Kochi: Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday introduced the new team of Kerala Blasters, ahead of its two-week visit to Thailand.
Blasters will fly to Thailand early Thursday morning for matches with premier, first-division teams and practice sessions as it looks to emerge from the rout in the second season of the Indian Super League. Blasters was the only team which did not go for training abroad last year.
Tendulkar was joined by franchisee co-owners Nimmagadda Prasad, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and Allu Aravind when he presented the team with the latest addition, Haitian striker Duckens Nazon. A sportive Sachin was seen in the traditional Kerala attire 'mundu' and the yellow team jersey.
The management wants to see off the team in style along with its Malayali fans already in the Onam festive mood.
Blasters are looking to hone their skills with first-division teams in Thailand, which has a decade of football tradition. A friendly match with the Thai youth team at the National Football Training Center is also planned. The team could practice at the many clubs and soccer schools of Thailand even at night.
Head coach Steve Coppell wants the team to go through many formations and practice matches. Graham Stack will coach the goal keepers.
The other ISL franchisees have all opted for training abroad to keep abreast with the pace. Atletico de Kolkata and FC Pune City go to Spain while Chennaiyin FC have opted for Perugia in Italy. FC Goa’s training ground is in Ziko 10 Academy in Brazil while Mumbai City have a rendezvous with Dubai. Delhi Dynamos fly to Sweden and England for practice sessions and friendlies. Northeast United FC will slug it out in South Africa.