All you need to know about I-League debutants Namdhari FC

Former Gokulam Kerala coach Francesc Bonet will be in-charge of Namdhari FC this season

Club Name: Namdhari Football Club

Nickname: The Namdharis

Year Founded: 1975

Home Ground: Guru Gobind Singh Stadium

Owners: Namdhari Seeds

Head Coach: Francesc Bonet

League: I-League

Namdhari FC placed a bid for a spot in the I-League and will now represent Punjab in the league after RoundGlass Punjab FC's promotion to the ISL. This is a significant opportunity for the Punjab-based club to showcase its talent in one of India's top football leagues.

The AIFF accepted five bids for direct entry to the I-League, but only two teams were chosen: Inter Kashi from Varanasi and Namdhari. Bunkerhill Pvt Ltd (Ambala) withdrew its bid after acquiring a majority shareholding in Mohammedan. Nimida United Sports Development Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru United) and Concatenate Advest Advisory Pvt Ltd (Delhi) were unable to meet the bid conditions.

Let’s take a look at the team profile for Namdhari FC for the 2023-24 season of the I-League:

Club History

Namdhari XI was formed in 1975. In 2004, the Namdhari Sports Academy was established in Sri Bhaini Sahib, near Ludhiana. With a growing interest in football, the Namdharis started their very first football academy in 2018.

Ongoing Season

Namdhari FC currently holds the coveted first position in the Punjab State Super League 2023/24, amassing an impressive total of 30 points. This remarkable feat has been achieved through a flawless record of ten consecutive victories in the matches they have played thus far. Namdhari FC's exceptional performance in the league underscores their dominance and skill in the tournament.

In addition to their remarkable league journey, Namdhari FC has also ventured into friendly matches, igniting excitement among fans. The team secured a thrilling victory in their first friendly encounter against Rajasthan FC, winning 2-1, but faced a tough challenge in the second match, losing 3-0. Notably, they managed to hold Mohammedan SC to a 1-1 draw in another friendly clash, showcasing their versatility and resilience on the field.

Coaching Staff

In 2023, Namdhari FC welcomed Francesc Bonet as their new head coach. Bonet, who previously managed teams like Gokulam Kerala FC and Rajasthan FC, brings a wealth of experience to the club. The Spanish tactician is renowned for his expertise in implementing flexible formations, a quality that sets him apart within the I-League.

Namdhari FC’s coaching staff feature the following:

Assistant Coach: Harpreet Singh 

Goalkeeping Coach: Kulwant Singh 

Reserve and Academy Coach: Amrinder Singh, Satnam Singh, Rahul Sammi, Sirtaj Singh, Iqbal Bali, Gurcharan Singh

Head Physio: Ravi Dahia

Transfer Dealings

Ins:

Punjab FC has bolstered their squad with a multitude of Indian talents, including Akashdeep Singh and Davinder Singh from the I-League team Real Kashmir. They've also acquired Saurabh Bhanwala and Peter Seiminthang Haokip from Diamond Harbour.

In addition, Centre Forward Harmanpreet Singh has made the move from the ISL team Bengaluru FC to join their ranks. They've also signed Harmanjot Singh from Rajasthan United. Tenzin Samdup has also come on board with Namdhari FC for the I-League 2023/24 season.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Tenzin Samdup, Subhajit Basu, Nishan Singh.

Defenders: Saurabh Bhanwala, Harpreet Singh, Harmanjot Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Davinder Singh, Sukhandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Karan Kumar Sharma.

Midfielders: Sandeep Singh, Sukhjit Singh, Palwinder Singh, Manbir Singh, Sehajdeep Singh, Jagat Singh, Chanpreet Singh, Karandeep Singh, Stephen Acquah, Imanol Arana.

Forwards: Harmanpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Peter Seiminthang Haokip, Jaskaranpreet Singh, Amey Bhatkal, Manvir Singh, Olmes Garcia.

Tactical Formations

Primary: 4-4-2

Francesc Bonet prefers to play the 4-4-2 formation. In this formation, a team deploys four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. It provides a balanced structure that combines defensive solidity with the ability to launch both attacking and counter-attacking plays effectively.

Alternate: 3-4-3 

The 3-4-3 formation will offer a balance between defensive stability and attacking flair amongst the Namdhari players, making it an attractive choice for teams looking to play an attractive style of football while maintaining a solid defensive foundation. It allows for both width and central play, making it a flexible formation when executed effectively.

Strengths

• Enviable squad depth
• Strong and tough players
• Midfield options

Weakness

• Far Less exposure in the I League

Key Players to Watch

Harmanpreet Singh (Forward)

The forward is one of the best players for Namdhari FC, known for clinical finishing and being a killer in the box. He has scored a plethora of goals for Namdhari FC and is considered one of the most talented prospects in the Punjab Super League. It remains to be seen what the forward will bring to the I-League.

Sukhandeep Singh (Defender)

The centre back has played a pivotal role for the Punjab-based club in the State Super League, where Namdhari FC conceded far fewer goals. Sukhandeep Singh has performed exceptionally well in the league and is eagerly anticipating his game time in the I-League.

Manvir Singh (Forward)

Manvir Singh, alongside Harmanpreet Singh, has wreaked havoc in the Punjab State Super League. This dynamic duo has scored exceptional goals, propelling their team to the top of the league table.

What to Expect

Namdhari FC is about to embark on an exciting adventure as they make their inaugural appearance in the I-League. Their long-awaited participation was granted alongside Inter Kashi, and the anticipation is palpable. 

The debut season promises a thrilling journey for the Punjab-based club, and fans' expectations have reached sky-high levels. It's a momentous occasion that has fans eagerly awaiting the kick-off with bated breath, as the stage is set for Namdhari FC to make their mark on the I-League football scene.