Kolkata: Lonestar Kashmir FC, a club from Kashmir wants to make a mark in the mainstream of Indian football. Earlier players from this beautiful state like Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmed have represented the national team as well as played for various big clubs in the I-league and ISL. Till now, there has been no big clubs from Kashmir representing in the I-league.
Lonestar Kashmir FC made a solid start in the second division league with a dream of qualifying in the I-league. With this dream they are moving a step further in the final round of the second division league. The budget for Lonestar Kashmir FC is Rs. 1 cr 75 lakhs per annum. Their footballers get a monthly salary of Rs.16000-20000 with other facilities like medical facilities and all.
In the first round of the second division league they played 10 matches with 5 wins 4 draws and 1 loss. They are a side with no foreigners and still they overcame the hurdle of the first round. The keys to our success has been the dedication of all the Indian players who had the experience of playing in the I-league previously such as Kamaljeet Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Adil Khan etc. Kashmir FC is also a side comprising of mainly from Pune FC academy and some Kashmiri footballers.
Earlier, Lonestar Kashmir FC and Mohammedan Sporting faced each other two times in the second division league. The results have been even stevens for both as both side have won once each. Lone star Kashmir FC will face Mohammedan Sporting on Sunday at the Mohun Bagan ground. KashmirFC coach Hilal Rasool quoted as saying,” My aimm is for point or points from the match. We don’t want to lose. Mohammedan Sporting is a good side with the inclusion of new foreigners like James Moga. It will be challenging for us.”
It will be important to see will Kashmir FC be able to produce beautiful football like the beauty of Kashmir.