Santosh Trophy: Some cheer for football fans

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It was some show, but no big show. While Kerala lost to the Services in the semifinal (2-1), its triumph in Santosh Trophy till the last four is sure to give some cheer to the football fans in the state.

As former international Joe Paul Anchery put it after Kerala’s entry into the semifinal — that it is a “wake-up call” for the football in the state — Kerala can expect a better future, for sure.

“The important factor is that we went to Odisha with a squad of youngsters. Everyone played the best. And the result is there —Kerala earned a semifinal berth after a six-year gap,” says Kerala coach M.M. Jacob.

Both the planning and preparation were at their best for the Kerala team during the Santosh Trophy campaign this time, and this has given them an unexpected push.

As there were no I-League players, the squad was readily available and had ample time to prepare.

A probable team was made three months ago, and the team participated in the EK Nayanar Tournament in Kozhikode.

After the tournament and the state club championship in Palakkad, there was a month-long camp, coupled with several friendlies with Chirag United Kerala and other state clubs.

“Though we crashed out in the EK Nayanar Tournament, we got several opportunities to rectify our weakness.

There were several positional changes and the need for more training was emphasized so as to overcome our weaknesses.

So, it was a major step for our success. The practice match with Chirag United Kerala was also helpful,” he said.

“We were an amateur side and had our shortcomings. Frequent matches injured three of our players and we had to make some changes to the squad in the semifinal. Though there were plenty of chances, we lost our grip on the finishing side.

Several sure-goal chances were fluffed by the strikers. I believe, if a team like this is there, we will win the trophy next year,” he says.