IWL 2024-25: Sethu FC wins first-ever home game in Tamil Nadu, coach calls it a proud moment

IWL 2024-25: Sethu FC wins first-ever home game in Tamil Nadu, coach calls it a proud moment

After Sethu FC defeated Sreebhumi FC 1-0 in its first-ever Indian Women’s League (IWL) home match in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, coach Shareef Khan said that it was a proud moment for the team to finally play a proper home match at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here.

“It’s a proud moment. We played for Tamil Nadu at our home. We didn’t expect that fans would come and watch our game!

“It’s an honour to play on this ground, because many legends have played here. Very happy that our girls also play on the same ground,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of starting the season with a win, especially in a home match, and expressed happiness over securing three points. It was a season opener for both the teams.

He highlighted the impact of the player-of-the-match Amnah Nababi, the Ugandan midfielder who scored the winning goal, on the team’s success.

“She is a real legend in our team. The first time I saw her videos, I thought she was incredible. I felt she was apt for my philosophy (possession-based football).”

Defender Vinothini, who was on the bench on Saturday, said the team was impressed with the stadium. “When we practiced here yesterday (on Friday), everyone was impressed with the stadium. They were all so looking forward to play.”