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The 12th edition of the I-League kicked off from Friday, with Chennai City FC registering a 4-1 win over Indian Arrows in the first match. This season will witness 11 teams who will face each other on home and away basis.
The I-League has already seen some of the biggest stars from abroad. While the domestic players improved their level by participating in the league, foreigners also made valuable contributions in making the league more exciting.
Some of the notable names are Chima Okorie, Jose Ramirez Barreto, Suleh Musah, Igor Shkyvrin, Darryl Duffy, Chidi Edeh, Ranti Martins etc.
The foreigners have always played a vital role in making the teams successful. The Igor-Barreto combination or Musah’s brilliant display helped Mohun Bagan and East Bengal win the National Football League.
In the initial years, the clubs were more concentrated hiring players from African subcontinent. A few came from Brazil also. But recently, players from East Asia, Europe started making their way into the league.
Syrian playmaker Mahmoud Al Amnah, now with East Bengal, played a vital part in Aizawl FC’s title-winning campaign. Sony Norde’s spirited performance gave Mohun Bagan the I-League three years ago.
This year, the focus has shifted to Spanish players. East Bengal have signed Borja Gomez Perez as a part of their line-up and Alejandro Menendez as their coach. Chennai City FC have Nelson Gordillo.
Let’s have a look at the five foreign players of this edition:
#5 David Izazola (Churchill Brothers)
The Mexican footballer played U-20 World Cup for his country and finished in the third position in 2011. He started his professional career in 2007 with Pumas CCH in the third tier. He made his debut in the top division in 2011, soon after the World Cup.
He played for Pumas Morales before having two loan stints in Queretaro and Atletico San Luis.
The next was an adventure with Budapest Honved in Hungary. He had short stints with Atlante and Salamanca before joining Churchill Brothers.
He faced severe adversities in his life. Many a time, he raised his voice against Mexican football and their bad treatment to the players.
He announced retirement quite surprisingly at the age of 24 in 2016 against a protest to the Mexican football federation for their ill-treatment towards Mexican players.
Being a forward, he was often praised by the media for his immense talent. For Churchill, it needs to be seen how many times he find the back of the net.
#4 Katsumi Yusa (Neroca FC)
No other foreigner knows I-League better than Katsumi Yusa. He played in two of most famous clubs in the League and also has experience playing in the Indian Super League.
Katsumi came to India through ONGC (played in the League, now dissolved) in 2011. Seeing in an inspiring performance, Katsumi was signed by Mohun Bagan in 2013, where he would spend the next four years.
He was loaned to NorthEast United in 2016. After being released by the green-and-maroons, the Japanese joined arch-rivals East Bengal last year but failed to bring them the title.
He signed for Neroca FC this year but whether he will be able to play for or not will be decided by FIFA.
After East Bengal refused to give him No Objection Certificate (NOC), the player moved to FIFA against his former club. A verdict is pending.
Katsumi is famous for his attacking prowess from the wings. He makes darting run down the line, cuts inside and provides pin-point cross to the strikers or shoot on goal by himself. He controls the midfield very well and easily combines with the strikers. Neroca will surely benefit from his experience.
#3 Enrique Esqueda (East Bengal)
Enrique Esqueda, famously known as ‘Paleta’ in his home country, has won Under-17 World Cup with his country in 2005.
He started his professional career with Club America in the same year. For the next six years, he played more than 100 matches for his club and scored 13 goals.
He also played nine matches with his club, scoring a goal.
The Mexican forward is definitely one of the most famous signings this year. He is the second Mexican in the league to play in this edition after David Izazola. Talking with media in his country, Izazola expressed his desire to play against Esqueda.
He is famously known for his heroics in World Football Challenge in 2009. He scored in his club’s famous 2-1 win against AC Milan. In 2011, he scored against Manchester City in 1-1 draw and Real Madrid in a 2-3 loss.
He is not very familiar with Indian football but going by his videos in YouTube, he is a potent striker who possesses brilliant skills, along with excellent shooting and heading ability.
#2 Sony Norde (Mohun Bagan)
When Mohun Bagan announced the arrival of Omar Elhussieny, many thought the door is closed for Sony Norde. But the club stunned everyone and announced a few days later that it is none other than Norde who will be their sixth foreigner.
Norde, who was suffering from persistent knee injuries, had to leave midway of the last season. He went to Argentina and had a successful operation.
Norde started his recovery process soon and posted everything on his social media on a regular basis.
The Haitian playmaker vowed before his departure that he will return to Mohun Bagan one day. On his social media, some of his posts created hinted he may make a return. That actually happened, much to the delight of the fans.
Norde played an impressive role in Mohun Bagan’s title-winning campaign in 2015. He never lost in a Kolkata Derby, scored one goal in seven matches.
The green and maroons came close winning the title in the next two years but failed. This year, Mohun Bagan will run again after the title and they will be boosted hugely with the presence of Norde.
Norde hasn’t travelled with the team for the first match due to lack of fitness. He is expected to play his first against Indian Arrows on 10th November at Bhubaneswar.
#1 Johnny Acosta (East Bengal)
After partnering with investor Quess Corp, East Bengal left each and every one stunned by announcing the arrival of Johnny Acosta.
Johnny represented Costa Rica in Russia World Cup and played all the three matches in the group stage.
For the last 15 years, East Bengal came close to winning the I-League title many times but left heartbroken. They tried to change the coach, players, support staff but fortune didn’t favour them. This time, they are leaving no stone unturned.
Indian football has seen many World Cuppers, in fact, World Cup winner like Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Materazzi, Joan Capdevilla etc.
But they were all past their prime before coming to India. This is the first time India witnessed a player who participated in the recently concluded World Cup and flew directly to India.
But there is a cause of concern. Acosta played few matches in the Calcutta Football League but failed to leave an impression. In fact, East Bengal had to concede a couple of goals because of his inefficiency.
But that is separate league and East Bengal fans will be hoping to see Acosta in a different avatar when he makes his debut in I-League.
