His European stay ended on a dismal note. Experience of Sporting Lisbon’s ‘B’ side gave him some bitter memories. He was in two minds, whether to stay in Europe or to return to India. Begaluru purchased him. Many an eyebrows were raised then. Indian football pundits were considering Bengaluru fc as relegation candidates.
The critics were proved wrong from Round 1. The club emerged as leader of the group. Sean Rooney gave Chhetri the company he was looking for. Robin Singh regained his touch and form. All the departments of the squad were trained under the guardianship of Westwood.
But the leaf that has to be taken by other clubs of India is the marketing strategy of the club. The club ran it’s own website, pub, channel and social accounts. It made a loyal fan base which comprises of students, teachers, professional from all walks of life and even housewives. The stadium for home matches was always full to the strengths which is quite a dream for any football club of the country.
Previously, presence of southern part of India in soccer was limited to a few clubs like Kochi fc, Viva Kerala, State Bank of Travancore and HAL. The victory by the club of City of Gardens has given an opportunity for other cities as well. It has given them the hope that club football is no longer the monopoly of a few cities only. 3 Shillong clubs will feature in next edition of I League. Viewership of European soccer is only increasing on TV. EPL has the fastest growing market of viewers in India. One thing is for sure. Football scene is definitely on the rise and victory of Bengaluru fc has come at the right time.