Shillong, August 5, 2025: The much-anticipated Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2025 is all set to commence on Wednesday, with a thrilling opening fixture between Nangkiew Irat and Nongrim Hills. The match will take place under the floodlights of the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30 PM.
Organised by the Shillong Sports Association (SSA), the SPL remains Meghalaya’s premier football competition, drawing passionate fans and showcasing the region’s top talent. This season, the league introduces a brand-new format aimed at making the competition more compact, competitive, and engaging. Each of the ten participating teams will play the others once, resulting in a total of 45 matches.
The club finishing at the top of the table after these fixtures will be crowned champion, while the second-placed team will be declared runners-up. The bottom two teams will face relegation to the First Division for the 2026 season.
The 2025 edition also marks the return of Malki SC, last seen in the SPL in 2022, following their victory in the First Division 2024. Mylliem SC, last season’s First Division runners-up, will be making their debut in the top flight.
Defending champions Shillong Lajong FC will aim for a sixth title after their dramatic 2024 campaign, in which they edged out Mawlai SC on the final matchday. Rangdajied United secured third place last season, while Laitkor, Langsning, and Sawmer also return to compete in this year’s championship.
Nangkiew Irat, who finished fourth last season, will be keen to improve their standing, while Nongrim Hills, who ended in seventh place, will look for a stronger showing this time around. The two teams shared a memorable rivalry in 2024, producing high-scoring matches — Nongrim Hills won the first leg 5-2, but Nangkiew Irat responded with a commanding 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Adding to the stakes this year is the newly introduced SSA Super Cup, which will follow the league. The top two teams will qualify directly for the semifinals, while those finishing 3rd to 6th will enter a playoff to determine the remaining semifinalists. The Super Cup will conclude with a final to crown the overall winner.
With a revamped format, returning clubs, and new contenders, the Shillong Premier League 2025 promises to deliver a season full of excitement, skill, and footballing drama.
