Gokulam Kerala hopes to get third-time lucky after missing out on promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) in the last two seasons. The winners of the I-League, the second division in men's club football in India, have been guaranteed a spot in the top division (ISL) since 2022-23. Gokulam won back-to-back I-League titles before the Indian football roadmap guaranteeing ISL promotion kicked in.

Gokulam will be hoping to make a solid start to a new season starting Friday when they kick off their campaign against Sreenidi Deccan in Hyderabad. Sreenidi and Gokulam finished second and third respectively in the I-League last season, behind champions Mohammedan SC, who gained promotion to ISL.

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Gokulam goalkeeper Shibin Raj is clear about the club's season objective but knows it won't be easier. "We want to be the best team in the league and become champions. But the I-League is very difficult compared to other leagues," Shibin Raj said.

We want to be the best team in the I-League and become champions

Shibin Raj, Gokulam Kerala Goalkeeper

"We know the roadmap of Indian football: The team that wins (I-League) will be going to the top division; it has already happened in the last couple of seasons. Most of the I-League clubs have good teams, so it won't be easy for any side." Punjab FC were the first club to gain promotion from the I-League to the ISL in 2022-23. That season, too, Gokulam finished third behind Sreenidi.

Gokulam head coach Antonio Rueda thinks the clash with Sreenidi will be intense as the Hyderabad-based club has also been knocking on the ISL promotion with consecutive runners-up finishes. "Sreenidi is one of the best teams in the league, but we are well-prepared and confident. Our team is ready to give its best to win the championship," Rueda said on the eve of the I-League opener.

Spanish midfielder Sergio has been named captain of Gokulam, with Rishad announced as the vice-captain. The 24-member squad comprises 11 players from Kerala, three of whom were promoted from the reserves. The match will kick off at 4:30 pm and will be streamed live on the Sony Liv app, Gokulam Kerala said.

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