League debutants Odisha F.C will be playing their first three home games of the Indian Super League [ISL] in Pune because the City’s Kalinga Stadium is under construction.

Their matches against ATK, Bengaluru F.C and Hyderabad F.C on the 24th of November, 4th and 11th of December will be played at Pune’s Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex.

Odisha F.C which is previously known as “Delhi Dynamos F.C”. They began to play since the inauguration of the Indian Super League in October 2014. The club is owned and operated by the United States-based ship recycling company GMS. The club has grown in popularity since it was created which made them have a nickname from the supporters’ group called “juggernauts”. And it merely means a powerful force or organization that cannot be stopped.

The Kalinga Stadium, which is owned by the Odisha Sports and Youth Services department is not ready yet as it currently undergoing upgrade work and consistent showers in the state capital further delay it. The venue will be the host to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, though, it is reported that the State government is working hard to ensure the turf is in top condition following the FIFA guidelines. The stadium is due to be ready before the 16th of December.

The remaining six games will kick off as planned. Rohan Sharma who owns Odisha F.C said it’s unfortunate things have gone beyond their control. So they have to consider an alternative venue for the first three home games, and they are looking forward to seeing a full crowd as they make use of Kalinga Stadium as their first home game. They believe it will spur them on as they look to make a statement in the League.

 
 
Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi