Discussions about Kerala football have become so rare that a certain player or coach gets a mention only when the state goes to Santosh Trophy.
Fortunately, that time of the year is here so we can have a look into the structure of the squad that was announced in Kochi on Monday.
Veteran coach A.M. Sreedharan and his assistant Satheevan Balan, who managed the Calicut University team to victory in the all India inter-university in December, have picked a squad they claim to be ‘one for the future’ of Kerala football.
The coaches had the luxury of selecting from a bigger pool — 72, the number that went through selection — and it is without an inkling of doubt that Sreedharan and his deputy rate this bunch highly.
“It was about time we picked youngsters to carry forward the tradition. I am extremely proud and have great expectation from the squad at my disposal,” said Sreedharan, who was technical director of last year’s Santosh Trophy team coached by M.M. Jacob.
Kerala has traditionally opted the 4-4-2 and attacking through the wings has been the main attraction over the years. From training sessions and through interaction with players, it is obvious the philosophy has not been altered.
What has changed? From the best XI that played last year those who stay in their positions are — Jean Christian (goalkeeper), Sherin Sam, Sajith T. (central defence), Johnson N., Surjith V.V. (wing backs, Shibinlal (central midfield), P. Usman (centre forward) and R. Kannan (second striker).
That leaves us with three vital positions in attack and it is here that coach Sreedharan has done his work through fresh recruitment.
Kerala had a good defensive midfielder in P. Rahul, who is out injured this season. So the onus of back tracking and reinforcing the attack is left with three-time Santosh Trophy player Shibinlal.
Kerala Police’s K.P. Anish and Calicut University playmaker Jijo Joseph are likely to vie for the attack-minded role in the midfield.
A couple of fresh legs in Prameesh K.V., Prasoon R., JipÂson Justus and Nasarudheen C. will compete for key roles on the wings, or the left and right outside positions. The chief coach feels he has retained the core of a team that reached the final last year, and made improvements wherever needed.
The south zone round comprising Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman & Nicobar begins at JN Stadium in Chennai on Jan. 26. Here is hoping that the fresh legs help us end this decade-long trophy drought.
