Jamshedpur, February 12: The wait is finally over. After almost a year, the Indian Super League is revisiting the city, and excitement in Jamshedpur is at its highest. The return of India’s top-most football league to the iconic JRD Tata Sports Complex has reignited the passion of the fans as they counting down the days to see Jamshedpur FC back in ISL action on home soil.
Jamshedpur will play its first home match against Mohammedan SC on February 15 at JRD Tata Sports Complex and the tickets are live on District by Zomato app.
This season carries added anticipation, with Shield-winning coach Owen Coyle at the helm. The experienced Scotsman, who guided Jamshedpur FC to the ISL League Winners’ Shield in a historic campaign, returns with renewed ambition and belief. With nine home matches lined up at the Furnace, supporters know their role will be crucial in shaping the team’s journey. The city, which has built a reputation as one of the most intimidating venues in the league, is ready to once again transform the stadium into a fortress.
Raja Hansdah from the local fan group Tribes reflected the collective emotion. “There was so much uncertainty about when top-level football would come back to Jamshedpur. Now that the ISL is returning after almost a year, we are just happy and relieved. With Owen Coyle back and leading the team, we believe something special can happen again.”
The famous South Stand is already preparing its chants and banners. Dharmesh Samant of the South Stand Fans said, “The excitement is on another level. Nine home games mean nine opportunities to make the Furnace shake. We’ve seen what Owen Coyle can achieve here before. Now it’s about backing the team from the first whistle to the last.”
For many, the ISL’s return feels personal. Raj Nandini of Tribes added, “It has been almost a year, we have seen any ISL action and this has long left a void. Matchdays are not just about football. They bring the whole city together. Now that the top league is back, we’re ready to fill the stadium and show why Jamshedpur is one of the best football cities in the country.”
Young supporter Meher Oberoi perhaps summed it up best. “When the ISL comes to Jamshedpur, the whole city comes alive. We’ve waited a lot following every bit of the news of the ISL. With Coach Coyle guiding the team again, we’re confident and excited. We just want to be there and be the 12th man.”
