Sreenidi Deccan FC to kick off IFL campaign against Diamond Harbour FC

Sreenidi Deccan FC are all set to commence their Indian Football League 2025-26 campaign away to newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC.

Portuguese head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto is returning to the helm of the Deccan Warriors after a season away from the club. He will have the services of key new signings including forwards Paulo Cezar, Fabrice Kah, midfielder Pape Gassama and defenders Muhammad Hammad and Hadi Idrissou.

On the other hand, Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna has led Diamond Harbour through consecutive promotions into the Indian Football League and finished as the runner-up in the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup in 2025.

Speaking ahead of their opening fixture of the much-anticipated season, head coach Vaz Pinto said: “It has been a long break but we are ready to compete. The atmosphere around the team is good and I believe we have built a strong team this season to compete in the league.”

Sreenidi’s FC’s Rolieny Bonevica and Ajay Chhetri during a practice session

“Diamond Harbour has an experienced coach with some experienced players, so I feel they will present a very good competition. I want our fans to be proud of us, we are representing Hyderabad and Telangana and we want everyone to support us and be proud of us.”

Captain David Castaneda, who is set to begin his fifth season at the club, commented on the upcoming season stating, “I am very positive about the team and the environment. The management has assembled a strong squad and I am confident we will compete in all matches this season.”

The match is scheduled to commence at 6.30 pm in the Kalyani Stadium, Kolkata.

Sreenidi Deccan FC Squad for the 2025-26 Indian Football League Season:

Goalkeepers: Bhaskar Roy, Adhil Faizal, Aryan Lamba.

Defenders: Muhammad Hammad, Hardik Bhatt, Mohd Aqib, Hadi Idrissou (Togo), Deepak DP, Jagdeep Singh, Abhash Thapa, Gurmukh Singh.

Midfielders: Rolieny Bonevacia (Netherlands), Phalguni Singh, Lalthankhuma, Ajay Chhetri, Rashid CK, Lawmnasangzuala, Lalromawia, Lalbiakliana, Lalchungnunga, Emboklang Nongkhlaw, Brandon Vanlalremdika, Abhijith K, Pape Gassama (Senegal).

Forwards: David Castaneda (Colombia), Fabrice Kah (Cameroon), Paulo Cezar.