Some intense and absorbing contests will be witnessed as the 18th edition of the Kalina Football League, organised by the Our Lady of Egypt Church Sports Committee, is set to commence at the Our Lady of Egypt Church grounds, Kalina from Sunday, September 15, 2019.
Former India star and ex-Tata Sports Club’s player Tony Martins and Rev. Fr. Rui Comelo, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Egypt Church will inaugurate the tournament on Sunday morning. Defending champions Air India Colony will take on FC Kolovery FC – Z3 in the first match.
This is one of the oldest and longest running locality-based leagues in the city of Mumbai. This is also a unique tournament because it is restricted to teams (zonal basis) comprising of players residing with Kalina vicinity. Another unique feature about this tournament is, that this is the only tournament that has always been conducted by the Church, which forms a sports committee to organise the event. The matches are all played in true football spirit and in sporting atmosphere and they attract a positive response from within the community as every match is watched by large number of spectators.
The league has produced several international and national players, some of them representing leading clubs in the I-League and ISL competitions. At present Raju Gaikwad and Jayesh Rane are the players from Kalina who are current playing in the Indian Super League.
A total of nine teams including last year’s champions Air India Colony will be fighting it out for the top honours in the Men’s category. The other participating teams are – Indian FC, Kalina Rangers, Kalina United, Kalina Village Boys ‘A’, Kalina Village Boys ‘B’, FC Kolovery SC, FC Kolovery – Z3, and Egyptians Boys. Simultaneously a Boys’ Under-16 League will be conducted.
The tournament offers handsome prize-money and trophies for the winners, runners-up and individual awards.
The 9 teams participating in the Main League: Air India Colony, FC Kolovery, Indian FC, FC Kolovery (Z3), Kalina Village Boys ‘A’, Kalina Rangers, Kalina Village Boys “B’, Kalina United, Egyptians Boys.
Boy’s U-16 League: Farm House SC INDIA, Kalina Junior Rangers, Kalina Village Boys and Indian FC.