The Brazilian heads the leadership group; Kattimani, Ogbeche and Poojary follow

Hyderabad: Brazilian midfielder Joao Victor, who lifted the 2021-22 Indian Super League trophy in the Yellow and Black of Hyderabad, will continue to be the club’s captain for the upcoming 2022-23 Indian Super League season.

Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, striker Bartholomew Ogbeche and winger Nikhil Poojary complete the leadership group at the club, ahead of the new season.

Joao Victor is into his third season at the club and has eight goals and three assists in 38 ISL appearances. He played a crucial role in the club’s run to winning the trophy last season and will yet again lead Manolo Marquez’s side, this season.

🤩 Presenting to you, the Hyderabad FC squad for the 2022-23 @IndSuperLeague campaign!

The boys are ready to defend their 🏆

Are you ready, Hyderabad? #WeAreHFC #మనహైదరాబాద్ #HyderabadFC 💛🖤

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) October 8, 2022

The excited 33-year-old spoke to the media ahead of the season opener and said, “As I always say, being a captain is not a challenge for me. Also, at Hyderabad, there is not just one leader in the team.”

“There are many leaders and many experienced players who help the youngsters in the team. But we need to keep growing and keep improving as a team to fight for the title again,” he added.

Bartholomew Ogbeche, the top goalscorer in the league and the Golden Boot winner from last season, is joined by the Indian duo Laxmikant Kattimani and Nikhil Poojary.

Kattimani and Poojary have been at the club since it’s inception and are natural leaders in the dressing room. The trio complete the leadership group and will assume the captain’s arm band in the absence of Joao this season.

Hyderabad FC kick off their Hero ISL campaign when they take on Mumbai City FC at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Sunday, October 9.