Churchill Brothers are preparing to begin their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a home fixture against Mumbai City FC at Fatorda Stadium on Sunday. The Goan club will look to turn its preparations into a competitive performance as it returns to the country's top football league after spending a season away. The match marks an important moment for the club as it seeks to establish itself in the ISL and reconnect with supporters. With expectations high, Churchill Brothers will aim to make a strong start against an opponent known for its quality and experience.

Head coach Dimitris Dimitriou said his priority was to develop a clear footballing identity that reflects Churchill Brothers' history, culture and winning mentality. He described leading the club in the ISL as a great honour and stressed the importance of building a strong football culture. Dimitriou said the team wanted to adopt a consistent style of play while remaining competitive against every opponent. He also highlighted the club's responsibility to its supporters, expressing hope that the team's performances would bring renewed excitement to football fans across Goa.

Dimitriou acknowledged that Mumbai City FC would present a difficult challenge, pointing to the quality of their squad and the experience of head coach Manolo Márquez. Despite the limited time available for preparation, he expressed confidence in the work completed by his players. Churchill Brothers conducted 37 training sessions over four weeks during a condensed pre-season. The coaching staff has used that period to prepare the squad for the demands of the competition, with the opening fixture expected to test the team's readiness against an established ISL opponent.

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The coach also believes that retaining 12 players from the previous season will help the team maintain continuity and strengthen its understanding on the pitch. Keeping a substantial portion of the squad together provides a foundation for integrating new players and establishing a consistent approach. Churchill Brothers will rely on a combination of young and experienced footballers as they begin their campaign. Maintaining cohesion and adapting quickly to the level of competition will be important as the club seeks to build momentum in the opening stages of the season.

Churchill Brothers' return to the ISL follows a turbulent period for the club and Indian football. The Goan side has taken over Jamshedpur FC's sporting licence after Tata Steel decided to close the club's first-team operations in August 2026. The move has created an opportunity for Churchill Brothers to return to the top division after missing the previous national season. The club had also lost the 2024–25 I-League title to Inter Kashi following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Its return to the ISL represents a fresh opportunity to compete at the highest level of domestic football.

Churchill Brothers player Kingslee Fernandes said representing the club in the ISL was a proud moment and that the squad was motivated ahead of the match. He described the team as a good mix of young and experienced players and credited Dimitriou with keeping the players motivated during training. Fernandes said preparations had gone well and that the squad was eager to take the field and give its best. The players will look to deliver a performance that makes their supporters proud as Churchill Brothers begin their new chapter against Mumbai City FC at Fatorda Stadium.

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