‘End of an era,’ says Vijayan as Kerala Police trio bid adieu
Indian football legend IM Vijayan termed it as “end of an era” as three maestros of Kerala Police — Sharaf Ali, KT Chacko and Babu Raj — retired from their Kerala Police job on Saturday (May 30, 2020).
The trio were key members in the majestic Kerala Police outfit which had mesmerised the Indian football lovers with its own signature brand of football. They, in the process, played a pivotal role in their back-to-back Federation Cup victories in 1990 and 1991.
“Yes, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic. It was like my extended family. In the department, Sharaf Ali acts as the football team manager whereas I function as the Technical Director. It’s only football which we discuss every time. That’s our life. Life moves on. We don’t know who will come next but we’ll miss them dearly,” an emotional Vijayan told www.the-aiff.com.
Sharaf Ali, the daunting defender who made his National Team debut against Korea Republic in Nehru Cup at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on January 20, 1986, had joined the Khaki force in 1985.
“It’s a mixed bag of feelings for me today. When I joined the force in 1985 I didn’t foresee this day. We were like a family. We ate and slept and trained together. That was the success mantra behind the team’s success,” Ali mentioned.
With the influx of talents in the mid-80s, Kerala Police improved by leaps and bounds to become an intimidating football team in the country.
Sharaf Ali, and others were followed by CV Pappachan, the deadly attacker who still rues missing the open net from close in the 1993-94 Santosh Trophy final, which eventually cost them their third consecutive title.
“Back then there wasn’t any concept of professional football unlike now. We had to do our daily chores of duty for the Police force and then continue our training. But, it was fun, it was like shrugging off the stress at the end of day’s job,” the 60-year-old continued.
Following their maiden success in the state level in 1986, Kerala Police introduced themselves as a force to reckon with in the country but they had to wait for another four years to taste their first major trophy in the bigger stage.
Then came the twist in the tale. Although they weren’t selected for the Federation Cup in 1990, the organisers contemplated involving a local team which would, in turn, garner more footfalls at the stadium in Thrissur, Kerala. Kerala Police, under the aegis of tactician TK Chathunni, joined Titanium as the state’s representations in the tournament.
“It was like a wave of magical wand which churned out results one after another. Everyone peaked at the right moment and the positivity in the dressing room was surreal. The support behind us was unreal and finally, we could topple Salgaocar in the final,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Salgaocar, having beaten BSF and Mohammedan Sporting in consecutive finals to win the two earlier editions, came to the Federation Cup as the favourites. But the crowd-favourites had a different idea at the back of their mind.
“It was a 40,000-strong crowd who started pouring in hours before the kick-off. They were cheering at the top of their voice and it reverberated from every corner of the stadium. Papppachan hit the target twice and we became champions – it was the first national championship for us. Kerala got its champions,” the-then goalkeeper KT Chacko voiced gleefully.
Chacko, who went on to represent India five times made his debut against Romania in the Nehru Cup on January 13, 1991.
“We were a closely-knit unit. Although we joined different clubs across the country later, we used to stay in touch always. Even nowadays, we discuss those days over a cup of tea – golden days indeed,” Vijayan recalled.
After these stalwarts established Kerala as a football powerhouse in the 90s, the mantle has been passed on to the likes of Anas Edathodika, Ashique Kuruniyan, Abdul Sahal, and many more in the next decades. Sharaf Ali sounded “confident” about these boys’ football acumen who’d take Kerala ‘to a newer height’ in the near future.
“At this juncture, it feels so pleasing to see these boys excelling. With the concept of professional football creeping in they can devote more time and effort to football. It puts them in a more secured position and eventually, helps them focus more on their football career. I am confident that these boys will take Kerala football to a newer height in future,” Ali quipped.
Also Read: Midfielder Indumathi ‘plays for the nation’ wearing khaki uniform during COVID-19 pandemic
Also Read: Balaram pays his tribute to Hockey legend Balbir Singh (Sr.) relieves 1956 Olympic Final
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
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…