It is homecoming for Mumbai FC as they play at their home ground after a gap of four years against Kenkre FC in the ongoing MDFA Elite Division. The last time the I-League club played a match at The Cooperage was on May 28, 2010 when they defeated Mohun Bagan AC 2-0 courtesy two first half goals from Abhishek Yadav.

Atul Badgamia, Dy. Vice President, Mumbai FC, was delighted on having the club playing at The Cooperage again. “This is a historic stadium with a legacy of more than hundred years of Indian football and has been a breeding ground for legends. It’s been a long time and playing at the beautiful Cooperage Stadium has always been an honour for our club and players. We call all our fans to come and cheer for their own club, Mumbai FC. Hopefully, WIFA will soon get the necessary permissions, so that we can host the eagerly waiting football enthusiasts of Mumbai at the real home of Maharashtra football. The team really needs to play their Elite Division and I-League games at Cooperage.”

Mumbai FC’s first match is on October 27 against Kenkre FC, who will prove to be a stern test for the Mumbai boys. Head coach Khalid Jamil said, “Mumbai is the biggest football playing district in India and the MDFA Elite Division League is one of the toughest local football leagues in the country. We have top I-League I and Division II clubs along with the likes of Air India and ONGC who have players of top quality in their ranks and make formidable opponents. The game against Kenkre will be our first official competitive game in season 2014-15 and provides us a great opportunity to kick start our pre-season. These Elite Division games will help the team gain necessary momentum and build an understanding with each other. We go into the game looking for nothing less than a win.”

He added, “The interlude has affected us a lot, both in terms of performances as well as money. I am sure the players will be really happy to play at Cooperage, especially the players who belong to Mumbai. Cooperage is our home ground and I hope that we get an opportunity to play all our I-League home matches here.”

The match against Kenkre FC also marks Mumbai FC’s return to the MDFA Elite Division after a two year gap which occurred due to commitments to play in national tournaments like the I-League.