Even before they make their debut in upcoming 2022-23 season of the Indian Women League (IWL), which is scheduled to commence in Ahmedabad from April 26, Odisha FC are tipped as favourites to win the title. Looking at the star-studded squad they have, the favourites tag seems justified.

In addition to signing local stars Pyari Xaxa and Manisa Panna early last year, Bhubaneswar-based Odisha FC have also gone on to sign India internationals Sweety Devi, Karthika Angamuthu, Anju Tamang and Shreya Hooda. The biggest signing, however, was done when they roped in striker Ngangom Bala Devi earlier this year.

The 33-year-old Manipuri stalwart will make a return to the IWL after spending one season away. Former India captain Bala Devi remains the top scorer of the IWL with 38 goals to her name in two seasons. She netted 12 goals for Kangchup Road Young Physical Sports Association (KRYPHSA), Imphal in the season 2017-18 and 26 goals for Manipur Police in 2018-19.

Bala also has the distinction of playing Scottish Womens Premier League club Rangers in 2020-21 and on 6 December 2020, she became the first Indian woman to score in a professional football league in Europe. If that is not enough, Odisha FC signed in two foreigners in Faustina Worwornyo Akpo from Ghand and Cynthia dos Santos from Brazil.

However, Head coach Crispin Chettri is not willing accept the notion that Odisha FC would be favourites to win the IWL crown on debut. “We are, of course, a formidable side. But our modest goal is to finish among top four teams in Group-B and qualify for the quarterfinals. Thereafter sky is the limit and we would certainly love to win the title,’’ said a modest Chettri during a press conference at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar today.

Describing the Odisha FC squad as a mixed-bag of youth and experience, A-licensed coach Chettri said, “We have a number of India stars such as Bala Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Manisa Panna, Sweety Devi, Karthika Angamuthu and Anju Tamang. We also have two foreigners and a bunch of Odisha youngsters. It is a well-balanced and strong team.”

Speaking on their preparation, Chettri stated that Odisha FC have done their homework very well. “We have been preparing at Kalinga Stadium for months together. The facilities are excellent here. We have developed fine coordination and strategies for all aspects of the game. Players are gelling well and excited to deliver their best,’’ said the Head Coach.

Bala Devi and Pyari Xaxa, who were also present at the press conference, thanked Odisha FC for giving them the best facilities and helping Odisha promote football for women in the State.

“The senior players of the team have always been ready to help the youngsters and the youngsters have been keen to learn. This way, we have developed good vibes in the team,” shared Bala.

As regards IWL 2022-23, this will be the sixth edition of the first professional football league for women in India, featuring 16 teams, including two from Odisha. The other team from Odisha is the State Government-owned Sports Odisha.

Odisha FC qualified for the IWL by winning the Odisha Women League (OWL) while remaining unbeaten in their 10 games they played. Sports Odisha qualified as the top-four finishers of the IWL 2021-22.

With 16 teams from across the country participating, the 2023 edition will be held in at two venues in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The winner of the IWL will get a chance to represent India in the AFC Women Club Championship, top-tier women club football competition in Asia.

IWL 2023 will consist of two groups with eight teams in each group. Four teams from each group will qualify for the knockout round consisting of single-leg quarter-final, semi-final and the final. The OFCW team has been drawn into Group B.

The 26-member Odiha FC team has 13 players from Odisha. They will play their first match against Central Reserve Police Force Football Club at TransStadia, Ahmedabad on April 27.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: Odisha FC Head Coach Crispin Chettri at the press conference along with the star players Bala Devi and Pyari Xaxa (Left) in Bhubaneswar on 21 April 2023.