The club’s scouting duo, former players and directors Terance Alex and TJ Mathew, handpicked a core of local talent – Shijin T, Gokul S, Akshay PM, Femin Antony and Shinu R – alongside under‑23 standout Hrithik Antony and newcomer Shanu Stellus, to wear the yellow jersey this season.
Patric Mota, a fan favourite, returns for a third consecutive campaign, while the squad’s international contingent expands beyond its previous all‑Brazilian makeup, adding fresh faces from Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana and Colombia to bolster the side’s competitiveness.
Ian Gillan, who guided Calicut FC to the inaugural SLK title, will steer the Kombans this year, describing the roster as a “jigsaw puzzle” he hopes to turn into a beautiful picture of Kerala’s football potential.
Managing director KC Chandrahasan highlighted that the franchise is uniquely supported by a 30‑member business community, emphasizing a long‑term vision to nurture grassroots talent and give back to the city that cherishes the sport.
Fan engagement has surged, with three dedicated supporter clubs emerging to share match updates and rally enthusiasm, exemplified by Rohini Sajeev, a hospitality worker from Thrissur who says watching Kombans live “is unexplainable” and has become her new passion.
Since the launch of Super League Kerala two years ago, Kombans’ home games at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium have drawn crowds in droves, signalling a robust revival of professional football in the capital after a period of absence.