INDIAN ACES: Can tried and tested desi talent give the Yellow Brigade a golden season?

FEW CLUBS HAVE had to struggle for their home and idenitity like Mumbai FC. 

Years on exile, low budgets and a constant struggle against relegation has been their story so far. But since their return to the Cooperage Stadium in 2014-15, and the rise of a sizeable local fanbase, the club has looked to strengthen themselves as a top division competitor.

Known to be a defensive, disruptive force in the I-League under their long time coach Khalid Jamil, Mumbai FC had to battle against the dreaded fall even last season; but at the last moment they delivered and ensured they finished 5th in the league. While that's not saying much, this was their highest finish till date.

Since then, the club has upped the game by signing a more ambitious head coach in Santosh Kashyap, and amassing a team that they believe will have a chance to finish higher in the league.

Much of their hopes for having a good season rests on the experienced Indian players they have in their squd. And in this piece, TFG takes a closer look at some of those players who will be the flag bearers for the Yellow Brigade.