Football great Krishnaji Rao no more

Former Indian International Krishnaji Rao, captain of the Santosh Trophy winning team passed away today evening at a hospital in Bengaluru. Football icon Krishnaji, popularly known as Captain was 81 years old and left his wife, a son, and two daughters. He was not keeping well for past few years. 

Krishnaji represented CIL at club level and his association brought lot of laurels; it was regarded as the golden era of CIL. However, Krishnaji’s name will go down in the history of state football as a victorious captain who led his team (then Mysore) against a star-studded Bengal in the final of Santosh Trophy at Sree Kanterava Stadium in 1969.

Krisnaji Rao moved into coaching and successfully coached CIL and HAL for many years, also, he was a part of the Indian Senior National Team as an assistant coach during 80s. 

With Krisnaji passing away brings end to a beautiful era of football in Bangalore. 

Former state footballer Munimara no more

N Munimara, 73, former State and CIL footballer passed away yesterday, Sunday, May 30, 10 am in his residence at Munireddy Palya, Bangalore owing to a heart attack. 

Munimara first represented Karnataka state in Santhosh Trophy at Kerala 1973. He was a very popular half back/forward player in state as well as CIL. He was playing with some famous players Ulaganathan, Amjad Khan, Krishanaji Rao, Thayagaraj back then. 

Munimara was a hardworking midfielder who brought glory to Karnataka and CIL. He helped CIL to win the Stafford Challenge Cup and Bandodkor Gold Cup and went on playing in famous all India tournaments like Durand, DCM, Rovers, and Federation Cup.

Munimara was philanthropist and helped many poor people. He is survived by his wife and a Son and daughter. 

KSFA, BDFA, and the State Referee Committee condoled the sudden demise of the footballer.

Former state player Udaya Kumar no more

Udaya Kumar, 61, former HAL and state footballer passed away today morning due to Covid-19 infection. He is survived by his wife and daughter. 

Udaya was employed with HAL and took retirement last year. Known for his skills from the left wing, he played for all top clubs in Bangalore, namely Binny, AGORC, CIL before joining HAL in 1981. 

Udaya Kumar represented Karnataka state almost in all age groups. While playing for his state in BC Roy Junior Nationals Trophy in 1978, he caught national selectors eye, which earned him a call for Junior India on a China tour in 1979. Unfortunately, the team could not travel to China. Back in domestic competitions, he kept playing for HAL thru the 80s.

South United smash six past CIL

South United Media 

The 6-0 scoreline was an accurate reflection of an immensely one-sided tie as South United FC ran away with 6 goals without reply from CIL who struggled to get a foot in the game.

An early goal kicked off the game on the right note for SUFC as Manivannan found the back of the net from close range to give them the lead in the 3rd minute. Most of the first 45 minutes was spent with CIL camped in their own half defending South United’s attacks.

With better finishing, South United FC should have been at least 3 goals ahead in the first 15 minutes, but their touch in front of goal failed them on many an occasion. The second goal came in the 26th minute through a defensive error and Kishori was on hand to capitalise and put it past the CIL keeper who found himself in no man’s land.

The second half wasn’t too different from the first as South United kept a strong hold on the game, but CIL seemed to show more grit. They proved a much tougher nut to crack in the second half but Kishori was on hand again in the 62nd minute to make the score 3-0. That goal opened up the floodgates for South United FC as 6 minutes later the substitute Riswanali added to the scoreline.

Kishori topped a great team performance with a hattrick which he completed in the 78th minute. South United weren’t finished though, they found a goal in the 90th minute through midfielder Thapa who finished form inside the box as a wayward ball arrived at his feet.

A dominant performance to end the BDFA Super Division 2018-19 season for South United FC was just what the doctor ordered for them as they gear up to compete in the Hero Second Division League.