Shillong, Oct 15: Newly-promote Laitkor SC and Nongrim Hills SC will have the honour of getting the OC Blue Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2024 up and running as they face off in the first match of the new season at 11:50am at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Wednesday.
The biggest ever OC Blue SPL, organised by the Shillong Sports Association (SSA), will feature 10 clubs this season – defending champions Mawlai SC, 2023 runners-up Rangdajied United FC, losing 2023 semifinalists Shillong Lajong FC and Langsning FC, Ryntih FC, Sawmer SC, Nongthymmai SC, Nangkiew Irat SC as well as Laitkor and Nongrim Hills.
With a bigger marquee event, the SSA has decided to hold a double-header on most days, with Sawmer set to face Nangkiew Irat in the second match from 2:45pm Wednesday. Future matches are likely to be held under floodlights, which have been improved recently at the ground.
Sawmer had finished sixth out of eight teams in SPL 2023, while Nangkiew Irat were last; however, the SSA had decided to forgo relegation last season, giving a respite to Nangkiew Irat and seventh-placed Nongthymmai.
Anticipation is high for what promises to be a fiercely competitive event in a state that is renowned for its passion for football and home to many outstanding players.
OC Blue is back as the title sponsor this season and SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh had announced at the launch function two weeks ago that prize money will be doubled this season to a hugely improved Rs 6 lakh for the champions. The runners-up will take home Rs 3 lakh while all clubs will continue to receive a share of the ticket revenue.
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