Pune FC’s saving grace

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During the pre-season transfer this year, 21-year-old Shahinlal Meloly, from Kakkodi in Kozhikode, had an ambitious career-twist when he signed up for Pune FC.

Since then and until five days ago, he stood admiring the acrobatics of the fantastic Subrata Paul before the goal and fancying his chances of emulating the Indian goalie someday.

But Subrata suffered an injury, thereby giving Shahinlal a chance for the former second goalie of Chirag United Kerala (formerly Viva Kerala) to prove his worth. And the 90 minutes that he stood as custodian to Pune FC against the EPL side Blackburn Rovers in a home friendly has made him an instant superstar.

Shahinlal cannot recall the number of times he punched, grabbed and flicked aside shots on goal from Blackburn’s quality attack on Friday night. He believes the game has given him the vibes to dream big.

“Since Paul picked up the injury and I knew it would be my turn for the match, I was excited. Their game was faster and something of a higher level. I am not sure if I was nervous, but after I charged to win a through ball from their striker in the first half, my confidence levels shot up,” said Shahinlal, recollecting the big night.

“I don’t remember how many times I saved shots on goal, but had we not been reduced to 10-men after Anas being sent off, the game would have been different,” he said. Pune lost 3-0 but had it not been Shahinlal’s heroics, the home side would have conceded at least a dozen goals.

The goalkeeper, who is a huge fan of Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas, says the match against Blackburn was a wakeup call. “After coming to Pune, I got the chance to meet Paul. He is outstanding and has quite a lot of international experience. Never did I think even in my dreams did I think I will play against an EPL,” he said.

Shahinlal was impressive even during his days with Viva and their manager K. Prasanthan repeats Blackburn’s coach Steave Kean’s words of appreciation, “His reflexes were fantastic. He has a great future.”

A month ago, when Messi led the Argentines against Venezuela in Kolkata, many believed that to be a gear-shift in Indian football, but Shahinlal’s acceleration from nowhere to fame is arguably Indian football’s first positive change since the ‘Messi effect’.