Sreenidi Deccan FC take on Diamond Harbour in their IFL opener on Saturday

Sreenidi Deccan FC will open their Indian Football League 2025-26 season against Diamond Harbour FC at Kalyani Stadium, Kolkata. Portuguese coach Carlos Vaz Pinto returns to lead the Deccan Warriors, backed by key new signings in a strong squad for the campaign.

Hyderabad: Sreenidi Deccan FC is set to commence their Indian Football League 2025-26 campaign away to newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC. The match is scheduled to commence at 6.30 pm in the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata.

Portuguese head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto is returning to the helm of the Deccan Warriors after a season away from the club. He will have the services of key new signings, including forwards Paulo Cezar, Fabrice Kah, midfielder Pape Gassama and defenders Muhammad Hammad and Hadi Idrissou.

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On the other hand, Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna has led Diamond Harbour through consecutive promotions into the Indian Football League and finished as the runner-up in the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup in 2025.

Speaking ahead of their opening fixture of the much-anticipated season, head coach Vaz Pinto said: “It has been a long break, but we are ready to compete. The atmosphere around the team is good and I believe we have built a strong team this season to compete in the league.”

“Diamond Harbour has an experienced coach with some experienced players, so I feel they will present a very good competition. I want our fans to be proud of us. We are representing Hyderabad and Telangana, and we want everyone to support us and be proud of us.”