Fisherman’s son s Rajesh hopes to surf high waves at Gokulam Kerala

NEW DELHI, 29th November, 2018 : It has been a generic trend in the Hero I-League for foreign recruits to do most of the goal scoring. Even as debates range as to whether an Indian striker can ever break to the top, the 25-year old fisherman son Rajesh hopes to surf high waves at Gokulam FC has been on the job silently catching the rivals unaware, much like his family members often celebrate a rich catch in the mid sea.

Rajesh is currently joint 2nd in the list of Indian goal scorers and the fisherman’s son aims to finish with minimum 8 goals, as many as last season’s Hero Golden Boot runner Dudu Omagbemi.

It’s been quite a fairy tale for Rajesh who is on his debut season in the Hero I-League. “Last year, I played for Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy and in local leagues in Bengaluru. To be honest, I was just another struggling Footballer,” he informs.

“The tide seemed to have turned after I scored 4 goals during Karnataka’s South Zone Qualifiers. That’s when people noticed me. I had other offers too. But I preferred to join Gokulam FC,” he states.

Any specific reason?

“Simple reason – I wanted to play for a club from my home state, Kerala. The fans at Gokulam are simply splendid. When you see them turn up in such great numbers, you obviously want to fight for them and earn those victories,” he quips. “Even if you lose a game, they always make sure to raise your spirits so that you can go ahead and do better in the next game.”

Seventh Heaven: From God’s Own Country

“My father is a fisherman and it was not easy for him to support me in the early days. He had three more sons to raise, but he always found a way to fund my trips to different tournaments,” said Rajesh.

Hailing from a fishermen community in the village of Pozhiyoor, Rajesh was exposed to the beautiful game from an early age. He even went on to state that Pozhiyoor is often called “Mini Brazil” for the affinity that the locals have towards football.

Sevens football is a hugely popular version of the game in Kerala, and much like other top stars from the state – like Anas Edathodika or Ashique Kuruniyan – Rajesh has also come through the ranks of local football.

“Sevens football matches take place for just 20 minutes, so they are high-intensity affairs. So when you switch to the professional level, you obviously have to work on your stamina,” he said. “However, this form of football is played on a smaller pitch, so as a forward, you don’t get as much time, and you learn to be quick and more accurate.”

Feet firmly on the ground

While playing sevens football, followed by local leagues in Bengaluru and national tournaments like Santosh Trophy, Rajesh has had to make largescale changes to his game after joining Gokulam.

Head coach Bino George is well known in the Indian football circuit for setting up his sides in a manner that allows them to play a possession-based game that is entertaining to the fans.

“Before, we just used to play long balls to the strikers. But after joining Bino Sir’s team, I am starting to learn how to play in a system where the team keeps the ball on the ground and passes it around,” he said.

“It’s not easy playing this style after playing long balls all your life, but I think I am doing well under this system. I am scoring goals, and that is very important for a striker,” continued Rajesh.

“Bino Sir always comes to me with tips and tells me how to make different adjustments. I’ve learnt quite a lot while playing under him.”

by Aiff media

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share