3 youngsters who could make a name for themselves at the 2023 Hero Super Cup

As the international break ends, club football resumes as teams prepare for the 2023 Hero Super Cup scheduled to commence on April 3. Kerala will host the competition, with 16 clubs from the I-League and the Indian Super League (ISL) set to compete for the prestigious trophy.

While managers will look to field their strongest lineups, they will also have an eye on the future, with the idea of offering chances to fringe players. A few youngsters have grabbed their opportunities in the ISL and I-League, but there are, of course, several in line wanting to take the next step.

The key to establishing themselves in the team lies in seizing every opportunity that comes their way, and as youngsters, they will want to knock on the doors of their managers.

On that note, let’s take a look at the three players from the ISL and the I-League, who have the potential to make a name for themselves during the Hero Super Cup.

---

#1 Lalrinliana Hnamte – ATK Mohun Bagan

The 19-year-old arrived from rivals East Bengal at the start of the season with a glowing reputation. Hnamte appeared 17 times for the Red and Gold Brigade last season, but opportunities were hard to come by at ATK Mohun Bagan.

However, towards the back end of the season, Juan Ferrando’s trust in the youngster appears to have grown. His tidy cameo appearance against Odisha FC in the playoffs was followed by two brilliant performances against Hyderabad FC in the semi-finals.

In the final against Bengaluru FC, Glan Martins suffered an injury at half-time. Ferrando immediately turned to Hnamte and he certainly did not let his manager down. He played like a seasoned veteran in the middle of the park, unfazed by the occasion.

After impressing his head coach, the youngster has an opportunity to cement his spot in the starting lineup during the Hero Super Cup.

---

#2 Vibin Mohanan – Kerala Blasters

Vibin had an excellent campaign with the Indian Arrows, which prompted Kerala Blasters to sign him. Initially, he was seen as a development player, as he played only 12 minutes until the back end of the campaign.

However, following Blasters’ qualification to the playoffs, Ivan Vukomanovic turned to his youngsters in the final league game of the season against reigning ISL champions Hyderabad FC.

Vibin started in central midfield and dictated the game alongside Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. After a solid performance, he was rewarded with another start in a crucial playoff tie against southern rivals Bengaluru FC.

The 20-year-old’s innate ability to read the game and control the proceedings grabbed eyeballs. Despite a disappointing end to the game, Vibin’s emergence is unquestionably a huge positive for the Tuskers.

Moreover, with Adrian Luna ruled out of the Super Cup, he could be handed regular starts in the Super Cup, which bodes well for his development.

---

#3 Samuel Kynshi – Real Kashmir FC

Real Kashmir FC’s form towards the end of the campaign enabled them to finish 5th in the I-League standings. One youngster has risen to the occasion and has massively contributed to the team’s successful season.

22-year-old Samuel Kynshi scored six and assisted five to establish himself as one of I-League’s best players. After an inconsistent start, the attacking midfielder contributed 10 goals in his last eight games, helping his side finish the season on a high note.

Kynshi is known for his explosive ability on both flanks, while his vision and technique have seen him develop into an all-round player.

Real Kashmir FC will be up against the Churchill Brothers in the qualifier round of the Hero Super Cup and Kynshi is certainly a player to keep an eye on.