Goa, October 25: It’s a familiar beginning with a different face at the helm. Jamshedpur FC are set to open their 2025 Super Cup campaign against FC Goa, the very team that broke their hearts in last year’s final.
This time, with new head coach Steven Dias leading the Men of Steel, redemption is the word echoing through the Jamshedpur camp as they look to make a strong start in Group B.
The clash against the defending champions on October 26 in Goa marks the beginning of a demanding group that also includes NorthEast United FC and Inter Kashi. Jamshedpur’s 27-member squad features a balanced mix of experience and fresh faces, with Steven Dias placing his faith in a core that has trained together intensively for the past month and a half.
Among the notable inclusions are the retained foreign trio of Lazar Cirkovic, Stephen Eze, and Rei Tachikawa, joined by new international signings Nikola Stojanovic, Madih Talal, and striker Messi Bouli. The midfield spine will see experienced campaigners Pronay Halder and Germanpreet Singh alongside playmakers Stojanovic and Talal, while wide players Vincy Barretto,Mohammed Sanan, Sreekuttan VS, and newcomer Rosenberg Gabriel add pace and width. In defence, the likes of Cirkovic, Eze, and Parthik Chaudhari will look to keep things tight in front of goalkeeper Albino Gomes.
Head Coach Steven Dias expressed both optimism and realism ahead of his first major competition in charge. “Our preparation has been very good. Everyone is ready now mentally and physically. We trained well in Jamshedpur and the boys are focused and motivated,” said Dias. Reflecting on facing FC Goa once again, he added, “Last year we lost in the final, and that was a learning experience for us. We’re facing a strong side who are also playing in the AFC Champions League 2, but we’re ready for the challenge and determined to give our best.”
When asked about the competitive nature of the group,Steven Dias acknowledged the challenge but struck a defiant tone that will resonate with the Jamshedpur faithful. “Every team in our group is strong, and that’s exactly what makes this competition exciting. We’ve prepared with full intensity because we respect our opponents, but we’re not afraid of anyone. The boys are hungry, the spirit is high, and we’re ready to fight for every point.”
Midfielder Pronay Halder, one of the team’s most experienced Indian players, echoed the coach’s belief in the squad’s unity and purpose. “Coach Stephen has brought great energy and belief into the team and everyone knows their role and feels confident. If we play with the same hunger and togetherness, I’m sure we can make the fans proud and go all the way this time.”
Jamshedpur FC have enjoyed consistent runs in the Super Cup in recent years, semi-finalists two seasons ago and finalists last year, but the goal this time is clear - to turn those near misses into silverware and secure the AFC qualification spot they narrowly missed. With a solid pre-season behind them and renewed leadership in the dugout, the Men of Steel are primed for another fierce campaign, starting with a chance to rewrite the script against FC Goa.
Jamshedpur FC face FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa at 7.30 PM on October 26. The match is telecast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports 3.
