Wikipedia

Kerala Blasters FC (women)

This article is about the women's football team. For the men's team, see Kerala Blasters FC.

Kerala Blasters Football Club Women, commonly referred to as The Blasters, was an Indian women's football club based in Kochi, Kerala, that competed in the Kerala Women's League, the second-tier league of women's football in India.[1] Founded in July 2022, the club was affiliated with their men's team Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League.[2] In June 2023, the Blasters management announced the temporary pause of the Women's team due to financial problems, after the All India Football Federation imposed financial sanction on the club.[3]

Kerala Blasters Women
Full nameKerala Blasters Football Club Women
Nickname(s)
Short nameKBWFC, KER
Founded25 July 2022; 2 years ago (2022-07-25)
Dissolved6 June 2023; 17 months ago (2023-06-06) (team operations temporarily paused)
GroundJawaharlal Nehru Stadium (official)
Maharaja's College Stadium (secondary)
Capacity80,000
15,000
OwnersMagnum Sports Private Limited
LeagueKerala Women's League
Websitehttps://keralablastersfc.in/

History

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Formation

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On 1 June 2022, the Kerala Blasters announced the appointment of Rajah Rizwan as the director of the club's academy and the newly planned women's team.[4] Later on 25 July, Kerala Blasters officially launched their women's team and announced their participation in the 2022–23 Kerala Women's League season.[5] Shereef Khan was appointed as the first ever head coach of the team on a long-term contract.[6] They made their first ever signings in their history on 27 July when then signed the goalkeepers Tanu and Nisari to their squad.[7] The next day the Blasters announced the signing of the five of the defenders Poli Koley, Sabnam Rai, Krishnapriya, Gadha TG, and Aneeta Manoj to their squad.[8][9] Shortly after on the same day, they announced the signing of the Indian international Apurna Narzary.[10] On 29 July, they announced the signings of Anjitha M, Poornima G, Lubina B, Arathi VV and Ashwathi P for the midfield positions,[11][12] and the signing of the under-20 player Sunita Munda for the forward role.[13] They signed Malavika as one of their strikers for the season on 31 July.[14] In the early August, the Blasters announced their technical staff under Shereef Khan.[15] They continued their signing spree for the upcoming season as they announced the signings of Elakkiya, Nilima, Abhirami and Pinky Kashyap for the defensive positions, Muskan Subba, Shalumole and Reet Kashyap for the midfield roles and Laxi Tamang and Kiran Pisda for the forward positions respectively.[16][17][18] Later the same day, the Blasters announced the signing of the defender Aryasree.[19] Then on 9 August, they further announced the signings of midfielders Sivisha and Nidhiya.[20] On the same day they announced the signing of the Indian international and the 2021–22 Indian Women's League Emerging Player of the Season, Naorem Priyangka Devi.[21] In early August, they announced their squad for their first ever season in the KWL,[22] and announced Priyangka and Malavika as their captains of the season.[23]

Inaugural season

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Kerala Blasters played their first ever match on 10 August 2022 against Emirates Soccer Club at the Maharajas Ground and won the match 10–0 after Apurna Narzary completed a hat-trick with Kiran and Ashwathi completing their respective braces.[24][25] They won the next match 10–0 against SB FA Poovar on 12 August in which Sivisha completed her hat-trick and Gadha and Nidhiya completed their respective braces.[26][27] The Blasters played their next match on 16 August against Lords FA Kochi which ended in a 4–4 draw.[28] On 2 September, the Blasters defeated Kadathanad Raja FA by 13–1. Laxmi scored four goals and Malavika completed her hat-trick by coming in as a substitute.[29][30] On 11 September, they won 9–0 against Kerala United FC.[31] On 18 September, they played against Basco FC and won 3–2 at full-time and retain their first place in the league table.[32] The Blasters won their match against Luca SC on 2 October, which they won 4–0 after Apurna, who came back from an injury completed her brace.[33] On 13 October, in their final league game, the Blasters suffered their first ever defeat in their history against Gokulam Kerala FC, where they lost 2–6.[34] At the end of regular season, both Kerala Blasters and Lords FA finished with 22 points each having won seven, drawn one and lost one. However the Blasters were placed third in the league table behind Lords FA by virtue of goal difference and failed to advance to the final.[35]

Temporary pause of operations

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On 6 June 2023, Kerala Blasters announced a temporary pause of the women's team, owing to the financial sanctions levied on the club due to the walkout staged by their men's team in the 2022–23 Indian Super League playoffs in protest of continuous poor refereeing decisions.[36][37]

Notable players

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For all former or notable Kerala Blasters FC (women) players with a Wikipedia article, see: Kerala Blasters FC (women) players.

Personnel

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Last technical staff

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As of 3 August 2022
Role Name Refs.
Director   Rajah Rizwan [38]
Head Coach   Shereef Khan AV [39]
Assistant Coach   Aswini [40]
Assistant Team Manager   Nisha [40]
Goalkeeping Coach   Saji Joy [40]
Physiotherapist   Priyanka [40]

Last updated: 25 July 2022
Source: [1]

References

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  1. ^ "ISL giants to IWL hopefuls - Inside Kerala Blasters' many challenges to start a women's football team". ESPN.com. 28 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Kerala Blasters FC announce launch of senior women's team". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  3. ^ "Club statement – Kerala Blasters FC". Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  4. ^ Ghosh, Shaunak (2 June 2022). "Rajah Rizwan to be Kerala Blasters Academy and Women's Team Director". Khel Now. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  5. ^ raoff, usamaa (29 September 2022). "ISL giants to IWL hopefuls -Kerala Blasters". SportsUnfold. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  6. ^ "Kerala Blasters launch senior women's team". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  7. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (27 July 2022). "നമ്മുടെ കാവൽക്കാർ 🚫⚽ Introducing our girls between the sticks for the upcoming season!" (Tweet). Retrieved 27 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (28 July 2022). "നമ്മുടെ വൻമതിലുകൾ 🚫✋ Here are the first arrivals in our backline for the upcoming season! (1/2)" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (28 July 2022). "നമ്മുടെ വൻമതിലുകൾ 🚫✋ Here are the first arrivals in our backline for the upcoming season! (2/2)" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (28 July 2022). "അപൂർണ്ണ ഇനി നമ്മൾക്ക് സ്വന്തം! 💛🎯 Clinical sharpshooter Apurna Narzary joins our ranks! ⚽👊" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  11. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (29 July 2022). "The Engine 🚂 Here are the first few of our midfielders! ⤵️" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  12. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (29 July 2022). "The Engine 🚂 Here are the first few of our midfielders! ⤵️" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (29 July 2022). "Let's give a warm Yellow Army welcome to our newest addition, Sunita Munda! 💛🔥" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  14. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (31 July 2022). "സ്വാഗതം മാളവിക! 🫶 Malavika is certain to bolster our attack for the upcoming season! ⚽🎯" (Tweet). Retrieved 31 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (2 August 2022). "The Backbone 💪 Presenting our backroom staff for the upcoming season!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (3 August 2022). "The final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place 💪🏼 (1/3)" (Tweet). Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (3 August 2022). "The final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place 💪🏼 (2/3)" (Tweet). Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (3 August 2022). "The final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place 💪🏼(3/3)" (Tweet). Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (3 August 2022). "സ്വാഗതം ആര്യശ്രീ! 👊🏻 Aryasree is sure to solidify our defensive wall! 💪🏻" (Tweet). Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (9 August 2022). "നമ്മുടെ സ്ക്വാഡിലേക്ക് രണ്ടു പുതിയ അംഗങ്ങളെ സ്വാഗതം ചെയ്യാം! 💛 Welcome, Nidhiya & Sivisha!" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (9 August 2022). "ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്വന്തം നാട്ടിലേക്ക് സ്വാഗതം പ്രിയങ്ക! 🙏 💛" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (9 August 2022). "Here's the squad for our first ever season in the Kerala Women's League! 💛⚽" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (9 August 2022). "നമ്മുടെ ക്യാപ്റ്റൻമാർ! 👊 Priyangka and Malavika will be our captains for the upcoming season! 💛" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ "ഗോൾ മഴയിൽ നിറഞ്ഞാടി ബ്ലാസ്‌റ്റേഴ്‌സും ഗോകുലവും; കേരള വിമൻസ് ലീഗിൽ ജയത്തോടെ തുടക്കം". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  25. ^ "KWL 2022: Kerala Blasters, Gokulam Kerala FC Kick Off The Season With Double Digit Scorelines | The Fan Garage (TFG)". thefangarage.com. 10 August 2022. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  26. ^ "Kerala Women's League: Kerala Blasters crush SB FA 10-0". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  27. ^ "രണ്ട് മത്സരം, 20 ഗോളുകൾ! കേരള വിമൻസ് ലീഗിൽ ബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്‌സ് വനിതകൾ ആറാടുകയാണ്" [Two matches, 20 goals! Blasters women are enjoying the Kerala Women's League]. Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  28. ^ "Kerala Women's League: Lord's FA hold Kerala Blasters in thriller". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  29. ^ "KWL: Kerala Blasters drub Kadathanad Raja FA 13-1". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  30. ^ "പതിമൂന്ന് ഗോളുകൾ!! കേരള ബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് വനിതകൾ ഗോളടിച്ചു കൂട്ടുകയാണ് | Exclusive | Kerala Women's League | Fanport Sports News". 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  31. ^ "KWL: 24 goals in 2 matches; Gokulam Kerala & Kerala Blasters post big wins". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  32. ^ "KWL: Gokulam Kerala crush SB FA 21-0, Blasters edge Basco". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  33. ^ "കേരള ബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് വനിതകളുടെ വിജയക്കുതിപ്പ്; ലൂക്കാ എഫ്സിക്കെതിരെ നാല് ഗോൾ ജയം". Fanport. 2 October 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  34. ^ "വനിതാ ലീഗിൽ ഗോകുലം കേരളയ്ക്ക് മുന്നിൽ കേരള ബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് തകർന്നു, ഫൈനൽ കാണാതെ പുറത്ത് | Featured". Fanport Sports News. 13 October 2022. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  35. ^ "KWL league phase ends; 367 goals scored in 45 matches; Gokulam, Lord's to play final". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  36. ^ "Kerala Blasters to temporarily stop its women's team's activities". The Hindu. 6 June 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  37. ^ "Kerala Blasters "temporarily pause" women's football team's operations". ESPN. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  38. ^ "Rajah Rizwan to be Kerala Blasters Academy and Women's Team Director". Khel Now. 2 June 2022. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  39. ^ "'A new beginning': Kerala Blasters FC announces launch of senior women's team". English.Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  40. ^ a b c d Kerala Blasters Women [@KeralaBlastersW] (2 August 2022). "The Backbone 💪 Presenting our backroom staff for the upcoming season!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 August 2022 – via Twitter.
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