Coimbatore to UAE: Story of Roaring Lions, the Fan Army of I-League leaders Chennai City FC

Roaring Lions Fan Club Chennai City FC owner Rohit Ramesh (centre) with the Roaring Lions banner

What would you like to say to the CCFC management?

Selva: First, we thank the management for choosing Coimbatore as their home ground. They have chosen a place which has the most knowledgeable and loyal fan base in Tamil Nadu, other than Chennai. This is the second year and the numbers will increase soon.

We want to thank them for giving the local players a chance and recognising their talents. Chennai is the only National league Club from south India handing more opportunities for local players. We want this to continue for years to come. We are a family and we will support our CCFC family in all situations. We want to thank all the players, coaching staff, Medical team members and the management.

What is the story behind your motto RAISE! DOMINATE! REPEAT!?

Kamalesh: The story behind these words is really important. When we did not play well last season, many had said that the level of South Indian football was below par. But our CCFC had 'raised' like a Phoenix from last year's disappointments. They raised and 'dominated' the position.

Possession-based football was tried in India by many people in the past and most of them have not come out with good results. But our CCFC coach Akbar Nawas has proved that we can keep the ball and conjure up successful results.

They RAISED like a Phoenix bird,

DOMINATED like KING OF THE JUNGLE LION.

And are REPEATing that with consistent performances in every match.

You organised an event where fans from Chennai could come to Coimbatore for watching the Chennai City vs Mohun Bagan match. Who initiated it?

Selva: This is not only for the CCFC vs MB match but is regularly undertaken by the fans. We want to hold it regularly for the fans of Chennai and other places in Tamil Nadu.

Based on the number of fans registering for those games, we arrange a mode of transport for their arrival to Coimbatore. Every fan likes to watch a football match in the stadium and to enjoy that atmosphere with the chants and the celebration. So we want to make this dream come true for every fan. That's the reason why we made this provision for our travelling fans.

The Roaring Lions Fan Club and Chennai City FC team during a meet and greet event.

You have been organising transport for travelling fans. Do you have any plan to screen the away matches?

Kamalesh: Yes, we are planning screenings and the place is also confirmed. But the broadcasting issues (Star telecasting only select matches) spoiled our plans or else we would have started the screening on January 28 itself. We have now decided to screen the away matches in a grand manner next season.