Jamshedpur, July 11: Jamshedpur FC will field a balanced squad comprising experienced senior Indian players and promising academy graduates for the 135th Durand Cup, with the tournament set to play a key role in the club's preparations for the upcoming Indian Super League season.
The Men of Steel, who will be coached by Kaizad Ambapardiwala during the tournament, currently have 12 contracted senior Indian players in the squad, Mohammed Sanan K, Sreekuttan V.S., Rosenberg Gilbert Gabriel, Albino Gomes, Praful Kumar, Nikhil Barla, Amrit Gope, Pronay Halder, Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu, Sourav Das, Sarthak Golui and Pratik Choudhari.
Complementing the senior core will be some of the brightest prospects from Jamshedpur FC's youth development system. Among them are Lawmsangzuala, who trained regularly with the first team last season, and Heeranganba Seram, an India U-17 international. Emerging talents such as Rayan, Sachin and Rashithoi are also expected to be part of the squad, giving them an opportunity to impress at the senior level.
The Durand Cup will serve as an important stepping stone for these young players, offering them the chance to compete alongside experienced professionals while preparing the club for the ISL campaign under Head Coach Owen Coyle.
Speaking about the squad composition, Head Coach Kaizad Ambapardiwala said, "The Durand Cup gives us a great opportunity to strike the right balance between experience and youth. Our senior players will provide leadership and stability, while the younger boys have earned this opportunity through their performances in our academy and reserve teams. It is now up to them to embrace the challenge, learn from the senior players and show they are ready to take the next step."
Jamshedpur FC begin their Group C campaign against Defenders FC of Sri Lanka on July 26 at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi. The Men of Steel will then take on Sporting Club Delhi on August 4 before facing Indian Air Force Football Team on August 13, with all three group-stage fixtures to be played in Ranchi.
The tournament will provide valuable competitive minutes for the senior players while reinforcing the club's commitment to creating a clear pathway from the academy to the first team.
