KOCHI: The Indian Super League is a mystery. It's lit up early October, glows brightly mid-November before going out with a colourful explosion ahead of Christmas. Then there is a period of lull from January to until midway into the next year. Such has been the case every year since the franchisee-model-city-based football tournament came into effect in 2014. Though brief, the almost-three-month annual event is period of festivities for football fans throughout the country and every player, coach or celebrity that has got involved has contentedly explained their feelings.
With Kochi set to host the final of the third edition, involving the home side, Kerala Blasters and the team that pipped them for the inaugural title two years ago, it is worth mentioning the passion of fans in the city. Marquee players Aaron Hughes and Helder Postiga minced no words in showering their praises on the ambience in Kochi that is widely regarded as one of the best theatres of the game in the country. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my Indian experience," said Northern Irishman Hughes.
The 36-year-old defender, who captains Kerala in the current campaign thanked the home supporters as he began describing how good a season it has been for him and how badly he would want to end it with the ISL trophy. "Football was my No.1 priority and upon reaching the final I consider it quite successful. The Euro (championship) this year was the best thing in my career and coming to India has been incredible. I've nothing but good things to say about my time here," said Hughes.
Despite being enemy No.1 in Kochi's hostile ground, Kolkata's marquee striker Postiga appeared in a generous mood. "I expect a big atmosphere in Kochi for the final; the fans here are one of the best in India," said the former Porto striker, who has been part of the ISL for two years. "All my life I've lived in the present. The present now is the ISL and I've enjoyed it," said the 34-year-old, who has played beside Cristiano Ronaldo. "My first year was not so good, but this year I hope we win the trophy. I hope to take back some nice memories," he said.
Enough of pleasantries, it seems. Getting down to the business end one might forecast a fierce encounter when the two formidable units that has featured in two of the three finals thus far, collide. "I think both teams will like to attack," said Kerala head coach Steve Coppell. Former Blasters Iain Hume will hog the limelight when he takes the field in Kolkata's colours and even though Coppell has vowed to not give an inch to the fan favourite, he declined to drop a hint on which other player they would target, in their bid to win the elusive prize.
"I don't think it will be possible to say about key match ups, I think it will be everywhere on the pitch. It is so difficult to predict it now," said the veteran who has managed over 1,000 games in his illustrious career spanning over three decades. "The winner takes all," he said with a smile. But the Englishman wasn't ready to retire before putting his point across. "After the first three games we had just one point so we're grateful to be in the final." One of Kerala's new heroes, C.K. Vineeth, believes the fans will help them win the title. After an exhausting 120-minute semifinal second leg in Delhi just four days ago, as the prospect of another extra-time affair on Sunday a clear possibility, Vineeth said: "If we are tired the fans will give us wings."
