DR Congo’s Jacques Maghoma says ‘Indian Super League can be the next MLS’

On the back of five seasons with Birmingham City, Maghoma chose to ply his trade in India, coveting an experience in a different football culture.

The 33-year-old was also intrigued by the history, pedigree and forward planning of ISL newcomer East Bengal.

“The Indian Super League is only in the seventh season and you can already tell how much it has improved from when it first started,” Maghoma told BBC Sport Africa.

“The stadiums, the pitches, the referees – how everything is set up, a lot of it has improved. It will be like Major League Soccer.”

MLS launched in 1996 and over the past 25 years the US’ topflight has blossomed with the proliferation of football-specific stadiums, the signings of marquee players and national TV contracts.

In terms of media coverage though the league is still battling for attention in a crowded field of traditional American sports.

“Who would have known that the MLS would have gone from what it was, maybe ten years ago, to what it is now?” says Maghoma.

“The ISL will grow and even grow bigger than the MLS. The league has the potential to do that and attract more and bigger players to come and play out here in the latter stages of their career.”

In the past, Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires, Diego Forlan and Roberto Carlos were among the marquee players who, in the twilight of their careers, provided the league with star power.

Maghoma may not have the same reputation as those names but the 33-year-old has ample experience from his playing days in England, having featured for Burton, Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City.

“In terms of quality, I wouldn’t compare it to the UK, but there is still a lot of talent in India and in the ISL,” explains Maghoma.

“At times, you ‘d be surprised how good some players and some teams are, how they want to play football.”