Players from Jamshedpur FC have started arriving in Goa as the state gets ready to host the cash-rich Indian Super League (ISL) starting next month.

Star winger Jackichand Singh, mid-fielder Amarjit Singh Kiyam and winger Bhupender Singh landed in Goa on Friday morning, while Issac Vanmalsawma (midfilder), Ricky Lallawmawma (left-back) and William Lalnunfela (winger) will be arriving later this evening, a member of the JFC team management informed.

“The players who have landed went through mandatory Covid tests in their respective states. They straightaway proceeded to hotel Vivanta in Pananji where they were again tested for Covid. The players will stay in quarantine for 10 days and also go through three more Covid tests” the member said on condition of anonymity.

This process is meant for all the Indian players who have been signed. They will be shifted to Taj Forte in Candoling (near Panjim) after their isolation period is over, he said, adding some footballers from the JFC (Reserves) side have also arrived in Goa.

The team management further informed that the foreign recruits, including head coach Owen Coyle, will be in Goa latest between October 5 to 8. “The foreign players will also arrive in Goa after undergoing Covid tests in their respective countries. They will stay in isolation at Taj Fort and will follow the same procedure as Indian players,” he added.

Jackichand Singh at the Goa airport on Friday. Telegraph picture

Meanwhile, JFC's training ground, at Sangolda near Panjim, is being prepared and the work would take some time to complete. “Rain is hampering work. However, we are quite sure it would be decked up before we complete our Covid-related requirements,” another member of the team management added.

Head Coach Owen Coyle will be charting out his plans once he lands in Goa. The highly-experienced mentor, who guided Chennaiyin FC to the final after taking charge mid-way through the last season, has already fixed the role for each of his players and have asked them to act accordingly.

JFC has signed Coyle with great expectations and with an aim to qualify for the play-offs. “We are waiting for Coyle’s arrival and his taking charge of the training sessions. We have high expectations from him. We have so far not made it to the play-offs after making ISL debut three seasons back,” the member added.

Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari said things were on tracks and players have started arriving in Goa. “Things are moving as per plans,” he added.

Barring a player from Asian Football Confederation-affilated nation, Jamshedpur FC’s team formation is complete. The Asian player has already been identified and talks with him are in final stages.