Football fever has officially returned to the Malabar coast. Season 3 of the Super League Kerala (SLK) is set to kick off on September 25, with the tournament running all the way through to the grand final on December 12, 2026.

The new season opened with a spectacular mega-launch event on September 12 at the Cochin Trade Centre, featuring a live performance by Sid Sriram and the release of the official league anthem, “Thayyare”.

The Rise of Super League Kerala

Established in 2024 by the Kerala Football Association and Scoreline Sports, the franchise-based SLK was designed to professionalize the local football ecosystem. The league bridges the gap between young homegrown talent and seasoned international professionals, offering a platform outside the traditional Indian football pyramid.

The tournament features six franchise-based clubs: Calicut FC, Forca Kochi FC, Kannur Warriors FC, Malappuram FC, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, and Thrissur Magic FC.

While Kannur Warriors FC enter the 2026 campaign as the Defending Champions following their 2025 triumph, the inaugural 2024 season belonged entirely to the dominant force of Calicut FC.

Calicut FC: The Inaugural Kings

Founded in May 2024 and playing out of the 50,000-capacity EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Calicut FC immediately established a winning culture. Backed by their passionate supporter group, the “Beacons,” and the groundbreaking “Lady Beacons”, the first exclusive women’s supporters’ group in Indian football, the team built a massive local following.

Under the guidance of then-head coach Ian Gillan, Calicut topped the 2024 league stage, losing only one match. The final, held on November 10 in front of a roaring home crowd, saw Calicut take control against Forca Kochi FC.

Thoi Singh opened the scoring before Haitian international striker Kervens Belfort sealed the game in the 71st minute with a powerful volley. A late goal from Forca Kochi’s Dorielton wasn’t enough, and Calicut secured the inaugural SLK trophy with a 2-1 victory.

Calicut FC Head Coach

Heading into the 2026 campaign, Calicut FC has retooled its setup. Argentine tactician Ever Demaldé takes the reins as head coach, tasked with bringing the trophy back to Kozhikode.

Ever Demalde Exclusive Interview

🚨 MyKhel Exclusive: Ever Demalde is back at Calicut!
Ever Demalde is back at @calicutfc ahead of the 2026 Super League Kerala season. After guiding the club as head coach last season and helping them finish at the top of the table, the Argentine will be hoping to go one step… pic.twitter.com/vGeiZyLWkF

— Mykhel Football (@Mykhel_football) September 18, 2026

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