Pre-season: Kerala Blasters to travel to UAE after Durand Cup

Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC are all set to fly to UAE as part of their pre-season preparation ahead of the tenth edition of the Indian Super League, Halfway Football understands.

“KBFC will travel to UAE after playing Durand Cup. Even though the exact duration is yet to be finalized, the tour is planned between September 1, 2023, and September 20, 2023,” a source aware of the developments told Halfway Football.

Halfway Football learned that Tuskers are looking forward to play three or four friendly matches during the tenure and discussions with UAE Pro Division clubs based in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain are progressing. It’s understood that the opponents and dates will be finalized only after UAE Pro League schedules are released.

The Kochi-based outfit had traveled to UAE last season too, but unfortunately, they were forced to cancel the three pre-planned pre-season friendlies scheduled due to the ban by FIFA on AIFF and returned home after training in Al-Nasr SC’s ground for three weeks & playing one official friendly match against Al Jazira Al Hamra.

Kerala Blasters FC is very active in the transfer market, making necessary additions to the squad. Three of the foreigners were retained, signed Jaushua Sotirio and are looking to rope in a defender and striker to the remaining spots. There are plenty of moves happening in the domestic roster too. The club has agreed terms with a couple of players including Indian international and Mohun Bagan Super Gaint’s captain Pritam Kotal.