I-League heavyweights Mohammedan SC, Sreenidi Deccan to play 'Connect Tournament' in South Africa

Orlando Pirates are going to take on Mohammedan SC in the first fixture.

In a development initiative that marks a significant stride in international football collaborations, two premier I-League clubs, Mohammedan SC and Sreenidi Deccan FC, are set to travel to South Africa to participate in the highly anticipated ‘Connect Tournament’ organized by Niniva Capital and Bhattacharjee.

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will also be part of the tournament at the iconic Mosses Mabhida Stadium in Durban later this month.

The Connect Tournament has garnered significant attention with the inclusion of two powerhouse teams from the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) – Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Football fans can look forward to electrifying encounters between these top-notch clubs as they contend for supremacy in the picturesque setting of Mosses Mabhida Stadium.

Mohammedan SC, one of the oldest and most decorated football clubs in India, brings with them a rich legacy and a squad filled with talent and experience. Sreenidi Deccan FC, a relatively newer entrant into Indian football, has been making waves with their impressive performances in domestic competitions currently holding the third position in the I-League.

The much-anticipated ‘Connect Tournament’, hailed as a notable event, promises a unique combination of cultural exchange and an exciting showcase of football superiority. This remarkable occasion is scheduled merely three days following Bafana’s concluding Group E AFCON match against Tunisia in Korhogo, Ivory Coast.

The PSL has entered a six-week break, clearing the path for the continental football extravaganza. Simultaneously, both the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League will experience a match-free January, owing to the scheduling adjustments necessitated by the AFC Asian Cup.

Niniva Capital, the organizers of the tournament, expressed their enthusiasm for the event, stating that it aims to foster connections between football clubs from different regions and provide a platform for cultural exchange through the beautiful game. The inclusion of Indian clubs in this tournament is a significant step towards the globalization of Indian football and fostering international collaborations.

“We started planning this initiative after the raids [July 2021 riots] that happened in KZN. This is not overnight work,” said Sibaphiwe Khanyile, CEO of Niniva to FARPost.

Substantially Orlando Pirates are going to take on Mohammedan Sporting Club in the first fixture whereas Kaizer Chiefs will face Sreenidi Deccan FC in the second match.

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