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Sethu FC Returns to Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for Indian Women’s League

Chennai, August 21, 2024 – Sethu Football Club, based in Madurai, is thrilled to announce its return to Chennai’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the upcoming 2024-25 season of the Indian Women’s League (IWL). As the sole representative of Tamil Nadu in the IWL, Sethu FC eagerly anticipates the opportunity to once again play in front of its loyal home supporters after a season spent in Goa due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has granted the club permission to use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, providing a significant boost to the team as it prepares for the upcoming season. Playing in Tamil Nadu not only benefits the players but also helps reconnect with the club’s passionate local fan base, which has been a constant source of support since the team’s inception.

Expressing his gratitude, Club Chairman and Owner, Mr. Seeni Mohaideen, said:
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Tamil Nadu for its pivotal role in the holistic development of sports across various disciplines in the state. Our special thanks go to the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, for granting permission to utilize Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the home ground for Sethu FC in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-2025 season. His continued support for women’s football is deeply valued.”

“We are also immensely grateful to the SDAT officials, particularly Thiru Meghanatha Reddy, IAS, the Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). Despite his busy schedule, he was instrumental in approving our request to play at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Providing this facility to Sethu FC, the only women’s football club from Tamil Nadu in the IWL, will help elevate the quality of the league, distinguish Tamil Nadu as a leader in promoting women’s football, and foster the growth of the sport in the region. After a challenging season in Goa, we are relieved and excited to be back in Chennai.”

With teams from all over India participating, this prestigious event shines a spotlight on Tamil Nadu, highlighting its growing significance in women’s football. The support of our local fans will provide a tremendous boost for our players.

With its return to Chennai, Sethu FC is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting IWL season. Having previously won the league and consistently performed at the highest level since the IWL’s inception in 2016, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the 2024-25 edition.

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Kemp FC and Sethu FC Announce Strategic Player Development Partnership

Bangalore/Madurai, September 9, 2024 – In a significant move for women’s football, Karnataka-based Kemp FC and Tamil Nadu-based Sethu FC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance player development through a mutual player loan agreement. The partnership, which officially launches tomorrow, seeks to address the challenge of limited playing time during shorter league seasons by enabling players from both clubs to gain valuable competitive experience across different leagues.

Key Features of the Partnership:

  • Mutual Player Loans: Sethu FC players will join Kemp FC for the Karnataka Women’s League, while Kemp FC players will be loaned to Sethu FC for the Indian Women’s League (IWL). This ensures that players from both clubs maximize playing time and experience.
  • Increased Playing Opportunities: Players from both clubs will gain exposure to diverse match environments, further enhancing their skills and overall development.
  • Focused Player Growth: The collaboration focuses on creating a structured pathway for young talent, allowing them to benefit from consistent game time and exposure to varied coaching methods.
  • Shared Resources: Both clubs will pool resources, including coaching staff and training facilities, ensuring holistic development for their players.
  • Larger Talent Pool: This agreement creates a wider pool of highly developed players, benefiting both clubs and contributing to the broader growth of women’s football in India.

In the recently concluded KWL 2024, four players—Rivka Ramji, Priya Chettri, Mariyam Khatun, and Heena Khatun—were part of Kemp FC on loan from Sethu FC. This initial collaboration has highlighted the potential benefits of the strategic partnership and its positive impact on the women’s football ecosystem in India. A few Kemp FC players are also expected to join Sethu FC for the upcoming IWL campaign, further strengthening the synergy between the two clubs.

Statements from Leadership:

“We are thrilled about this partnership with Kemp FC. By sharing players and resources, we can provide our talent with more playing opportunities and support their growth in a meaningful way. This collaboration represents a significant step forward for player development in women’s football,” said Seeni Mohaideen, President of Sethu FC.

Kathleen De Saran, President of Kemp FC, added, “Kemp FC’s partnership with Sethu FC is an excellent opportunity for us to provide our players with higher competitive avenues, which is vital for their growth. The collaboration helps both clubs overcome the limitations of short league seasons while promoting player development.”


This partnership between Kemp FC and Sethu FC reaffirms their joint mission to nurture the next generation of football talent and provide a rich competitive experience for players at both clubs.

About Sethu FC:

Established in 2016, Sethu FC is a renowned women’s football club from Tamil Nadu, known for its focus on player development, competitive success, and its significant role in the women’s football community. Sethu FC claimed the prestigious Indian Women’s League (IWL) title in the 2018-19 season and triumphed in the Tamil Nadu Women’s League (TWL) in 2021-22. These victories highlight their commitment to excellence and their ongoing contribution to the growth of women’s football in India.

About Kemp FC:

Founded in 2022, Kemp FC is a prominent women’s football club based in Karnataka, dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting excellence in Indian women’s football. In the 2024-25 season, Kemp FC made significant strides in the Karnataka Women’s League, finishing runners-up in the league on goal difference. Their stellar performance earned them promotion to the Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL 2), marking a major milestone in their journey and reinforcing their commitment to advancing women’s football in India.

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Sethu FC Signs Talented Winger Laishram Rejiya Devi

Sethu FC is thrilled to announce the signing of Laishram Rejiya Devi, a dynamic winger from Kakwa, Imphal East, Manipur. At just 19 years old, Rejiya has already achieved remarkable success in her football career. She represented India at the U17 FIFA World Cup in 2022 and played a key role in winning the SAFF U18 Championship in Odisha. Most recently, she was part of the squad that triumphed in the Senior National Championship 2024 in Kolkata.

Rejiya’s passion for football was inspired by her uncle, and she has become the first professional footballer in her family. Her father is self-employed, and her mother is a housewife. Despite no other professional footballers in her family, Rejiya has forged a successful path in the sport.

Club president, Mr. Seeni Mohaideen, shared his enthusiasm about the new addition:

“Rejiya brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to Sethu FC. Her achievements at both national and international levels are a testament to her talent and dedication. We are excited to see her contribute to our team and grow with us.”

Rejiya expressed her excitement about joining Sethu FC:

“I am honored to be a part of Sethu FC and look forward to this new chapter in my career. I am eager to bring my best to the field and contribute to the team’s success. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”

Sethu FC is excited to welcome Rejiya and looks forward to her contributions to the team as they continue to support and develop exceptional talent in Indian women’s football.

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Sethu FC Secures Manipur’s Promising Midfielder Anju Chanu

Madurai, Tamil Nadu — 24 August 2024: Sethu FC is thrilled to announce the signing of 17-year-old Anju Chanu, one of Manipur’s most promising young football talents, to its squad. Anju, a dynamic midfielder, hails from Kanghuchingjin Khullen, Imphal East, Manipur, and has quickly made a name for herself with her exceptional performances on the field.

At just 17 years old, Anju has already proven her mettle in the footballing world. She played a pivotal role as a regular part of the Manipur state team during the Senior Nationals, where her team clinched the trophy by defeating Haryana in a thrilling final. Her consistent and outstanding performances throughout the competition marked her as a player to watch.

Anju was also a member of the Under-17 Indian National team, representing India in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand. Her skill, intelligence on the field, and dedication have earned her a place among the most promising young players in the country.

Anju’s journey began at SSC Sekta Football Club, where she first honed her skills. She continued her development at The Youth Welfare Club in Manipur, where her talent was nurtured over the years. Her rise in the sport is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and passion for football.

Anju comes from a supportive family, with her father, Kayenpaibam Narahari Singh, working as an assistant professor, and her mother, Kayenpaibam Bimola Devi, managing the household. She has two elder sisters who have been her pillars of strength throughout her journey.

Mr. Seeni Mohaideen, President of Sethu FC, expressed his excitement about Anju joining the team: “We are always open to welcoming young talents like Anju. Her intelligence on the field, combined with her dedication and potential, makes her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to seeing her develop and contribute to our club’s success in the coming years.”

Anju’s coach, Wangkheirakpam Tomba Singh, also shared his thoughts on her signing: “I am incredibly happy that Anju’s talent has been recognized and picked up by Sethu FC for the upcoming Indian Women’s League (IWL). This will be her second IWL, and I have no doubt she will make a significant impact. I want to thank the Sethu FC team for believing in her potential and giving her this incredible opportunity.”

Anju Chanu is set to bring her skill and determination to Sethu FC, where she will continue to grow as a player and contribute to the club’s ambitions. Her signing marks another step forward in Sethu FC’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a strong, competitive team for the future.

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Sethu FC Secures Future with Key Contract Extensions for Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, and Babina Devi

Madurai, August 4, 2024 – Sethu FC is thrilled to announce the extension of contracts for three of its standout players, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, and Babina Devi, for an additional two years. These extensions are pivotal in ensuring the continuity and strength of the team as it prepares for the upcoming seasons.

Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, a rock-solid centre-back, has been a key figure in Sethu FC’s defense. Her exceptional defensive skills, leadership on the pitch, and ability to marshal the backline have been critical to the team’s success. Nirmala’s extended stay will be vital in maintaining the team’s defensive resilience.

Kaviya Pakkirisamy, a speedy and prolific winger, has consistently delivered with her blistering pace and goal-scoring ability. Her knack for creating opportunities and her relentless work ethic on the flanks make her an essential part of Sethu FC’s attacking force. The extension of Kaviya’s contract ensures that the team retains one of its most dynamic and exciting talents.

Lisham Babina Devi, a midfield maestro, has been the creative heartbeat of the team. Known for her vision, precise passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Babina’s role in orchestrating the team’s play from midfield has been invaluable. Her continued presence in the midfield will be a major asset for Sethu FC as they look to build on their past achievements.

Lisham Babina Devi
Kaviya Pakkirisamy
Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi

In addition to these critical extensions, Sethu FC is pleased to confirm that Ngopawdi, Gladys, and Purnima—three of the club’s key defenders—are already under contract, providing stability to the team’s defensive line. Devi D, a talented goalkeeper and a veteran of the club, will also continue with Sethu FC, marking her second year into her recent contract. Devi has been with Sethu FC since its early days and has been a cornerstone of the club’s success, contributing her experience and consistency to the team’s defense.

With the core team from last season remaining intact and the introduction of promising new signings, Sethu FC is well-prepared for another competitive and successful season in the Indian Women’s League.


For more information, please contact: [email protected]