IM Vijayan rose to instant stardom with his exploits in the Santosh Trophy more than 30 years ago and the legendary former India captain wished the same for the players participating in the 75th edition of the National Football Championship.
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Hosts Kerala will face Karnataka in the first semi-final on Thursday while Bengal will face Manipur in the second semi-final on Friday.
“All players have a chance to prove themselves, especially the players who have made it to the semi-finals so far. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in India, and they will try to prove themselves and catch the eye of top clubs,” Vijayan, the greatest Indian footballer to ever emerge from the state, told aiff.com.
Actually, East Bengal Club has sent its former stars Alvito D’Cunha and Sasthi Dule as talent spotters.
The Santosh Trophy has been a huge hit in Kerala as the hosts’ game against Bengal is being watched by huge crowds.
“There are a lot of fans who have come to enjoy the matches as the Santhosh Trophy is being held in Malappuram for the first time. Kerala fans are different, special.
“I have also seen him supporting me while playing for Mohun Bagan against Kerala Police. I have also played for Bengal and missed a penalty in the tie-breaker against Kerala when the late VP Sathiyan was the captain. Kerala lost that match, but the fans here still remember that game.”
The Hero Santosh Trophy coaches also praised the organizational aspect of a tournament that has seen a huge fan base.
“I was very surprised with the way the tournament has been organized. The Kerala government, KFA and AIFF have given a wonderful platform to young players and coaches,” said Gift Raikhan, whose side Manipur is set to face West Bengal in the semi-finals.
“It’s professional and punctual, and the infrastructure in Kerala has been fantastic.”
Bengal coach Ranjan Bhattacharjee was stunned by his team’s welcome to Kerala.
“I think it has been wonderfully organized. From the first day we came to Kerala, the way the accommodation is arranged and the way the hotel staff welcomed us, it left an impression,” he said. .
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