Street footballer Krishna Limbu winner of Red Bull Street Style India 2013

Remember the Bangalore edition on Red Bull Street Style India a few seasons back? Well for some reason best known to the organizers, this event is not happening in Bangalore for a while.  

But heck, this years Red Bull Street Style edition winner has a strong Bangalore connection! 

4 cities down and 16 street stylers in, the final showdown started out in Mumbai to crown the No.1 Indian free styler on last weekend. The event was judged by the 2012 Red Bull Street Style World Champion Kotaro Tokuda.
Among the 16 finalists from the 4 metro city, Krishna Limbu was adjudged the winner. 

Now, wait a second - Krishna Limbu, remember? 
It was the same guy who won the Bangalore leg of the 2010 Red Bull Street Style. See the report on gcsstars.com - http://www.gcsstars.com/2010/02/red-bull-street-style-bangalore-leg.html.

This time around Krishna came to the finals after winning the Kolkata edition and he will represent India in the Red Bull Street Style World Final in September 2013 in Japan. 

Here’re pictures of Krishna’s during the 2010 edition. 



Do check out the picture album of the event from our FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/gardencitysoccerstars. 

Also, a file video which was shot at the Kanteerava Stadium and Bangalore Football Stadium! 

  

[PART I] Ashley Westwood: Managing Bengaluru FC will add another dimension to my coaching skill

Here's the first part of the two-part interaction gcsstars.com had with the Manager of Bengaluru FC Ashley Westwood. In the next part, you will listen Ashley talking about his team, I-League and, Indian Football, and so on...

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Must have been a whirlwind activity for this former assistant manager of three championship clubs in England – meet the gaffer in chief of Bengaluru FC, Ashley Westwood! 

A product of Manchester United Academy has joined the Jindal-backed football team to add another dimension to his coaching skills. Different country, different challenges, and one can only improve by doing something different from what would be done back at home. As Ashley puts, “For me to go and seek different experiences can only broaden my horizon as a coach.”  

The Bengaluru FC manager has set the right foot forward by getting the team organized and applying professional approach. Get the three magic mantras - Professionalism, Discipline, and Respect! Instill discipline, be punctual, eat proper diet, and stay focused. As the code of conduct says try respecting each other, applicable to every team members and coaching staff. 

With teams ‘no relegation’ acting as a cushion for building a strong team in coming years doesn’t succor Ashley much, “It may help from a company’s (JSW Sports) point of view but certainly not from a player’s or coaches. Whether you are immune to relegation or not, you set your standards and you want to achieve it.” He adds, “When you step on the pitch there is a certain element of pride and respect you want to earn and I don’t want to compromise on that!” 

Bengaluru FC is planning to play few friendlies before I-League starts. That will help the team to get an ideal combination and test the players in real match situation. 

The team currently is having 18 players, with a few on trials. The plan manager Ashley had is to set a core team, and then leave 5-6 slots vacant, “We plan to have a squad of around 25 players, Depending on the need, we will be filling up the remaining slots. Off-course, we are not going to invite 50 players for trials, instead, we would be testing a limited number in game situation, which will help us judge them better.” 

Any target he is setting for his team in this season, prompt response, “There is no set target, I just want to player to learn as much as possible, will be happy if they keep improving on weekly and monthly basis. We’ve improved on fitness and professionalism since we started training on last Monday.”

With defender John Johnson coming on board from day 1, the rest of the overseas players are setting their foot. Another defender, Curtis Osano has already landed in the city, and medio Johnny Menyongar will be arriving on Monday. 

To be continued... 

[VIDEO] Bengaluru FC Inauguration - Swarathma's performance

The inauguration of Bengaluru FC, at Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday, July 20 was not just about releasing club logo, jerseys, and introducting players. The event also had some exciting performance by a troop of Drummers including talented local music Band Swarathma carrying out in unique fashion.

Bops the official Bengaluru FC fan!

This is what happens when you have a player in boss, and that too a National tennis player. Mustafa Ghouse, CEO, JSW Sports played competitive tennis till a few years ago. Today his former colleague dropped in to the Bangalore Football Stadium today. His colleague is none other than World No. 3 doubles tennis player Rohan Bopanna! 

Boppanna came to see the pre-season practice of the Newly for Bengaloru FC. He was presented with a club shirt by the Indian national team striker while the tennis star handed Chhetri a signed racquet. 

"I’m a huge fan of the game and irrespective of what team is playing, if there’s football on television, I’m always glued. So, to have a team in my home city is just fantastic.” Boppana said. He also added, "I’m going to have some free time in November and I’m going to make it a point to be at the stadium in my club shirt to cheer the team at games. I’m an official fan now!"

This team definitely has some strong tennis connection! Renowned strength and conditioning coach and trainer of Sania, Bhupathi, and Bopanna, Shyamal Vallabhjee is working with Bengaluru FC team in their pre-season. 

A visit like this is most certainly welcomed and definitely makes for good television viewing! 

Tete-a-tete with Gumpe Rime

From the archive, circa June 2009, when Gumpe was just moving on to Lajong after playing several season in the Garden City. After a fruitful stint with Lajong both as a player as well as a mentor/coach, live progresses, and the man from a small town of Aalo (Arunachal Pradesh) is now guiding the talents in Tata Football Academy.

Originally written for www.IndianFootball.com

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North-east of India has been a happy hunting ground for the national club recruiters. All the top national clubs have players from this region on their roster. However, you will barely find a player from Arunachal Pradesh. One such rare player who hails from Arunachal Pradesh is custodian Gumpe Rime, playing for the top clubs for almost one and half decade. 

After playing for Hindustan Aeronautic Limited (HAL) six successful seasons, Gumpe is all set to keep the goal of the newly promoted first division I-league team, Shillong Lajong FC.

Q: Hi Gumpe, tell me what prompted to take you this decision?
A: I wanted to play for a first division club and Shillong Lajong FC is the first North-east club who will be playing in the I-league first division. I hail from North-east part of India, it will be a privilege for me to play for such a club and part of the history. And If my experience can be of any use then nothing like that.

Q: Tell us something about your childhood?
A: I come from a town named Aalo in Arunachal Pradesh. After my schooling, I was spotted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Guwahati, and groomed there for a while. I started playing for clubs since 1995. 

• 1995-96 to 98-99 - Mahindra United 

• 1999-00 - Bengal-Mubai Football Club (BMFC) 

• 2000-01 - Vasco Sports Club 

• 2003-04 - Salgaonkar Sports Club 

• 2004-05 to 08-09 - HAL 

• 2009-10 to 2012-13 - Lajong FC

My experience while playing for BMFC has been quite frustrating, it was a mis-managed team where players were not payed regularly.

Some clubs appear all of a sudden and after couple of seasons they literally disappear from the scene; leaving the players in lurch.I would like to bring to the notice of AIFF that they should check the credibility of these clubs before sanctioning their entity. Clubs like Chandni FC, Malabar FC, and Happy Entertainment  gets a chance to play in the I-league (second division) and sad to see that HAL being left out.

Q: Goalkeeping is a demanding job, how do you keep yourself fit, that too for so many years?
A: That way I have been fortunate enough, I have never got serious injuries while playing. But I do work on my fitness, during off-season I am regular at the training grounds. 

Q: How was the experience playing in HAL? 
A: Definitely good. After playing for so many years I am regarded as a home player.However, they need to be more professional in their approach, there are many formalities and protocols to get the budget approved. This becomes frustrating many times.

Team management should stress on retaining talents. Lot of promising players plays for HAL during their formative years and then leaves for better growth. They should look at retaining the best talents.

Also, there is lack of involvement from the management. HAL Sports Club members are high-ranked HAL officials, you would barely find them interacting with the players. Except for sports secretory, Mr. Rajan, I don’t see anyone interacting with the players.

On the contrary, in Salgaoncar the owner himself would take his busy time out to talk and encourage the team.

Q: How is HAL team this year?
A: This current bunch looks good. Management has picked up the core of the Karnataka Santosh Trophy team, including some promising players from BEML. But as I have mentioned before, this is story happens every year, they fail to retain the talents.

Q: And what about your experience playing in Kolkata? 
A: I had a short stint with Mohemadan, I’ve never played a full season there. Even during that time they changed coach many times, the management was bad. Players like Odafa and Chidi started their career in India by playing for Mohammedan, pity that they could not retain them and later these players dominated the India football scene.Once, I had got offer from East Bengal, but I had to reject it for some reason. But yes, the media coverage is amazing, you don’t get it anywhere else in India.

Q: How is football played in North-east? 
A: The local bodies in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam functions well. They have proper infrastructure, grass root level, and youth development programs.

I am not sure about Arunachal Pradesh, the football association does not have enough funds. There is no local league in Arunachal Pradesh. The players should get proper exposure by participating in the tournaments outside Arunachal Pradesh.

This year the Arunachal Pradesh team participated in the under-21 nationals at Goa and the result was decent. Football should be played throughout the year. We have now two young players from Arunachal Pradesh, Nyamar Loyi and Tassar Techi playing for clubs. Hope they play well and make Arunachal Pradesh proud.

At times discipline becomes as issue among the North-east players. Reaching to a height is not difficult, maintaining is difficult.

We have Baichung Bhutia as our icon, but after that there is a void, there is no one even close to him. 

Q: Any disappointment of not making to the national team?
A: I have played for India juniors. However, I was never selected for the senior team. I have attended national camps several times, but failed to make to the final squad. Mainly because our coaches preferred tall keepers.

Q: Who is your favorite goalkeeper? 
A: I have always found Jorge Campos, the famous Mexican goalkeeper exciting. Not because of his flashy outfits, but for his agility. He did not have the height, but the kind of saves he made was amazing. 

In India, I have seen Ghanaian international Edward Ansah’s keeping. He was playing in India when he was in his 40’s. Even at that age, he was one of the best keepers to have graced Indian football.Currently, Edward Ansah is the goal-keeping coach for Ghana. 

Q: How long you want to continue playing football? 
A: Another 3 years at the top level. (grins) 

Q: Any post-retirement plans? 
A: I have not made any plans yet. Definitely something related to football, maybe an instructor. I will leave it to my destiny. (smiles) 

Q: Thanks Gumpe for your time and best wishes for your new venture. 
A: Thanks and all the best to Indianfootball.com, keep up the good work!

[VIDEO] Bengaluru FC Inauguration - AIFF President Prafull Patel's speech

In the inauguration event of the Bengaluru FC, at Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday, July 20. After Introducing the Bengaluru FC players, it was time for AIFF President Prafull Patel's to speak something on the occasion.  

[VIDEO] Bengaluru FC Inauguration - Press Conference

Here's the video of the Press Conference of the inauguration event of the Bengaluru FC, held at Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday, July 20. 

Bangalore Football gets Bengaluru Football Club!

With an electric show at the Bangalore Football Stadium, The JSW group announced the launch of its football team, Bengaluru Football Club (FC). Along with the name, the club also unveiled the squad, the crest and the team colors at the event. 

The new home of Bengaluru FC resounded with a battle of drums that saw local drummers come up against percussion styles from across the globe. Once the beats set the tone and mood for the evening, Bangalore-based folk-rock act Swarathma, in their signature, colorful style, got the crowds moving to their tunes.

A spectacular display of fireworks was used to unveil the name of the club followed by a dazzling laser show that revealed the club’s crest. The evening ended with the unveiling and introduction of the squad. 

The squad do far 

Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, John Johnson, Malemnganba Metei, Karan Sawhney, Gurtej Singh, Keegan Pereira, Darren Caldeira, Rino Anto, Bruno Colaco, Pawan Kumar, Don Bosco Andrew, Ricardo Cardozo, Lazorama Fanai, Vishal Kumar, Kutty Mani and Thoi Singh 

Shankar in a spot of bother

It was all set for the talented junior international from Kolar to return to his home state, until AIFF pointed out that he’s their contracted player till 2014. Meet the exceptional Shankar Sampingi Raj, who once touted as the next best thing in Indian football. After spending almost two barren seasons with AIFF’s developmental side Pailan Arrows, he was all set to join JSW Sports. 

Uncertainty of keeping Arrows afloat was looming large, which forced players to look for greener pastures. But AIFF’s decision on Pailan Arrows continuing to play season 2013-14 of the I-League, has been a minor setback for Shankar. 

Per AIFF media release, Shankar is listed as a mid-fielder, but, Shankar says he’s keen to play for JSW. This also reiterates the fact that assistant coach Pradhyum Reddy is very much interested in Shankar. It was Pradhyum who took Shankar on loaned from Pailan Arrows to DSK Shivajians during I-League second division qualifiers. Also, JSW’s press release on local adding flavor didn’t figure Shankar’s name. 

Life has been miserable for this gifted player. Signed on loan for HAL during 2010-11 second I-League window, this 17-year old (that time) brilliant player met with an unfortunate knee injury while playing against Pune FC. 

Shankar was out of action for many months. His right knee went under the operating knife in May that year. Playing in the positions of stopper back and midfield, Shankar has impressed one and all. Former Indian Arrows coach Desmond Bulpin once said, “Shankar is an exceptionally talented lad with a mix of right height, skill, and attitude.” He feared that India might have lost a brilliant footballer due to injury! 

He was signed by Pailan Arrows during the 2011-12 season, but never got a chance to play for them. 

JSW Sports or Pailan Arrows, let’s hope Shankar stays away from injury and gets to play regularly for his team! 

India captain Sunil Chhetri signs for JSW

As if the last roll of the dice was kept for the penultimate day! Just a day before JSW Sports formally reveals their football endeavor, in a major capture, they announced the signing of India team captain Sunil Chhetri. Also, the signing puts a period to the striker’s future. 

“I met the people at JSW a few months ago and the first thing that struck me was the passion behind all the planning. I want to play for a club that’s clear about its vision and I saw that in JSW. I know I am coming from a champion team but that works as more motivation here,” said Chhetri.

Chhetri had signed for Sporting Clube de Portugal B last season before he came on loan to Churchill Brothers towards the fag end of the I-League.
On his decision of signing for a club that will be making its I-League debut this season, Chhetri said he didn’t need any prodding. “Choosing JSW wasn’t really tough because the people seemed genuine. We need to think long term. We are a young team and we wouldn’t want to harbor high hopes. I’m not setting any targets but I’m sure we can achieve a lot of things if we stick together.” 

Parth Jindal, CEO of the club said they are delighted with the latest signing. “For someone of Sunil Chhetri’s caliber to join JSW says a lot about the club. Signing the national team captain is the best possible statement of where we want to take this club. We are very happy to have Sunil on board.” 

With the team being a young one, Chhetri realizes that his responsibilities will double. But it’s a task the diminutive marksman says he will relish. “I’m used to taking burdens and I’m going to give everything I am capable of, to this club. We’re going to need everyone – right from the ball boy to the owners – to be behind us at all times and I am sure we can repay their faith.”
Chhetri is the second national team player that JSW have signed after fellow-striker Robin Singh agreed a deal with the club last week.

Some Chhetri Facts 

Name: Sunil Chhetri
Age: 28
Position: Striker
Previous clubs: Mohun Bagan, JCT, East Bengal, Dempo, Kansas City Wizards, Chirag United, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Churchill Brothers
National team: Appearances 66. Goals 37

JSW to launch club on Saturday

JSW Sports will be announcing the launch of its new football club at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday evening. Making their I-League debut this season, the club has roped in former Manchester United player Ashley Westwood as coach of the club apart from signing India striker Robin Singh. 

Present at the launch would be JSW chairman and managing director Sajjan Jindal, AIFF president Praful Patel and members from the Karnataka State Football Association. The team would be unveiled at the launch.

Adding local flavour

JSW Sports has signed three Bangalore boys – Kutty Mani, Don Bosco Andrew and Vishal Kumar – the club announced on Saturday. Midfielder Kutty, 26, brings in a fair bit of experience having spent five seasons with Mumbai FC and one at Pune FC. The other midfielder signed is Don Bosco who started out at Bangalore SAI before spending three years at Goa’s SESA Academy. 

Defender Vishal has represented India at the Under 16, 17, 19, 21, and 23 levels apart from being part of the Olympic qualifier and SAFF Cup squads. He has spent three seasons at Arrows/Pailan Arrows.

Vignesh, Amoes, and Stephen attending trials for I-League clubs

With South United pulling out of I-League, the players who were earlier contacted or shown interest by the I-League clubs are attending trials in Pune and Mumbai. 

Raman Vijayan, South United’s Coach said that captain for last season, Stephen and talented Amoes are currently attending trial in Pune FC. Medio Vignesh will be going to Kolkata for trial with Mohammedan Sporting. 

South United’s CEO, Loko Char has already reckoned about the talents he has at his disposal, “Several players are good enough at National football scene, they want to play against and with the best. They are looking for new challenges and I’m not going to stop them.” 

Currently, Raman is touring to the footballing pockets of the Garden City to scout talents, “We’re primarily looking for skilled U-19 players who can integrate with our senior team”. 

I believe in Indian Football, but I-League Second Division is the child AIFF never wanted: Loko Char

South United Football Club (SUFC) pulling out from I-League seems to be most inauspicious for Football in Bangalore. Until the recently formed Jindal Group-backed football team, SUFC was the only ray of hope for the Garden City, the city, which has a rich heritage of football. 


With Bangalore-based Public Sector and Institutional teams showing apathy towards the beautiful game, here was one privately owned professional club ventured in Football in Bangalore. 

My association with the young and dynamic owner of the club, Loko Char goes much before the formation of the club. Loko touch based with my Football in Bangalore Facebook page. He was looking to invest in football, and some wise friend advised him that Bangalore is the ideal city for his endeavor! 

He was looking for some guidance, which I tried to provide with my minimal knowledge. Eventually, he acquired a club, hired a group of young local talents and the best possible technical staff. The journey of SUFC began on August 17, 2012. 

South United fared reasonably well in BDFA Super Division, missed championship closely, and came second. The results in local league encouraged them to play in I-League Second Division qualifier. With an average age of their players being 24 and playing without any foreigners, they finished at the middle of the table (7 points from 7 games). 

Loko seems to be annoyed owing to lack of support from AIFF, as he rightly puts, I-League Second Division is the child AIFF never wanted! Bet be still believes in Indian football and working towards it. 

Let us hear from the young entrepreneur, about the latest developments, going forward with SUCF. Bet you don’t want to miss this!

GCSStars.com: Why did you take this decision so late - the fact that the clubs would require to pay for their travel and stay during Second Division qualifying round was one of the items discussed in AIFF's Emergency Committee meeting in New Delhi on May 27?
Loko: Yes, the discussions have taken place. Then again there have been discussions on many-many things, how many of them are actually in place? 
I am not one to take things into account based on discussions. I only react when there is a concrete decision, hence my resulting actions. Furthermore, I am also new to the football world here in India, SUFC is not even a year old and neither am I. So before all I had to go on was people's advice, now I have my experience of the I-League 2, and weighing it with this decision is one thing I got to do which lead to me auditing the value and deciding to look at what I personally think is best.

GCSStars.com: When were these conditions - clubs paying on their own and a participation fee of Rs. 1,00,000 carried to you - immediately after the Emergency Committee meeting or much later? 
Loko: I was informed a little later through verbal and written communication to my team members from the association. 

GCSStars.com: Above reasons look apparent, any other reasons behind this decision?
Loko: As I said, auditing my first season and our investments in the sport, I realized there is a huge demand for the sport, however, very few people actually investing in imparting the sport in the right way to younger kids from various backgrounds.
Grassroots is highly neglected in India and my real drive is to give as many kids as I can the opportunity to play this wonderful sport, no matter where they are. Re-directing funds to this area can have a huge impact in spreading the sport of football to all our kids. 
I have also spent a lot of time with experts from the UK, Germany, and Spain and all have them have told me if you are really serious about making a difference in football start with introducing U-8s to the sport, develop skills once they reach their teens, and work on their footballing brain. This will happen only with competitive exposure, hence we have now committed SUFC to be that vehicle a team of kids and If these kids take us places I will be happy to go along. 

GCSStars.com: Are you still retaining the same team or releasing players having better offers? 
Loko: How can I stop players from developing, as we all know a lot of my players are good enough for National football and they want to play against and with the best? Why should I stop them because of my own philosophies? They are looking for new challenges, however, we’ve kept few of the real raw talents.

GCSStars.com: The focus of SUFC is now shifted to the basics of football - grassroots and investing consciously towards developing youth footballers. Please elaborate your plan? 
Loko: As mentioned earlier, we have committed ourselves to bring the sport of football to as many kids as possible - that is our aim.  We have trained 1000 kids through soccer schools and camps last year, I want that to increase substantially. Also, I want to create an academy system that produces all my first team players. 
We are now in the process of re-structuring our organization towards that goal – India internationals - Raman Vijayan and Noel Wilson along with Gopal Gowda will remain with us to drive towards this goal. Once we complete re-structuring, I can elaborate more on our plans.

GCSStars.com: Do you have a plan or a vision with a number in mind. Like how many wards within a set number of years coming out from soccer schools will be playing for State, Country, so on? 
Loko: I am superstitious, so I don’t like to reveal my dream number! But let’s just say SUFC should solely supply with players from our systems and SUFC should be a national league team ON MERIT!

GCSStars.com: The latest being yesterday - Hindustan FC is pulling out of I-League. Just 4 days after SUFC took this decision. With clubs like Green Valley, Samaleshwari Sporting, Aizwal FC, Luangmual, Kohima Komets coming from the fringe areas without any support from sponsors, do you think the list will go longer? 
Loko: I would not like to comment on other clubs and their decisions, however I will say this, clubs like Laungmual won my heart over! The fans are so passionate, the players so in love with the game. It would be really bad for I-League, for Indian football, if they do pull out. That is the true home of Indian football, as through thick and thin without much support they passionately follow and participate in Indian football. 

GCSStars.com: Supposing AIFF rolls back the decision, will you reconsider your decision?
Loko: No, our focus remains on a bottom up approach!

More EPL touch to JSW squad

If you thought chief coach Ashley Westwood was the only EPL connection to JSW squad, then you were absolutely wrong. 

JSW Sports have added further arsenal to their squad, by announcing the signing of versatile defenders John Johnson and Curtis Osano today. While Englishman Johnson has turned out for Middlesbrough in the English Premier League for a season, Kenyan Osano is a product of the Reading academy and has last played for League Two side AFC Wimbledon. 

John Johnson

“It’s surely a big change but once the manager told me about the club, the vision and projects they have lined up, it wasn't hard to say yes. I've been doing my homework on the I-League and am looking forward to get there,” said twenty-four year-old Johnson who spent his last three season at Northampton Town. 

Johnson and Osano have played in the central defense and right back positions but are equally comfortable in the midfield. 

“I have played with and against John and Curtis and the two will bring a lot of experience to the team. The both have played over a 100 games and that says a lot. John is flexible with positions, is a great athlete and is really strong in the air. As for Curtis, he’s quick and dynamic and very comfortable with the ball. He has a nice mix of strength and discipline. The club has done well in signing the duo considering there were clubs in England interested in them,” said coach Ashley Westwood on the club’s latest acquisitions. 

Curtis Osano

Osano came through the ranks at Reading under the guidance of current Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. 

“I love challenges and the idea of getting into a league with a completely different style of football intrigued me. The manager is trying to bring a different brand of football and I consider it as a once in a lifetime chance, a blessing that’s fallen in my lap,” said twenty-six-year-old Osano. 

On whether the duo would struggle to adjust to the weather in India, Westwood had little doubt about John and Curtis adapting. “Both the players have been in the English system for eight years and have coped well while travelling and playing in hot countries. That apart, they are really fit and won’t have any trouble adjusting to the climate,” added Westwood.

GCSStars Trivia Quiz - July!

Identify the player?

pic courtesy: BDFA 

South United pulls out of I-League

Professional football club from Bangalore, South United has decided to pull out of the I-League 2nd division. This decision was officially taken yesterday. However, South United would still continue playing in BDFA league. 

There are manifold reasons for this decision, primarily being one of the outcomes of the AIFF emergency meeting (held in the last week of May) - Clubs would require paying for their travel and staying for I-League Second Division qualifying round. Also, heard that the club yet to sign any new players officially.  

AIFF’s act of not supporting the I-League Second Division clubs financially didn't go well with the South United club management. Also, all the Second Division clubs were to submit a participating fee of Rs.1,00,000 by July 15. 

First Southern (Samity) and now South (United) – this is the state of I-League Second Division! 
One might remember a couple of weeks back, another Second Division team from Kolkata, Southern Samity, decided to disband their team owing to lack of fund. Their decision was however, rolled back after Samity’s President and current Sports Minister of Bengal, Madan Mitra assured them of getting a sponsor. 

South coach Raman Vijayan showed his annoyance when GCSStars.com spoke to him last week. He was irked by the AIFF’s apathy toward clubs. Their decision came as a surprise and perhaps a backward step. 

South United fared reasonably well in BDFA Super Division, came second, missed championship closely. The results in local league encouraged them to play in I-League Second Division qualifier which was held in Bangalore. With an average age of their players being 24 and playing without any foreigners, they finished at the middle of the table (7 points from 7 games). 

South United plans to go back to the basics – grassroots and plan to invest money consciously towards developing youth footballers.  

Robin Singh to play for JSW Sports

JSW Sports have signed national team striker Robin Singh, the Bangalore-based I-League club announced on Thursday. Twenty three-year-old Singh, who made his India debut at the Nehru Cup last year, signed a two-year contract with the club that makes its League debut this coming season. 

A product of the Tata Football Academy, Robin spent three seasons at Kolkata club East Bengal before signing the dotted line for the Bangalore team. The young striker has had a promising run since graduating from the TFA and is often touted as a player who will make it big. 

“There was more than one reason to sign for this club. It’s going to be a young squad and the way they are going about setting up the club is very professional. That apart, I have been to Bangalore to attend camps and I enjoy the vibe of the city. I’m really excited to be part of this team,” said Singh who was named among the 30 probable by national coach Wim Kovermans for the upcoming friendly against Tajikistan. 

Singh scored a goal against Chinese Taipei in an AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier, in Myanmar earlier this year. 

JSW Sports CEO, Mustafa Ghouse said the club is pleased to have Robin on board. “Robin possesses tremendous potential and we are happy to have signed him. We are certain he will do well at the club and strike a chord with the fans in Bangalore.”

Scoring on a different turf - Bharat Chetri

Bet you can’t keep the Chettri’s out of the beautiful game! Off course we have India captain Sunil and then another international Nirmal, but now we’ve Olympian and former captain of the Indian Hockey team embracing football. 

Yesterday, goalkeeper Bharat Chetri was seen at the Bangalore Football Stadium turning out for Konkans in a C Division BDFA league. Chettri’s team might have lost the match, but he achieved a major feat by scoring the first goal of the match in the 15th minute. 

The news came in today’s Times of India Bangalore edition. 

Apparently, Chettri has been a regular feature for Konkans in this year's edition of BDFA league. Already played six games in different positions – right from keeping goal, playing in midfield and scoring as a striker. 

Khaleel re-elected as KSFA President for 2013-15 term

Shri AR Khaleel has been unanimously elected as the President of Karnataka

State Football Association (KSFA) for the 2013-15 term. KSFA Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) was held on Sunday, July 7, 11.30 am at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

Also in the AGM, Khaleel announced to the August body regarding Jindal group’s (JSW) application for the affiliation of a professional football club in Bangalore. August body unanimously accepted the proposal and wholeheartedly welcomed new club.  


The rest of the office bearers too were unanimously elected in the AGM. 

KSFA office bearers for 2013-15 term

• AR Khaleel – President
• E Krishna Narayana - General Secretary
• Sadat Ali Khan - Vice President
• M Mohan Raj - Vice President
• K Govinda Raj - Vice President
• JC Madappa - Vice President
• Amajd Khan – Deputy Secretary
• Krishnaji Rao - Deputy Secretary
• SA Basheer - Deputy Secretary
• AD Nagendran - Deputy Secretary

Former Man U player to coach JSW Sports' Bangalore football team

AIFF.com release 

JSW Sports has appointed former Manchester United player Ashley Westwood as Coach of the club for the 2013-14 I-League Season. 

Highly experienced in England as a player, Westwood had a period as Manager of Kettering before partnering with Michael Appleton as his Assistant Manager at clubs including, Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn.

“This was too exciting a prospect to turn down. I have been around for a fair bit of time on the English Football scene and the chance to change things in this part of the World is a challenge I will relish,” said Westwood.

A defender during his playing days, Westwood began his career as a Trainee at Manchester United and was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side in 1995 before turning out for a host of Clubs in a career that spanned a little less than two decades in England.

Westwood added: “I did my study and have no doubt about the Company its owners having vision. There is a genuine ambition to the whole project and I would love being able to leave my stamp on it.”

Parth Jindal, who looks into activities of the Team said: “We are pleased to appoint Ashley Westwood as the Head Coach of the Club. He is young, experienced and shares our vision and passion for the Game. We believe he is the right man to take our Club to where we want to see it.”

Image source: wiki