Kerala Blasters' playmaker and captain Penn Orji is convinced that Indian Super League is the only way up for Indian football, and he is excited about the new format.
Orji, who has already played in the I-League for East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting, also feels that even though I-League will remain India's football league, ISL will help develop Indian football.
"I am lucky to be playing in the ISL and it is one of the most organised tournament to happen in Indian football. Organisers, players and franchisees are really serious about making ISL a big hit and for Indian football this is the only way up," Oriji exclusively told IBNLive Sports.
"The format of the tournament looks very well organised and leagues like ISL, not only in India but anywhere in the world, will only help the popularity of football grow more. Other than this, programmes at the grass root level, quality coaching, better facilities, and matches under lights will help the quality of the game improve over the next few years."
Kerala, who narrowly lost their first match against NorthEast United FC in Guwahati 0-1, will take on Chennaiyan FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday and captain Orji is pretty confident that his team will hit the ground up and running against the home team.
"We were a bit unlucky against NorthEast United as we dominated the game but were not able to take our chances. We need to hit the ground from word go against Chennaiyan. Although it would be an away game, we are ready for it and you will surely see a different Kerala side", he added.
"We have difficult fixtures to start with as we have been given four away games but the team is ready for it. Surely somewhere there will be a silver lining and it's still early days in the tournament; we will get things right," he concluded
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