Field Vision

Mohammedan SC’s much-anticipated debut season in the Indian Super League turned out to be a harsh wake-up call for the historic Kolkata-based club. Far from making a mark, the Black Panthers struggled throughout the campaign, both on and off the pitch. The club managed just 13 points from 24 matches, registering only two wins and finishing at the bottom of the table. The ISL’s competitive demands proved too steep, and the team failed to find rhythm or consistency.

The situation worsened midway through the season when head coach Andrey Chernyshov abruptly parted ways with the club, leaving the team directionless during a crucial period. Off-field instability and a lack of tactical cohesion further compounded their problems, resulting in a forgettable debut season.

In the first episode of Fieldvision’s signature features, we assess the highs and lows of Mohammedan’s ISL journey. 

The Rights

Despite a disappointing debut season marked by just two wins in the Indian Super League and an early exit in the Kalinga Super Cup, Mohammedan SC can still take a few positives into the future. The team struggled to adapt to the intensity and quality of the top flight, but there are promising signs in the squad’s young core. 

Players like Zodlingliana Ralte, Gaurav Bora, and Zudika are on multi-year contracts, providing a solid foundation to build upon. With the right managerial appointment and a more balanced squad, and less off the field chaos, these players can benefit from the harsh lessons of this season and grow into more influential roles. 

While the campaign was underwhelming, the experience gained could prove invaluable as the club restructures and looks to come back stronger in the next season. Stability and smart recruitment will be key moving forward.

The Wrongs

Mohammedan SC’s long-awaited promotion to the Indian Super League was expected to mark a new era of stability and progress for the historic Kolkata club. However, the reality turned out to be far more chaotic. Instead of a fresh start, the club’s problems began even before a ball was kicked. A notable early setback was the failed signing of Nuno Reis, whose deal was hijacked by city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, an incident that highlighted the club’s administrative weaknesses.

As the season went ahead, deeper issues surfaced. Reports of unpaid and delayed salaries to both playing and non-playing staff emerged, painting a grim financial picture. Tensions peaked when Bunkerhill, the club’s key investor, publicly raised concerns over share transfers, despite having pumped in significant funds in recent years.

The turmoil wasn’t limited to finances. Head coach Andrey Chernyshov departed mid-season, allegedly due to a fallout with the management. In response, the club hastily appointed multiple Indian assistants—Mehrajuddin Wadoo, and Pushpender Kundu— in addition to  Alison Kharsyntiew reflecting disjointed decision-making and poor communication.

On the pitch, the team’s lack of top-tier experience was evident. Most Indian players and foreign recruits were debuting in the ISL, and the lack of cohesion and quality ultimately led to a season filled with disappointment and lessons for the future.

Lessons for the upcoming season

For Mohammedan Sporting to find meaningful success on the field, the management must set aside personal egos and internal divisions, prioritizing collective progress over individual agendas. The chaos of the past season clearly showed how disunity and poor communication at the top can seep into every layer of a football club—from disrupted transfer dealings to managerial instability and an underperforming squad.

If these issues persist into the next season, the club risks remaining stuck in a cycle of turmoil, squandering its historic legacy and the potential that comes with ISL status. A united front, built on transparency, professionalism, and a clear footballing vision, is essential for Mohammedan to turn their fortunes around and compete effectively at the highest level.

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