FCI players prove a point in league

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The Chennai Football Association senior division league, which concluded last month, was bittersweet for Food Corporation of India (FCI).

As a team, FCI struggled from start to finish and avoided relegation only through playoffs. Strangely, however, a handful of FCI players shone brightly throughout the league. How does one explain the paradoxical situation?

FCI’s sufferings mainly stemmed from their inability to score. A bout of nerves always bogged them down in the final third. They did many things right only to fail in the most important department.

Watching FCI was a frustrating experience for neutral fans because they knew the team would always play well in losing.

The pattern has been the same ever since they gained promotion to the senior division league three seasons ago.

FCI coaches were releived after a majestic show against Tamil Nadu Police in the first match of the playoffs ended their agony.

The brilliant individual performances of the FCI players didn’t go unnoticed as John Paul and L. Charles Anandaraj were selected in the 20-member state Santosh Trophy squad last week.

Both the standbys of the squad — R. Sivapriyan and V. Ashok Kumar — are from FCI’s ranks. The only person to miss out on the Santosh honour was M. Saravana Kumar.

The speedy winger was in the preliminary camp but failed to make it to the final list.

Here is the lowdown on FCI’s Fabulous five

John Paul: State coach Syed Sabir Pasha has immense faith in the abilities of John. Even though John mainly played as a defender for FCI, Sabir has given him the more important role of midfielder. Versatile and experienced, the stocky player has a big role to play for Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy.

Charles Anandaraj: The gangling central midfielder is the epitome of dynamism and commitment.

He works his socks off every time he enters the field. Few players can run as hard as the indefatigable Charles. He has a sting in his boot and also the height to slot in as a centre-back in case of emergency.

Saravana Kumar: Speed and skill are his forte. He is no slouch either in front of goal. The sight of Saravana Kumar sprinting along the wings — he is adept at both flanks — can thrill spectators. Like Charles, he also has the inches to win aerial battles.

Sivapriyan: A no nonsense centre-back, he combines tough tackling and killer instinct to deadly effect. Sivapriyan, 21, has maturity beyond his age. He is a wonderful communicator and a born leader. Siva can be an asset to any team.

Ashok Kumar: What he lacks in height and weight, the midfielder makes up in skill. His ability to find the killer final pass is noteworthy.

His performance didn’t stand out during the CFA season because FCI had no sharpness up front. The combative Ashok has his best years ahead of him.