“Want to create synergy between the local community and the club,” Odisha FC club president Raj Athwal opens up about his plans

After years of struggle in the Indian Super League, Odisha FC saw a positive change in their fortunes last season. They qualified for the Indian Super League playoffs for the first time in their club’s history. They then went on to win the Super Cup under the leadership of Clifford Miranda.

The Kalinga Warriors eventually booked a ticket to the AFC Cup group stage.

They have roped in Sergio Lobera who has brought his band of players including Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall, Roy Krishna, Lenny Rodrigues, Amey Ranawade, Puitea, Laldinliana Renthlei and Jerry Lalrinzuala to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

Recently club president Raj Athwal gave an interview to Firstpost speaking on the club’s transformation, new signings and their goals for the upcoming season which will see 12 teams feature in the ISL.

Athwal shared how coming last in the league was a turning point as they took a closer look at the changes they could make to improve things for the club. “Coming last is difficult for any club, especially the owners. So, we dived deep and tried to look at the whole structure on and off the pitch where we could improve, what aspects we needed to look at right across from our scouting to the managerial side, the players’ facilities, and everything,” he stated.

“However, within two years we have gone on to finish in the playoff positions, win the Hero Super Cup, win the Golden Boot award and qualify for the prestigious AFC Cup competition.”

Speaking on Odisha’s long-term vision, Athwal shared that he wants to give the local boys and girls more chances. They aim to create a synergy between the local community and the club.

On the pitch, there has to be a pathway for local players, boys and girls to become integrated within the system and eventually enable them to have the opportunities to compete for a first-team place,” Athwal highlighted. “So, we are responsible for reaching out and giving these kids and their families the confidence to trust the process and off the pitch we need to create synergies between the local community while also pertaining to the global vision as well and we do see ourselves as a global club.”

He believes that the overseas players have had a positive impact on the Indians as playing alongside these players has made them better. “My view is that players from overseas have a positive impact on the team as playing alongside good quality players makes them better and brings wider knowledge and skills. The Indian players may not necessarily have that and can pick up from foreign players. It’s very important that the young players learn the good habits of the foreign players,” he shared.

Punjab FC have been promoted to the ISL after they won the I-League last season. Speaking on the league getting expanded to 12 teams, Athwal shared that it is good for Indian football as more teams will allow chances for more Indian players.

“It’s great news because we’ve got another region in India that perhaps wasn’t represented in the Indian Super League. During my time in India, I’ve seen a marked improvement year on year in the competition and this season is going to be quite fierce.”

“It also means there’ll be a lot more Indian players coming through the ranks which then not only helps domestically but helps internationally as well,” he concluded.

Odisha FC are clubbed in Group D of the 2023-24 AFC Cup along with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bashundhara Kings and Maziya. They will start their campaign against MBSG on September 19th.