Gymkhana gets a makeover
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Chirag United Kerala’s relegation does not just deprive the state of an I-League adventure, but it also denounces club football’s existence here. When it appeared that non-department teams were dying a slow death, help arrived from the city of Kannur.
The famous Gymkhana Football Club in the north Kerala district with more than 50 years of tradition is getting a makeover. A bunch of 'serious football-loving' investors have teamed up to take over the club and prepare it for the I-League.
Veteran coach A. M. Sreedharan, who has worked with the iconic FC Kochin and Viva Kerala is being talked into taking the role of tactician at the club. The club’s scouts are plying the length and breadth of the country to recruit players — all part of the rebuilding process.
“I had talks with the owners and they seem to show a real interest in making the club a professional outfit, which is how it should be, but sadly this is not practised in Kerala. I have not yet joined them, but will come up with a clear answer in a week,” said Sreedharan.
Though details of the investors are not known, the announcement of the team is expected next week. At least five players from the Chirag team such as left-back Sajesh, full-backs Faisal and Shahir and striker Manoj have almost signed.
“We are looking to sign a few more Malayalis playing in other states. Some of them with Akbar Travels and HAL have expressed interest. Everyone connected is serious about this change,” said K. Prasanthan, who was manager of Chirag and is now aboard the Gymkhana bus.
Will the team name be changed like it happened to Viva Kerala once Chirag took over? This is not certain but it is understood that the aim is to make a mark in the I-League II division in a couple of seasons. Gymkhana were the district champions the previous season.
The team also played in the state club football championship, losing to Central Excise 0-3 in the pre-quarterfinals. The club has produced a few senior nationals such as M. Najeeb, Hashim and Bharathan over the years.
It is also learnt that the club’s new takers are planning to conduct a membership programme to build a fan base, which is a necessity, but not widely seen in the country. Only a few traditional teams such as Mohun Bagan or East Bengal have fan-memberships.
One of the prime reasons behind the demise of Chirag, other than a lack of continuous form, was the dearth of financial credibility. If the investors of Gymkhana, whoever they are, intend to promote football they need to think beyond the profit and loss scenario.
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