Quick feet and a fine moustache: Gokulam Kerala’s rising star Noufal PN hopes to end season on a high
KOZHIKODE: The 2023 Hero Super Cup was an experience to forget for Gokulam Kerala FC. With three losses in as many games, the Malabarians were the only side to come out empty-handed from the group stages. The disappointment was palpable on Noufal PN’s face after their last defeat against Jamshedpur FC on Tuesday.
“We gave our maximum effort on the pitch. It’s a game, either you win or lose. Unfortunately for us, it was the latter,” said the 22-year-old, who has been Gokulam Kerala’s brightest young talent this season. “We did our best against some of the top clubs of the ISL.”
In only his first year as a professional, Noufal was tied for the most assists by an Indian in this season’s Hero I-League — with six assists alongside Sreenidi Deccan FC’s Ramhlunchhunga.
Noufal was born in Thiruvambady, a small hill town situated less than an hour’s drive from Kozhikode. He started playing football at the age of eight in his school and later represented the local club Cosmos FC in many regional tournaments. His splendid performances for 2021-22 Kerala Premier League semi-finalists BASCO FC earned him a place in Kerala’s 2021-22 Hero Santosh Trophy squad, which ultimately proved to be his big break. The pacey right-winger was snapped up by Gokulam Kerala after impressing in the tournament, where he helped Kerala win their seventh title in front of a packed Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri.
“It is my first year playing for a professional club in the I-League. I’m very happy that I’m already the top assist provider in my team. I have developed a lot as a player in my first season here,” said Noufal.
Playing for a club like Gokulam Kerala, who are two-time Hero I-League champions, the pressure was always going to be high on Noufal’s young shoulders. “I’m very grateful to wear the Gokulam shirt. Playing in the I-League is different from the Santosh Trophy, it’s tougher. And now here in the Super Cup, it’s more difficult against the ISL sides,” he said.
But no matter the opposition on the pitch, Noufal forgets everything and has just one thing on his mind — run with the ball and pick out a teammate in the box. One of his best showings came in Gokulam Kerala’s 3-0 victory over Aizawl FC in February. With his proud mother watching in the stands, he won the Hero of the Match award for two almost identical assists with two cutbacks from the right wing — for Rahul Raju and Sergio Mendigutxia.
“I love playing as a winger because I love to run, and I’m pretty good at it. I know that I have the quality to run with the ball and create chances for my team,” he said. Noufal’s confidence, combined with his leadership qualities, have earned him the trust of head coach Francesc Bonet. Against TRAU FC in January, the 22-year-old was named Gokulam’s captain even though he was the second-youngest in the playing eleven.
As far as his future is concerned, Noufal said, “I have been getting offers from some ISL teams, but nothing is confirmed yet. For now, I have a contract with Gokulam Kerala FC until 2024.” And tougher challenges remain, as Gokulam prepare for their final game of the season, a playoff for a spot in the Asian Cup group stage against the Hero Super Cup champions.
Also Read: Jamshedpur wary of Bengaluru threat ahead of Hero Super Cup 2023 semi-final
Also Read: Resilient all-Indian Mumbai City FC prevail; defeat Chennayin FC 1-0 in Super Cup
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
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…
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…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
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…