Ready for Cuttack

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The days following their infamous exit from the E.K. Nayanar Cup had given Kerala’s Santhosh Trophy hopefuls time to introspect about their weaknesses.

After a couple of practice matches, M. M. Jacob and his boys believe they are ready for the campaign set to kick off against Tripura in Cuttack on May 11.

“We have tried our best to plug the weak links in our team. Defensive lapses were our main concern, but we have put in a lot of work in the back.

Though we will be able to see the actual results only in a real match situation,” said chief coach Jacob.

Kerala XI’s credentials were put to the test when they lined up against Golden Threads, Port Trust and the Chirag United Kerala in practice matches over the last few weeks.

Except the match against Chirag, where they conceded three from free kicks, the Kerala team seemed a formidable side.

“The match gainst Chirag was a real opportunity for us to test our strength and the boys did well. We conceded from two brilliant free kicks, otherwise the boys were able to be in the game and give a good fight, which impressed me a lot,” said Jacob.

Last week, the Kerala boys hosted Golden Threads, one of the most successful second division clubs in the state. Jacob’s boys virtually drubbed the opposition.

A familiar face from the last couple of Santhosh Trophy seasons is goal keeper Joby Joseph. The veteran, about to play his sixth event had been severely criticised in the Nayanar Cup, but Joby seems to have come out of it stronger.

“We had just come together before the Nayanar Cup so there were some misunderstandings, which led to those goals, but now we have blended as a unit and the boys are keeping a good line in the back,” said Joby.

Mohammed Rasi, brother of star striker Mohammed Rafi, is a key player in the midfield who had also played last year.

He says they could sense a difference in the team’s attitude since the Nayanar Cup. “We have had more days of training and played some good practice games. We are hopeful of doing much better this time around,” said Rasi.

The Kerala Football Association will announce the final squad in Kochi on Thursday. Kerala’s pre-quarter cluster has Himachal Pradesh and Tripura.