KOCHI: The much-anticipated Super League Kerala (SLK) commenced its inaugural season with a scintillating clash between Forca Kochi FC and Malappuram FC, held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The grandeur of the occasion was further enhanced by the unveiling of the illustrious Super League Trophy during the opening ceremony.
Gracing the event were film actors and club proprietors Prithviraj and Asif Ali, along with a host of distinguished guests. The opening match, brimming with intensity and fervour, saw Malappuram FC emerge victorious with a decisive 2-0 win over Forca Kochi FC, marking a splendid beginning to this historic tournament.
A sea of ardent supporters, hailing from both Kochi and Malappuram, welcomed their beloved teams with exuberant chants and vivid tifos, creating an electrifying atmosphere that reverberated throughout the stadium. The inauguration ceremony, a spectacle in itself, captivated the audience with stellar performances by Bollywood luminary Jacqueline Fernandez and celebrated music virtuosos Stephan Devassy, Shivamani, Dabzee, DJ Savyo, and DJ Sekhar.
Attended Super League Kerala #SLK spectacular inauguration in Kochi.
An encouraging 22K attended the opening encounter.
Certainly competitive quality will grow as the league progresses to second week.
Many congratulations to @keralafa President and SLk management for the… pic.twitter.com/6UUTuKtbEJ
— Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) September 7, 2024
The Super League Kerala, featuring six franchises from various regions of the state, aspires to reignite the passion for football in Kerala. By providing a platform for local talent to showcase their skills alongside international football stars, the league aims to foster the growth of the sport in the region. Matches will be hosted across four venues—Kochi, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram—offering a diverse footballing experience to fans throughout Kerala.
If the Viking Clap is an art, Kerala Blasters are the true maestros. 🎨🔥💛 #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/ztenr41nVh
— Super League Kerala Fan (@SuperLeagueKer) September 10, 2024
Officially titled the Mahindra Super League Kerala due to its sponsorship, the SLK operates as a professional men’s football league, independent of the Indian football league system, and does not adhere to promotion or relegation policies. The league’s debut season commenced on September 7, 2024, and is set to revolutionise the football landscape of the state.
An initiative for the future
In a remarkable initiative, over 100 promising young footballers from Kerala have been selected by SLK team owners to receive unparalleled exposure to world-class training and competitive experiences, opening doors to potential careers in both Indian and international football.
The meticulously crafted Super League Kerala is poised to create significant opportunities across a variety of sectors, including sports, entertainment, retail, tourism, leisure, and hospitality. These developments are expected to benefit not only the six franchise regions but also the surrounding areas, thus bolstering Kerala’s socio-economic fabric.
SLK’s mission is clear: to redefine Kerala’s football culture, offering a platform for emerging talent from the state, while attracting players and enthusiasts from football-loving regions across Asia, Europe, and South America. With such ambitious goals, the league is set to leave an indelible mark on Kerala’s sporting future, ushering in a new era of football excellence.
The Super League Kerala is poised to create significant opportunities across a variety of sectors, including sports, entertainment, retail, tourism, leisure, and hospitality. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
