ISL 2019-20 | Odisha FC to play remaining home games in Bhubaneswar
ISL
Odisha FC has announced, on Saturday, that the remainder of their home games, starting from December 27, will be hosted by the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The team had to play their first three home games at an away venue due to the remodelling work that was underway at the Kalinga ground.
After playing their first three home games in Pune in the sixth season of the Hero Indian Super League, Odisha FC will host their matches at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar from December 27. Their first game for Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar will be against neighbouring team Jamshedpur FC.
Owing to the delay in the completion of the upgradation work at the Kalinga Stadium ahead of the upcoming FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup 2020, the Bhubaneswar-based ISL club had to shift their first three games to Pune. Out of those three, Josep Gombau's Odisha FC drew against ATK, lost to Bengaluru and won their last game in Pune against Hyderabad FC.
Informing about the home games in Bhubaneswar, Odisha FC CEO Mr. Ashish Shah said, "It has been a tough season so far for the entire team as we have played all games away from Bhubaneswar. We are happy to now play in front of our fans. People in the state are very passionate about sports and we are hopeful that they will come in big numbers to support us at our home - Kalinga Stadium."
OFC Head Coach Mr. Josep Gombau also expressed his delight saying, "It's a huge news for us that from December 27 we will play at our home. To play at our home is our wish because you play in front of your fans and you feel strong when you play at home. It has been a big journey for us and we are now happy and excited to play in front of our fans."
"People of Odisha must be proud of us as we played away matches and got positive results as well. Now, all the people of Odisha can enjoy our beautiful football and come to the stadium to be the 12th man that we need in every game. I want to say to the people of Odisha that we are waiting for you at the stadium," the coach further added.
