Kerala aiming to continue good show

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, NOV. 18 The day after turned out to be a memorable one for the Kerala footballers, as they get ready to leave for the National Games in Punjab, with a replica of the Santosh Trophy as part of their luggage. ``We are ready to do our best in the National Games after having given our fans back home a Diwali gift by winning the Santosh Trophy,'' exclaimed coach M. Peethambaran, emphasising that the entire squad was determined to continue its winning streak in Punjab. ``Teamwork helped us win the title in Mumbai and the boys know this attitude has to continue if we are to do well in Punjab. I don't know the composition of other teams, but Kerala will be represented by the entire Santosh Trophy winning squad.''

The team management had encountered the problem of leaving out two players from the squad which beat Goa 3-2 in Saturday's final, because National Games rules permit only a 18- member squad. ``The two players supposed to be sent back have been permitted to remain with the National Games squad by the Kerala Football Association, which has agreed to take care of the additional expenses. This decision is highly appreciated by every team member,'' said Mr. Peethambaran, who spent the better part of Saturday night receiving phone calls from his home State, including the Chief Minister Mr.A.K.Antony and the State Sports Minister. ``We were overjoyed to learn that the Rs. 30,000 cash award announced by the State government for each member has been hiked to Rs. 50,000.''

The Kerala squad will be one of the favourites for the men's football gold at the National Games, one of Peethambaran's dreams yet to be realised. ``The day we won the Santosh Trophy, I told the boys to look ahead towards winning the National Games gold. They are determined,'' said the Kerala coach, pointing out that his players were mature enough to overcome any distractions, like offers from National Football League clubs pouring in for key performers. ``Doing well in Punjab will only improve the image of the players when they decide to join new clubs. The boys know what to do, plus there is a National Games incentive of Rs. 1,00,000 for winning a gold announced by the State government, besides Rs. 50,000 for silver and Rs. 25,000 for the bronze.''

Mr.Peethambaran and his victorious boys, who have given undiluted joy to the Cooperage football fans, enjoyed a Sunday lunch treat at The Taj hotel, one of Mumbai's finest, courtesy one of the team's well-wishers. The V.Shivakumar-led squad will leave for Punjab on Sunday night for the next step of its victory march, leaving behind memories of 16 brilliant Santosh Trophy goals, besides firing ambitions in youngsters in football pockets of Mumbai to aim for becoming the Ashif Saheers and Abdul Hakims of tomorrow.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Australia's academy to be restructured
Next     : South Africa wins World Cup