Football, Fandom, and Kerala Blasters FC: An Intense Love Story

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There's a certain magic to organic fandom in football that cannot be quantified. A group of loyal followers, cheering for their team through the highs and lows, serves as an invaluable backbone, helping the team navigate the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Indian football is home to an array of such vibrant and ardent followers, and a prime example of this is the Kerala Blasters FC and their fan group, Manjappada.

The Kerala Blasters FC, based in Kochi, has experienced an enthralling journey in the Indian Super League (ISL). Regardless of the team's trajectory, the unwavering support from their home crowd has never waned.

This season, under the leadership of Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, the team has been making waves in the league, currently competing for the top spot with 16 points from seven matches.

Charismatic Leadership and Unyielding Home Support

Guided by the dynamic Adrian Luna, Kerala Blasters have showcased consistent top-notch performances. The Yellow Brigade, as they are fondly referred to, have won four out of their five home games till date.

They have capitalised on the unparalleled enthusiasm exuded by the Kochi crowd game after game. Vukomanovic’s coaching record at home is commendable, with the team winning 11 out of 15 games and drawing one under his guidance.

While to an outsider, this might seem like an extraordinary achievement, for Vukomanovic, it's the least his team can do to honour the faith placed in them by their fervent supporters.

The Spirit of Football in Kerala

Kerala is a football-loving state. The moment you set foot in Kerala, you are enveloped by a football-centric atmosphere. It's a place where football is not just a sport, but a way of life.

As Vukomanovic puts it, "It's all about passion, more than anything else - it's very important for the people of Kerala, and being part of Kerala Blasters, you have a huge responsibility to respect the logo that you are wearing."

He further adds, "That's what I tell the players always. They should be proud, because they are being a part of and representing a huge community. That's why, we always have an obligation to show a little bit more than our opponents, whether we are playing home or away.

"Especially when we play at home, we have to show something else, that we are fighting for the logo, and we are fighting for that club, because that's a part of the identity of Kerala."

Looking Ahead

In his inaugural season in the league, Vukomanovic led Kerala Blasters to the ISL 2021-22 finals. His stint with the team so far has been impactful, and he is eager to clinch the coveted trophy this season.

However, for the 46-year-old Serbian, being the coach of Kerala Blasters is more than just meeting performance targets. He aims to influence the club's culture in a way that his tenure in Kochi will be remembered for years to come, even after he steps away from the team.

In conclusion, the relationship between a football club and its fans is a sacred bond. The unwavering support from a passionate fan base can inspire teams to perform beyond their potential.

As seen with Kerala Blasters FC, this synergy between the players, coach, and fans has led to impressive performances on the field, creating a legacy that will undoubtedly continue to flourish.

Source: ISL Media