Football

The Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) has bid farewell to two key players, defender Marko Leskovic and midfielder Daisuke Sakai, following the departure of ISL Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos on Friday.Leskovic, a Croatian defender, has been a mainstay in the KBFC backline for the past three seasons. Known for his exceptional leadership and defensive prowess, he has left an indelible mark on the club's history.Japanese midfielder Sakai joined KBFC for the 2022-23 season and quickly established himself as a valuable asset. His professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the club have earned him the respect of both teammates and fans.KBFC's head coach, Ivan Vukomanovic, expressed his gratitude for the contributions of Leskovic and Sakai. "Marko has been a pillar of our defense, and his leadership has been invaluable. Daisuke has brought a level of professionalism and dedication that has set an example for the entire team," said Vukomanovic.The departures of Leskovic and Sakai come as KBFC prepares for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The club is expected to make several new signings in the coming weeks to bolster its squad and challenge for the title.Leskovic and Sakai's departures mark the end of an era for KBFC. However, the club remains optimistic about the future and is confident that it can build a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.