ISL 2026-27: Top five Churchill Brothers players to watch out for
Red Machine eye historic debut against Manolo Marquez’s Islanders at Fatorda
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, gears up to host the fourth game of the opening matchweek of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season, where home team Churchill Brothers are all set to take on former champions of India, Mumbai City FC, in what is set to be a thrilling contest between the two teams.
Churchill Brothers qualified for the ISL following Jamshedpur FC’s withdrawal from the Indian Super League. Tata Steel transferred its entire shareholding in JFSPL (Jamshedpur Football & Sporting Private Limited) and its ISL Club Licensing to Churchill Brothers FC.
The two-time I League winners and three-time Durand Cup champions will be keen to make their ISL debut a historic one. They have roped in Indian players like Gaurav Bora, Melroy Assisi, Trijoy Savio Dias and many more to bolster their squad.
Moreover, Cypriot coach Dimitris Dimitriou is back at the helm of Churchill Brothers as the head coach for the upcoming season.
5. Sebastian Gutiérrez
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Gutiérrez, Churchill Brothers’ first foreign signing for the 2026-27 domestic season, brings South American flair to the Indian top flight. The Colombian attacking midfielder will be the creative heartbeat for the Red Machines under the tutelage of Dimitris Dimitriou.
He played a crucial role in helping the Goan outfit end the 2024-25 season strongly, finishing second behind Inter Kashi. A proper number 10, he spent two years in India, playing for Dempo last season in the Indian Football League amid Churchill’s absence from domestic football.
He has previously plied his trade with top-tier South American clubs. He made his professional debut in the Colombian top flight with Patriotas before establishing himself as a lethal offensive outlet with Llaneros FC.
The former York United forward is also a set-piece specialist, and his tactical versatility to operate in different formations makes him an invaluable asset for the Red Machine.
4. Gaurav Bora
The Guwahati-born defender will be a major force to reckon with in the defence for Red Machines. He has previously donned the jerseys of Pune City, Chennai City, Odisha FC, North East United FC and Mohammedan SC before finding his new home in the smallest state of India.
He has previously represented the Indian U23 team. He will be up against a strong Mumbai City FC attack led by Wilmar Jordan Gill, Vikram Partap, Farukh Choudhary, Brandon Fernanes, and Sergio Llamas, and young Bora will be tasked with the responsibility of neutralising Mumbai’s offensive prowess.
3. Dramane Salou
Having represented the Burkina Faso national team previously at AFCON 2024, Salou has donned the jerseys of several top-tier clubs in different parts of the world. His football odyssey saw him win the Armenian Premier League & Armenian Cup with FC Urartu.
He also represented Uratu in the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers, where he started both games against Bosnian outfit HŠK Zrinjski Mostar. A marquee defensive acquisition, he will offer defensive stability to the debutants.
A physically combative player, Salou is expected to dominate the midfield, and his vast experience playing in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia makes him a key component in Churchill’s midfield.
2. Vincy Barretto
The Goan winger made a switch from Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers recently. Barretto was part of the FC Goa reserves team and has plied his trade with Gokulam Kerala, Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC before finding his way back home to Goa with the Red Machines.
His raw and visceral lightning speed from the flanks will be key, as Dimitrou will be eager to make his debut season a memorable one for the Red Machines. He will be tasked with the responsibility of creating chances upfront for Wayde Lekay.
1. Wayde Lekay
The Red Machines roped in the South African striker on the deadline day of the transfer window. His maiden season in India with Churchill Brothers grabbed a lot of limelight after he scored a lot of goals, clocking an average of more than one goal every two games.
Lekay, who spent his formative years in South Africa with TS Galaxy and Steenberg United, made a move to Sweden with FC Trollhättan before finding his new home in the smallest state of India.
Despite interest from Basundhara Kings, Churchill Brothers were successful in bringing back their star striker. A tall aerial presence, standing at 187 centimetres, Lekay will be a player to watch out for in the upcoming season and will also be one of the strongest contenders for the ISL Golden Boot.
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