Sony Norde proclaims ISL extremely competitive, says it should be prolonged

Foreigners in Indian football can currently be segregated in to two categories – those who play in the I-League and those who ply their trade in the recently initiated Indian Super League.

The latter are an illustrious category of athletes, some of whom have excelled formerly at the grandest of stages in the sport. The I-League regulars thus are often relegated to the bench or even worse – not picked by the ISL franchisees. Players like Yusa Katsumi of Mohun Bagan and Dong of East Bengal are testament to this.

One stand-out anomaly to this trend though has been Mumbai City FC striker Sony Norde. Not only did the starlet champion his team’s I-League winning campaign last season, he has been equally instrumental in his franchise’s inspired run in the second season of the ISL so far.

Talking exclusively to Sportskeeda about the two leagues and the difference in quality of play between them, Sony said, “The ISL has been a boon for Indian football in every sense of the word. It has better players and is received better by fans all over the country. On the pitch too, I can feel the difference in quality.

“Having watched a lot of football on TV, I feel this tourney can match the La Liga in terms of the level of play.”

Asked if a curtailed two-month league can help develop the footballing standards in India, he added, “I think the ISL should be extended. If it cant substitute the I-League immediately, they should at least have it running for 6 months.

“Gradually it can become a full fledged 10 month-a-year event.”

One area of concern with the ISL has been the lack of exposure for the Indian footballers. With 6 foreigners allowed per team, home-grown talent seems to have taken a backseat. Norde however emphasised that for the youngsters here, it’s a great source of exposure to even train with the big wigs of world football.

“The likes of Sunil (Chhetri), Jackichand and Romeo will obviously play. But for others its still an opportunity of a lifetime. Maybe some more playing time would help them (the Indians) but for now I think the tournament is serving its purpose of developing Indian football well,” he said.

Later today, Sony and his mates will square off against table toppers Delhi Dynamos. The charismatic playmaker seemed unfazed about the challenge. “We are here to enjoy the atmosphere, the results will follow,” he signed off.