SSSL 2019 Fall Season Preview: FC INTS

After suffering relegation from the first division, K League United's official Seoul Saturday Soccer League partners FC INTS are targeting an immediate return to the top flight. With a few notable departures, and the return of a couple of fan favourites, the 2019 Fall Season is shaping up to be one of intrigue for the 2005-founded side. INTS captain John Georgie previews the season ahead. 

FC INTS are one of the oldest teams in the Seoul Saturday Soccer League (SSSL) having been founded in 2005 by Mr. Yoon Sangcheol, a Korean language professor from Kyunghee University as means for students to help balance student life with being active whilst learning the Korean language.

Since those heady days, INTS joined the SSSL and have become a stalwart of the capital's ever competitive amateur football league, winning promotion to the top division on two occasions including a championship-winning season in Spring 2018. An immediate return to the top division is something that the club have their minds firmly set on for the forthcoming 2018 Fall Season, as club captain John Georgie explains.

Last Season

P14 W2 L11 D1 - 6 points, 8th

What Happened?

Before the season even kicked off, INTS had already received a point deduction for being unable to field a team for the last fixture of the previous season. Throughout the season, the team had to say goodbye to several players due to overseas employment away from the peninsula. Despite the odds, INTS continued to compete with the hearts of lions and certainly did not look out of place in Division One.

There were some unlucky defeats with several teams all battling to avoid relegation. However, while the battle to take one of the top spots of the top division raged on, there was an even fiercer battle being fought in division two. With the lower division now consisting of only six teams, the gap between the two divisions has never been this narrow before.

Summer Recruitment

The recruitment process is ongoing, INTS have managed to pick up some forward players since the departure of Matt Kuras, Steve Burt and Lee Wilson. However, they also welcome back Jun Kim and Daniel Cuffey, local heroes to the club. But, if you would like to join the team then feel free to get in touch via the club's official Facebook page.

Needs

With a good portion of the club's current pool of players falling victim to their employers' weekend demands, there is a need to strengthen the squad to keep attendance high. Saturday rosters of 12 or 13 players certainly make it difficult to produce the points on a weekly basis and so the team needs depth.

Key Player

Gary Daly has been a steam engine in midfield last season and his form continues to grow. Wing-back David Jovi Gnamavo, centre back Lawrence Dobbs and full back Sven Falcon have been consistent throughout last season and been such a strong foundation to the squad's defence. English forward Barrie Manners will certainly have plenty of goals this season.

INT's being put through their paces in pre-season (image via FC INTs)

New Player to Watch

Last seasons late recruit Muhammadzon Muhidinov made a big impact when he joined, so a full season with his lightning pace will definitely be worth a watch. Also summer signing Habib Alkayat impressed in the preseason and will be interesting how he links up with the other forwards.

Biggest Question

Simply put, can the team bounce back up to the top division? It's the aim for every team in Division Two, and all have the experience of promotion so it's no easy task, but one that the lads are ready to fight for.

Reason to Join INTs/Play in the SSSL

We are an international team that take the games seriously but ourselves lightly. Beers or socialising after the game is always welcome, so to are wives and families. INTS FC was grew into a great community and we aim to build it back up to that. Because INTS is an international team of sorts we speak many different languages including English, French, Spanish, and Korean so no matter where any player is from we will do our best to help them integrate.

The season begins on Saturday 24th August against Seoul Citizens FC at Anyang Saemul Park, Nakdal-dong with a 17:00 kick off.

You can keep up to date with FC INTS on social media by following the cub's Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and check their results and position in the league table via the Seoul Saturday Soccer League's Website.