Cameron Watson compares ISL with Indonesian League and recalls intensity of Kolkata fans
Former Mohun Bagan midfielder Cameron Watson recently compared the Indian Super League with the Indonesian Super League and described the intensity of Kolkata’s football fan culture while reflecting on his playing career.
Watson was brought to Indian football by Bengaluru FC in the 2016-17 season after spells with Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets in Australia. He played a role in Bengaluru’s run to the 2016 AFC Cup final and was part of the side that won the Federation Cup in that campaign. Following a short stint with Madura United in Indonesia in 2017, he returned to India to join Mohun Bagan for the 2017-18 season, when the club finished third in the I-League and reached the Federation Cup semifinals. After his time in India he moved back to Australia and played at a more local level with Victorian Premier League side Moreland Zebras FC.
On the comparative quality of the two leagues Watson said: "At that, Indonesia was tough. Indonesia is better than India, in terms of the quality of play. Maybe not so much if you are talking about the Indian league in the last two or three years because a lot of good players have gone there. But then, I’d still say now, (Indonesian League) is definitely a lot stronger." He has also noted he never played in the ISL during his spells with Bengaluru FC or Mohun Bagan.
Speaking about match atmospheres, Watson said: "The crowds are nuts. In India, (crowds are) great. In Indonesia, it’s mental as well. They’re just like when they don’t like something, they’ll you right away directly."
Recalling his time in Kolkata, Watson described Mohun Bagan’s supporters in detail: "The Mohun Bagan fans are mental. When it comes to against East Bengal, which is their city rivals. There would be like 50,000 fans. The stadium’s nuts, so when we beat East Bengal that day in my first derby." He added: "Then when you leave, your fans don’t let you leave. They’re just like, when you’re trying to get out of the stadium and there are like 2000-3000 fans outside the stadium just like chanting and you can’t get out. Anyone who are playing there will say the same. Their intentions are good, but it can be a little overwhelming man!"
Watson made around 10 appearances for Mohun Bagan in the 2017-18 season and he ended up winning both the Kolkata derby matches against East Bengal. The current (2025-26) AFC Club Competitions Ranking places the Indonesian League 20th and the Indian Super League 26th.