KFC : First of all thanks for identifying talent in Indian footballers and helping them to ply their trade abroad. Tell us something about yourself how you decided to become a football agent? EDDIE : I was a student of political science and coached at the University of Chicago. I had experience of playing football at University till the U-23 level. After my graduation I pursued Law for my masters degree it was then when I served a year’s internship at the MLS office, after that stint I decided to take my Agent licenses. KFC :Staying in the USA how did you come to know about Indian footballers, after all, Indians are famous for everything but their football? EDDIE : well I had my friend Arvind who is an Indian and knew much about Indian footballers. Arvind gave me a DVD of some footballers and it was after watching them,my team at Libero Spots Agency LLC decided to sign them and represent them. KFC : India is currently ranked 142nd in FIFA where as USA is in the top 20. Do you think that an Indian footballer can play in a league which is meant for more developed players? EDDIE : Yes, there are a number of players who can move outside India. For a player who is 25 years old, what he needs is a club with good facilities and that can provide him good opportunity to develop. As a matter of fact I am sure that we can find a good club for the players in our roster where they can hold down a place in the starting eleven rather than warming up in the bench for a "big" club. KFC :Apart from Steven Dias are there any other players that you have signed and are there any more players you are willing to sign the dotted lines? EDDIE : well we have already signed Steven Dias, Lalkamal Bhowmick and Subrata Paul. Apart from that there are 3-4 other players we've had discussions with over the last three month. I can inform you about it once everything is finalized. KFC :Are there any clubs which have already shown interest in signing these players whom you represent? EDDIE : MLS has shown interest in the players and we're in discussions with the league office. That said, Sweden and Denmark are ideal for India players because it highlights their technical ability and offers them the opportunity of being scouted on a regular basis from European clubs.

The man behind Sunil Chhetri’s move to Coventry City

Must be wondering who is Yogesh Joshee?? Well Yogesh Joshee is the FIFA Licensed and FA ( England ) recognized Football Agent and perhaps the first and only football agent of Indian Origin. He is the man behind Sunil Chhetri’s move to Coventry City . ONE ON ONE WITH YOGESH JOSHEE :: Here’s Yogesh Joshee speaking exclusively to www.kolkatafootball.com reporter Rahul Sengupta .

KFC : You were based in U.K so how did you get in touch with Sunil Chhetri and how did u make arrangements for him in Coventry? YOGESH : I was in Portugal signing some Portuguese players for my agency when I saw an article in the local daily about the arrival of Indian team in Lisbon . I was born in India but brought up in Middlesex U.K so I decided to watch their practice session. I met Mr. Bob Houghton and he recommended me that Sunil Chhetri is the upcoming star in India . Can you name any other striker of his caliber currently in India ? KFC :What are the chances of Sunil Chhetri securing a deal from the Championship side? What are your expectations? YOGESH : of course I have high expectations for him. We are quite optimistic that he can break a deal with the club or else we would not have been working so hard on bringing him here. But playing in U.K is different from India the game style the pitches the environment everything is different from India. KFC : you must be aware of Bhaichung Bhutia palying for Bury FC. But despite scoring 9 goals in the season he was released from the club just because his manager did not like him! Don’t you think racism can go against Chhetri? And getting a work permit is also difficult? What do you feel? YOGESH : Lots of things have changed since Bhutia's visit to England. There are many Asians playing for example Ricky Bains, Harpal Singh etc. we are professional agents and we will do our bit to make sure that Chhetri gets his Work permit. KFC : With Chhetri’s probable move to U.K who can benefit from it ? YOGESH : India will benefit the most Chhetri can become the role model for players and soon we can see many other footballers following his footsteps and moving abroad we all want to see India in the World Cup some day. And that is possible only when Indian players get good global exposure. KFC : What are your future plans? Any plans to improve football in India? YOGESH : I was amazed when I was going through the FIFA Players Agent list I found that there were FIFA agents from small countries like Mauritius and Lesotho but no Indian Agent! So we are planning to open our branch in India very soon that can be very helpful for the footballers in India !

MR. SUBRATA DUTTA ( Vice-President of All india Football Federation And Indian Football Association, Bengal) EXPRESSED HIS VIEWS TO US AFTER GLORIOUS WINNING OF AFC CHALLENGE CUP 2008 BY TEAM INDIA

Interview taken by Shilarze Saha Roy, Kolkata : 18.08.2008

KFDC : How do you analyse the recent triumph of our National Football team in AFC Challengers Cup? Would this triumph help to bring back crowds in the stadium? ANS :This victory would certainly help Indian Football in various ways....... a) It would give impetus to the All India Football Federation to carry on the Development Programme more seriously. b) Encourage the budding footballers to take professional football as their career. c) Enhance the popularity of the game across the length and breadth of the country. d) Draw the attention of the corporates which would accelerate the process of commercialisation of the game. e) Increase the importance of the game in the eyes of all State Governments and the Central Goverment to provide the requisite infrastructure of the game. KFDC :The majority of the team is comprised of the players from Bengal.How do you rate their performance. ANS :Subroto Paul's perfomance was outstanding.Baichung and Sunil Chetry really played well. Performance of other players were quite satisfactory. KFDC :Bob Houghton has been an important figure in Swedish Football with Malmo FF.Now his contributions in Indian football is also increasing with time.How do you analyse his perfomance from Nehru Cup to the recently concluded tournament.Do you think India should retain him as a coach till 2011 AFC Cup as Mr.Das Munshi has expressed his interest to do so? ANS : Mr. Houghton has proved his worth as the coach of the Indian team. We are all happy with his performance and so we should not only retain him but should also entend all support to him so that he can deliver his best. KFDC :Your take on Bob Houghton's decision of preventing Baichung Bhutia from retiring from International football. ANS : Bob was right, Baichung is still the best striker of the country. KFDC :Don't you think India should compete in more international tournaments to improve Fifa Rankings as Rankings create a lot of difference. ANS : We should participate in those tournaments only which would really help us to do better and improve our ranking.I mean only those tournaments which are worth participating to improve the level of performance . KFDC : What are the future plans of AIFF regarding betterment of our Football? How they are planning to develop our infrastructure in order to succeed. Some Examples. ANS : The most important plan which is being implemented is the National football Academy at Goa. The house at Goa for the academy has already been purchased.Airtel has come forward to support this long term development programme financially.Training grounds have been identified and the process of acquiring and developing them are on. AIFF has also identified stadium in some States which have I league playing teams. The President is interacting with the Government of those states to improve those stadium and bring them upto International standard.Besides, the AFC Vision Programme has been implemented successfully in somes states and soon it is expected to yield result.Talks are on with AFC to implement this Vision programme in Bengal and Goa soon. KFDC :Do you feel that India's visit in Portugal for last two years has any way contributed these win? Do you think that we should tour to some other infrastructurally developed countries like Englnad,Spain,France,Japan,Korea etc. for better exposure. ANS :I feel we should now limit our tours to only those countries which just better than our standard.Not to those countries which are head and shoulder better than us. If we can beat the teams of those countries who are some what above us then it would boost the morale of our players and also encourage them to do even better.We should progress step by step steadily. KFDC :Do you think with all these recent successes, we can turn the table and prove our critics wrong. ANS : Our team has already proved those crtics wrong who criticised after we lost to Maldives in the final of the SAFF cup. Well lastly we, the Team Members of Kolkatafootball.com, are very much grateful to you for giving us some valuable time and supporting our cause of developing and integrating the indian football. with regards, kolkatafootball.com - Team.

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FACE 2 FACE : Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury
Managing Director, Techno India Group

Sitting in Middle : Mr. Satyam Roy Chowdhury

By Aantan Bhattacharya, Kolkata : 18.07.2008

Q. Hello Sir, first of all heartiest greetings and congratulations from the entire team of kolkatafootball.com for being associated with Aryan football club on a mammoth 10 years contract. A. Thank You, the pleasure is all mine Q. Now that Techno India Group has inked a sponsorship agreement with Aryan, where do you see them on the Kolkata football canvas in the coming 3-4 years, keeping in mind their current 1st division Group “A” status and performance stats? Do you see them playing in the CFL premier division soon? A. This is just the beginning and we have a long way to go. The Club has a lot to achieve and we are extremely hopeful of achieving the best Q. What will be your strategy to overcome poor phases if unfortunately the results are not satisfactory? Will there be any flexibility in the budget? A. Our strategy is to have a positive outlook in all our ventures and aim for the best. Q. Would you like to disclose the amount of sponsorship and the areas in which your organization intends to help out the club? A. No. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment for the players and members whereby the club can achieve its long lost glory. For this, we are ready to commit to this in a long term basis. Q. Speculations are in air regarding Techno India’s own football academy and team would you please enlighten us on this issue? A. TIG has already planned a sports academy where among others we wanted to initiate a research and training in various sports like football, cricket etc. The academy would have the best training facilities which would enable the coaches to impart training to the students. It will be world class facility where training will also be provided in lesser popularized sporting activities like archery, billiards etc. Young boys and girls with a flair for a sport will be enrolled in this academy whereby they will be provided nutritious food, training sessions with coaches and an academic grounding. Coaches will be sourced from all around the world and care will be taken to impart training in the most scientific manner. TIG will also provide support to retired sportspersons and help them to develop an alternate career. Q. Techno India is one of the most reputed technical education and knowledge management group, then what made you invest in football development and that also a century old football club which has a thin fan base as compared to the Derby biggies? A. It is the immense love for this game that has prompted us to take up this initiative. Like all other ventures, we want to have a grass root level initiative where we want to connect with the football loving masses and promote the sport which has a huge potential in our country. Q. As far as ciné stars are concerned, they often find themselves with schedule difficulties. Megastar Mr. Mithun Chakraborty had also been associated with IFA as a goodwill ambassador but could not devote that much time to promote the sport as it was desired; don’t you think it may be all the same with your ambassador, super star Mr. Chiranjeet? If not then in which activities are we going to see him in the next ten years? A. Chiranjeet is close friend and an integral part of our club and we are glad to have him as a part of our team. He was very much forthcoming and wanted to be a part of this initiative. Apart from possessing a sound technical knowledge of the game, he is an excellent motivator and we believe that his inputs will go a long way in giving our team an extra edge. Q. Do you think this corporatization of football clubs in Kolkata in recent times with the likes of Mr. Vijay Malya whose UB Group has been associated with the two Kolkata football giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, is going to bring a revolutionary change in contrary to AFC (Asian Football Confederation) president Mr. Hammam’s remarks “Indian football is still 100 years lagging behind”, during his last visit to India with FIFA president Mr. Sepp Blatter, who on the other hand had commented “India is a sleeping giant” of world football. A. It is good sign that corporate houses have finally realized the true potential of this game and are appreciating the potential and mass appeal of football. Infact at this juncture, the future of the game appears very positive to us. Q. Is the IPL success story anywhere behind the scene? A. IPL has been a landmark in the history of Indian cricket and the same model if employed for football will spell wonders for the sport. IPL has been an eye-opener and is source of inspiration for all of us. Q. Well apparently, this is all about helping a 124 years old club regain its past glory, but do you have any plans for the ‘real’ football development, the IFA nursery league boys? Is there any plan to invest huge sum at the grass root level so as to produce more Chuni, P.K and Baichung in future? A. TIG is planning a Sports Academy and I am confident that the Academy will take care of that. The Academy will undertake every effort to explore sporting talents from every district of West Bengal to begin with. These talents will then be placed in our Academy where they will be given a rigorous training in their chosen area of sports in addition to grounding in academics. As they grow, they will be trained to participate in various sporting meets whereby they will have a chance to display their true potential. This itself is huge investment as we will be putting all our efforts to deliver the best infrastructure, best manpower, resources to develop world class sportspersons Q. Ok, do you personally take some time out to go and watch football matches? Which is the last match you watched, both national and international? A.I do try to watch matches and given my schedule this does become a tad difficult. However, I did see the Euro Final and I must say it was one of the finest football matches of recent times. Q. Personally, which Kolkata football club is your personal favorite and why? A. Right from my childhood days I have been an ardent admirer of the Mohun Bagan Club and being a life member of the same, I am very much attached to it. Now the Aryan Club too will hold a special place inside my heart Q. Apart from the modernization and corporatization of clubs, don’t you think its time now to apply technology to the way the universal sport is portrayed here in this part of the world as compared to the international clubs, with their own supreme quality official websites and IPTV infrastructure? A. Technology of course can be implemented like the way the foreign clubs do. However we must remember that football in India is at a grass root level and superior technology might not be effective here. Once we achieve our primary goals and take the sport to the next level, we will definitely implement the required technology Q. To finish with, our national team captain and football icon Baichung Bhutia has created history on 12th July 2008 when he scored 2 back-to-back goals at the famous Allianz Arena of Munich for a “GOAL 4 AFRICA” charity match against world famous sportsmen and footballers, on the auspicious occasion of Nelson Mendela’s 90th birthday. Would you like to convey him any message? A. It was an awesome feat and he has proved himself and silenced his critics. Apart from my heartiest congratulations I would offer him my best wishes. Thank you so much for sparing some time for this interview to Kolkatafootball.com. We wish your venture every success. A. Thank You

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FACE 2 FACE : Atanu Bhattacharjee - Ex India Goalkeeper

By Abhishek Bhattacharyya from Kolkata : 23.06.2008

Atanu Bhattacharjee has been one of the finest goalkeeper India has ever seen. He started his footballing career with Howrah Union.The former Mohun Bagan,East Bengal,Mohammedan S.C. and India Goalkeeper is the last Indian to be selected in All Star Asian Team in 1986.Just like we say “Charity begins at home”.Atanu da’s football also kicked-off at home. His father Late.Umakanta Bhattacharjee was a left winger and played for clubs like Arians,Bhawanipore and International.His elder brother Debashis Bhattacharjee also played for Red and Yellow brigade.We got up, close and personal with this living legend of Indian football as he expressed his thoughts on UEFA Euro 2008 and Indian football.

Please tell us your take on UEFA EURO 2008.Who do you think will win the competition. Ans :Its really exciting to see the football giants of Europe taking on each other.The competition has been very unpredictable.Its hard to pick a winner.But now we are down to 4 teams. Those four semi-finalists have given their best to reach here and I think Germany will win it.I love the way Germany play their football.Germany plays power football and are technically strong than any other European teams.But I think Russia also has a chance because Guus Hiddink is doing a great job along with his whole team. Which one player has impressed you in this year’s competition. Ans : Hmm…I think it has to be Russia’s Roman Pavlyuchenko.The 26 years old Spartak Moskva Forward has been performing consistently. Your favourite match till now Ans : Netherlands crushing the Italians 3-0. Please Say your Semifinal prediction between Turkey vs Germany and Russia vs Spain Ans :I think Germany will win 2-0 against Turkey and Russia will win 2-1 against Spain. You have been a role model to many of the current generation Indian GoalKeepers.Who was your Role model ? Ans :My role model has been the former Russian Goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev.I had a chance of interacting with him during the Nehru Gold Cup two decades back.It was a great experience then.I also liked Germany’s Toni Schumacher. :Tell us three things a young Goal Keeper needs to follow in order to suceed. Ans :1)Practice hard , 2) Be fearless and 3)Keep a Never say die attitude. Who is your favourite Indian Goalkeeper in recent years ? Ans :It has to be Subrata Paul.But he still has a long way to go and that’s why he should keep on working. :Your contemporaries like Monoranjan Bhattacharjee (Coach East Bengal),Alok Mukherjee , Debashish Mukherjee (Goalkeeper Coach East bengal) are into serious coaching these days.Are you planning to take up coaching once again in near future. Ans :Why not!If I get a good offer in future I will surely take up the job again. :Tell us why our kolkata teams are not able to perform well in I-league and Asian competitions. Ans : We don’t give our players the time to settle here properly and then there is pressure from all corners.Things get decided by seeing one match.We need to be more professional in order to achieve success. I think we should concentrate more on I-league.Our teams should be made by keeping I-league in mind.We should also look to get some good foreign players. It seems that we cant think beyond Barretto. :Your favourite club Mohun Bagan has appointed Karim Bencherifa as their new coach.Your take on that . Ans ::Well,he is a great coach and Churchill’s performance last season bears testimony to the fact.He is young and was also a ex-player and knows the nuances of modern day football and I wish him best of luck for the upcoming season. :On Baichung being invited to play in Goal4Africa match. Ans :Ya it’s a great honour for him.Its great to see a Indian player being selected for this match. A messege for the Indian football fans. Ans:Support Indian football.Because our football needs your support and things are looking good.We are improving so just be with the footballers.

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120th Durand Cup Champion Churchill Brother's Striker ODAFA OKOLIE

120th Durand Cup:Man of the Match in Final and Winner of Golden Boot (11 Goals in 4 Matches)

Enjoying my stint with Churchill Brothers: Odafa Okelie

K.chakrabarty:He converts even if there is a little sniff of a goal…Odafe Okelie’s goal scoring rate will tell you the rest of the story…In Durand Cup, the Nigerian striker pumped in a dozen goals to justify his top scorer’s award in last NFL and helped Churchill Brothers to win the Durand Cup….. Kolkatafootball.com had caught up with Odafa Okelie in Goa, before Churchill Brothers left for Delhi to play in Durand Cup…Following are the excerpts of the interview…

Neme: Odafa Okolie Onayeke Country:Nigeria Position:Can Play as Striker,Defencive Midfielder,Even as Goal Keeper Status:School and College Team Captain in Nigeria Academy: Pepsi football Academy - Nigeria Current Club:Churchill Brothers,Goa,India Previous Clubs:2003 -City F.C-Kolkata,Peerless S.C-Kolkata,2004 -Mohammedan S.C-Kolkata 2005 -Mukti Joddha Samsad (Bangladesh), 2005 -Churchill Brothers Achievements:Top Scorer with 13 goals in Bangladesh Football League 2005 Achievements:Top Scorer with 12 goals in 2nd Divn.AIFF Ongc NFL 2005 Achievements:Top Scorer with 22 goals in Goa Football League 2006 Achievements:Top Scorer with 18 goals in 1st Divn.AIFF Ongc NFL 2006 - 2007br> Achievements:Top Scorer with 11 goals in Durand Cup 2007 Current Achuevements:Year 2007-08(Upto Janyary 08) :: Scored 56 Goals in 46 Matches ( 5 Hattricks)

Q. How do you find the team this year?? Odafa: Well, it is full of youngsters and like last season we will perform well… All players are eager to do well and hopefully Churchill Brothers will shine in NFL… Q. First Professional League is about to start…What are your expectation?? Odafa: I’m playing football professionally for quite some time now and it is nothing new for me, but obviously I-League will help Indian football to grow. The game is advancing in India and professional league will make it more competitive in the country… Q. You must be looking forward to surpass the last year’s record… Odafa: (smile)…Yes..My duty is to score goals and I’m happy that I’m doing it consistently.. I’m confident to deliver even this year. Q. Are you happy playing in Churchill Brothers?? Odafa: I’ve a lot of friends in Churchill…Off the field I spend time with them and that makes the understanding even better when we play together…The club management is very supportive and I’m enjoying my stint with the club. Q. Churchill Brothers came very close of winning major tournaments but failed a number of times…Are we going to see any difference this year. Odafa: We played really well last year but couldn’t win the title…Hopefully everyone will contribute together this year and who knows we might come on the top! Q.Your team won Durand Cup.As a Captain what is your feelings?? Odafa:I am very very happy because, as a Captain I scored the winning goal for my team. A Team Leader has to set an example by his performance and I did it in the match.

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Bob Houghton Deserves a long term contract: Henry Menezes

How Indian team suddenly started to perform well???? Is this game going through a consolidation phase in India?? Can we keep the momentum go?? Henry Menezes accompanied the Nehru Cup winning Indian football team as a commentator with Zee Sports …..The Mumbai F.C manager shared his opinion on a number of issues in an Exclusive interview with Kolkatafootball.com. on 19.09.2007

KFDC: How different is this side from the Indian sides of recent past?? Henry: The footballers played a different style of game altogether in Nehru Cup….The team played an aggressive brand of soccer …We are capable of creating upsets playing like this, at least team India have proved that …. Bob’s boys looked mentally stronger than ever before. KFDC: We are 16 places up in the FIFA ranking ( 145 currently)after the Nehru Cup…Can we enter the top 100??? Henry: India will face Lebanon next and I am hopeful about our chances…We should win if the team play this kind of soccer ….We will reach at least 120 within this year. I’m confident; the team will continue their brilliant run. KFDC: How is NFL’s contribution to the team’s success in Nehru Cup?? Henry: We have to raise the standards of NFL….The foreign players playing in the NFL now are not of the highest standards. Federation allowed the foreigners to play in NFL just to raise the standards of our boys. But if we continue to recruit foreigners like this the purpose is never going to be solved. It’s high time before we come out with some solution. KFDC: There were no higher ranked teams apart from Syria…How do you rate our victory in Nehru Cup?? Henry: See, success never comes in a day. It would come gradually and you have to be patient. It was good for the side the way matches were scheduled. We gained confidence after a big win against Cambodia and that later on helped the boys to perform brilliantly against Kyrgyzstan and Syria. KFDC: How do you rate our chances in near future?? Henry: I am ever optimistic. If the players continue to train under Bob Houghton and stay fit through out the season, I am hopeful that the team would go a long way in Asian standards. This team will rule the sub continent football. KFDC: Have you spotted any particular footballer in this tournament… Who was the most transformed footballer?? Henry: It would be sheer injustice if I name a single player ….Steven Dias, Subrata Paul, Mahesh Gawli..Every one played tremendous football. But I must say Sunil Chhetri was the best of the lot. I’ve heard people saying Sunil in not doing justice to his potential…But this guy proved every body wrong in Nehru Cup. Who knows; he must have had more inspiration partnering Baichung Bhutia ….It’s commendable, the way Baichung helps the youngsters. KFDC: Can we keep up the momentum?? Henry: Nehru Cup win has helped football back into the lime light. Now comes our real test. Players like Subrata Paul, Steven Dias, and N.P Pradeep will play for the national side for a while but we would miss the services of the senior players after some time. We have to find out the raw talents from the junior and sub junior football to replace them. It’s difficult to become professional in a single day but it’s important to build a professional mentality. KFDC: One last question…How do you rate Bob Houghton as a coach?? Henry: Bob is in charge of the side for the last one and half years…But how many international matches India played under his coaching?? …Our success in Nehru Cup has shown that we are capable…AIFF should help Bob with more international exposure. …He should get a long term contract from the Federation. A supporting team consists of assistant coach, physio, physical trainer and a match analyst should accompany him through out the year. I am confident success will come.

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Mr.Nuno Mousinho-Esteves (right)with Alberto Colaco(AIFF General Secretary)

15.09.2007 :Mr.Nuno Mousinho Esteves of Football And Friends - Portugal said to Kolkatafootball.com Reporter Nabarun Mukherjee Qs: -1) First of all, on behalf of Kolkatafootball.com , we convey our heartiest congratulations to “Football & friends” for arranging the Portugal trip for the Indian footballers. We are confident the experience gathered by the Indian Footballers from this trip will certainly help them to perform bettering the coming days. Taking the cue from above, can you tell us for how long your organization has been organizing such kind of trips for the foreign footballers? Apart from India , is there any other country for which you have arranged such practice matches in Portugal ? A:Thank you very much for your kind words. It was na honour for us to host AIFF in Portugal . We are a sports marketing agency especiallized in football.We do organize training camps for clubs and national teams, but this was much more than a tour.Football and friends organized this tour in cooperation with FPF - Portuguese Federation and LPFP - Portuguese League as part of a long term partnership with AIFF. Qs: -2) Is India the first Asian country to visit Portugal through your organization? A: Yes it was. Soon a Malaysian group will follow. Qs: -3) What is your basic idea about Indian Football? A: When we started Project India last year, we were aware of India ’s low FIFA rank. Our perception then was far from the reality we have discovered since then.The talent pool is there. Indian players are as talented as any other player.There is a long way ahead but time will come when India will rank Top 5 in AFC. Qs: -4) As you know, Portugal is at least 15 times ahead of India in the FIFA football ranking. Is this the main reason for which you have arranged practice matches of India with the Group-‘D’ &’E’ teams of second & third division teams of Portugal? ? A: yes there is. It was a technical decision made by Bobby Houghton and his staff. We could provide any kind of clubs to play India NT. Their decision was based on the need to offer Indian players levelled competition. They needed to work of tactics and team spirit. It would have been much more difficult to achieve that against I Liga opponents. Qs: -5) In the Portugal trip, out of four matches, India had won and drawn two matches each - what is your opinion about this? A: Perfect. It worked just fine for Houghton’s goals as well for the moral of the team. The games were good to watch. Qs: -6) In your opinion what are the basic lacunas of the Indian Footballers that have let them so behind from their European counterparts? A: There isn’t a simple answer to this question. Indian players are as talented as anyone else. The game in Europe is played at an entire different level. I consider that the youth development systems in Europe are the best in the world. This is the main difference for the rest of the world, not just to India . Qs: -7) Let aside the Indian Captain Baichung Bhutia, who are the other Indian footballers that have made an impact in your minds? What are their basic attributes that have made you think so? A: As far as talent goes, I would pick at least half a dozen to play here, but professional football in Portugal is played at a very high level. The competition is fierce, with players from all over the world. Any player that hopes to play Pro in Portugal must be a complete athlete with a very strong attitude.If I had to pick just one I would bring Sunil Chetri. Qs: -8) Apart from the national team, is there any scope for organizing such trips for the Indian club sides to play practice matches with the leading clubs of your country? A: Our partnership with AIFF goes far beyond a NT tour. We are on board to help upgrade anyone’s game. Indian clubs are most welcome to start a business relationship with us that will allow them to create a bridge with Portugal . Qs: -9) As you must be knowing, Kolkata is the Mecca of Indian Football. Is there any scope for your organization to come over here and work as mutually convenient? A: We are aware of Kolkatta’s importance in Indian football. Our path will be designed in cooperation with AIFF so I would expect to enter Kolkatta soon. Qs: -10) As evident from the photographs of the matches you have sent, most of the matches there were either played in open ground or in scarcely populated stadiums- What is the main reason behind this? A: The summer vacation period in Portugal goes July 15th to Aug 31st, when most people go south to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve .Also the purpose of this tour wasn’t commercial so we didn’t advertise the games, as Bobby Houghton asked for a quiet atmosphere around his team so that they could fully develop their program. Qs: -11) How were the local populace and media enthusiastic about the trip? A: The media did cover the tour. Portuguese sports channel SportTv will air soon a 25 min program about the NT tour. Summer is football off-season. The populations rest the overdose of football we have here. As you can imagine in a country with a 10,000,000 population that have 400 senior teams competing in 5 Divisions! Qs: -12) Are you again interested to arrange such friendly matches with the Indian teams in future? A: We are holding hands with AIFF for the long run. As I promised in our Football Marketing & Youth Development Conference (Marriott Goa – 25th November 2006) we will dress in blue until the day India reaches top 5 in AFC. Qs: -13) What is your opinion about Indian victory in ONGC NEHRU CUP by beating Syria ? A: GREAT ! It came as no surprise. I loved it and I celebrated as it was Portugal . For almost 3 weeks I had the privilege and pleasure to be among India ’s finest footballers (and technical staff). I witnessed their evolution and their talent. This was just the first step. I truly believe India is on the right path with Bobby Houghton and we will be always ready to help. Qs: -14) How do you want to contribute more to the success of Indian Football in the days ahead? A: By maintaining an open line with AIFF, we will be ready to respond to your needs as well to suggest improvements. Like I said before we are partners for the long run. It must be done step by step, making adjustments along the way. Qs: -15) Last but not the least, as you know, Kolkatafootball.com had been playing a pivotal role in reaching every bit of news of the Indian trip to Portugal to the millions of Soccer fans at home. We solicit your valued opinion on the same. A: Media is crucial to help the development of the game. The football industry relies very much of the awareness of its sporting achievements. A win on the pitch is great but it will be even greater if it reaches millions outside that stadium. Media coverage will lay the basis to increase the fan following, making football commercially more attractive to sponsors. At the, on behalf of the millions of Indian Soccerfans in general and Kolkatafootball.com in particular, we thank you once again for extending your helping hand for the betterment of Indian football. Hope we will always find your cooperation in the days ahead. A: It is an honour for us to be trusted by AIFF with such noble task, which is to bring India back to higher grounds. Thank you!

Nuno Mousinho-Esteves Football & Friends LINDA VELHA.Portugal

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Baichung Bhutia is still a positive influence for National Team: Derek Pereira

29.08.2007::Steven Dias, Surkumar Singh, K. Ajayan, Mahesh Gawli and Sur Kumar Singh---- All five played together for Mahindra United last season….The ‘fabulous five’ are performing consistently for team India in Nehru Cup; Mahindra coach Derek Pereira feels proud for his boys…. Derek shared his opinion on the national football team. Kolkatafootball.com: How do you evaluate India’s performance so far in Nehru Cup? Derek: India is playing good football. It is an overall improvement what I’ve seen so far ….The team is playing good attacking football. Kolkatafootball.com: Do you feel increase in the standards of National Football League is the reason India’s good show in Nehru Cup? Derek: Not really; we need to improve the coaching standards of NFL…The credit goes to Bob Houghton for India’s good show. Bob is a thorough professional….And the result has slowly started to reflect in national team’s performance. Kolkatafootball.com: India is already up 11 places in FIFA ranking after a couple of wins under their belt….It is expected rise a few places more next week. How is our chance to break into the top 100? Derek: It is still some time needed for a top 100 ranking. May be two to three years more….It’s a gradual process and we need to build up step by step. Apart from developing a good team we have to build our bench strength as well who should be capable to replace these national team boys any time. Kolkatafootball.com: Steven Dias is a revelation in Nehru Cup. Was he under utilized before in National squad? Derek: Yes; may be it is like that way. Steven is doing very well and already won two Man of the Match award in this tournament…..These days most of the coaches are looking for strong footballers with good height. Steven is not that type but proved out to be an asset for the team. Kolkatafootball.com: Indian football team will train in Dubai before the world cup qualifier match against Lebanon…Isn’t it a great decision? Derek: Yes, of course it is a great decision…. The atmosphere in Dubai will be almost similar to Lebanese condition. It is going to help the players….In Nehru Cup India is playing the countries which are very close to our ranking or may be a few places up…Victories against these team definitely boost the confidence up. Psychologically it helps. Kolkatafootball.com: Baichung is still scoring goals for the country….. Derek: Oh yes…. He plays with a lot of spirit and as always he is still a positive influence for Team India. It is very nice to see he is helping the boys to perform as a team. Kolkatafootball.com: One last question…..How is India’s chances against Syria in the final? Derek: I haven’t seen the earlier match against Syria; just saw the highlights in television and the way India fought, it seems anything can happen. The defense looked a bit un organized. Twice it was totally split and India conceded goals. We have to minimize the lapses in defense but if we fight with the right spirit anything can happen. We have to fight till the end. By kolkatafootball.com Team - Mumbai

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20.08.2007:KARIM BENCHERIFA MAKES A MARK IN INDIAN CLUB FOOTBALL… He knew that it was never going to be an easy task to manage a team which is full of youngsters, a team which is generally known to be inconsistent in nature and off course a team which didn’t have any star footballer in their ranks…..But Karim Bencherifa perhaps loves to take the challenges and it was one of those challenges which brought him in India a year back from Singapore. After NFL 2007 there shouldn’t be much difference in opinion that Karim proved himself as the best coach in Indian club Football. Chances of winning the championship wasn’t there but the youngsters from Churchill Brothers was in a mission to establish themselves in Indian Football…They ran faster and looked fitter than any other team in last few rounds of NFL….Churchill looked like a team that could play ten rounds more in the championship----Thanks to their Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa. Dempo might have won the NFL but there is hardly any doubt that Churchill played the most attractive soccer….The club management is happy with the way the team has performed but Karim said he expected a finish in top three. The team was full of rookies and the task was to make them believe in their abilities….Karim did it with style and the team looked like a bunch that is full of motivation….To everyone’s surprise Churchill Brothers lost only thrice in the entire NFL which was off course the minimum among all teams. Karim describes it as the success of his youth brigade. After his first year in Indian club football Karim feels the standard of the game in this country is progressing steadily and with the introduction of professional league next season the graph will only rise. Karim has one of the most impressive C.V’s in Indian football at the present moment. The Churchill coach was mercurial in Woodlands Wellington’s championship win in Singapore football. Earlier Kencherifa had a successful stint with the Brunei national team as well.

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20.05.2007::Subroto Egoist, Subhash is the best in Indian club Football -- Beto (Dempo) During his stint with Mohun Bagan hardly anyone noticed Roberto Mendez Silva’s ability to play as a game maker….Two years have passed and Beto has emerged as one of the best in India as far calling the shots of a game is concern. The Brazilian, who played a crucial role in Dempo’s second NFL triumph, was ecstatic after the feat was achieved. Beto said this is the best moment during his three year stay in India. Zee Sports reporter Kuntal Chakraborty had a one to one interview with the Dempo skipper in Goa after their NFL victory. Q. I guess this is your best moment so far in Indian football Beto: Obviously Yes. I’ve had a fairly decent time in Mohun Bagan but unfortunately couldn’t bring laurels for the club. In Dempo Armando Colasso helped me to transform as a player…. I took more responsibility and thank God that we are the NFL Champions this year and that too under my leadership. No doubt this is my best moment in Indian football so far. Q. What is special about Armando Colasso,???? Do you reckon him as the best Indian coach? Beto: He will definitely feature within the top three coaches in Indian club football. Armando is cool and always stands behind the players…Yes, even when they are not performing well. He knows how to squeeze the best out of a footballer….But well; I feel Subhash Bhowmik is probably the best coach I’ve come across in India. Bhowmik has the ability to read the minds of the players and he is the best strategist as well. Apart from these two, Karim Bencherifa is also doing well. Q. How different is it playing in Kolkata and Goa???….It’s two years now that you are here in Dempo. Beto: Well off course differences are there….In Dempo I’ve found it much easier to adjust with the local Goanese boys as their style of game matches with the Latin American style. They are more creative which a contrast to the Kolkatan style of game is. In Kolkata footballers play with more force….But I miss the crowd, the spirit of the game and enthusiasm of Kolkata. Q: Your Set pieces, especially free kicks have been a revelation this year. We have hardly seen this during your stay in Green and Maroon……….. Beto: I couldn’t do much about it as I was not allowed to…I mean I’ve never got any help from the coach at that point of time. Subrata Bhattacharya hardly gave me any opportunity to explore my set piece abilities. He was an egoist and was always busy to prove his own point rather than to serve for the team’s cause. Q. How do you compare yourself with Barreto and Christiano Junior after your three years stint in Indian football? Beto: I’m not good at all these comparisons…You can do it much better than me, I guess (Smiles)... Frankly speaking I’ve seen both of them already playing in Indian football when I stepped in…I’ve gained confidence watching their success initially. I can’t compare but I feel I’ve done well enough in last three years. Q. Which Indian footballers have impressed you so far? Beto: First of all I should mention Ashim Biswas’ name…I think he has got all the abilities of a good striker. I’m sure he will grow in years to come and I want to see him playing to his full potential. Baichung and Alvito have also impressed me for their style of play and yes, for their commitment towards the game as well. Q. Would you like to make a come back in Kolkata if East Bengal or Mohun Bagan come up with better offers than Dempo??? Beto: Money can’t buy me happiness….My family is happy here in Goa. I love the atmosphere in Kolkata but I should give priority to my family’s decision. East Bengal officials are in conversation with me and I’m trying to convince my wife (Smiles again)…Well she will have the final say. Q. What is Dempo’s success “Mantra” this year??? Beto: “Learn from your mistakes”….That’s what we had told ourselves after our loss in the Federation Cup. That learning experience was necessary at the middle of the year. We played as a unit after that and that was crucial in a marathon run like NFL. Q. Any resolution next year??? Beto: I have many...One of those off course winning the NFL and Federation Cup in same season…But ahead of everything I want to stay happy with my family. By the grace of god I am happy now.

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India must Wake up : Hammam

Hammam :Media plays a big role in improving football. Just before, in the press conference, you have seen that there is a big board at the back of the stage. You must have noticed that on the board there are logos of the sponsors of the Asian Football Confederation. Among the sponsors, there are, Fly Emirates, Epson - such big names. Those viewing the board, may think that the pivot points of Asian Football is limited in the East and West Asia because Epson which is a computer-oriented company has its main branches spread over the China, Japan and South Korea, and Fly Emirates is the airlines company of the Arab Emirates. Now tell me, are there no representatives in the Asian Football from the vast space between East and West Asia? Is there no Football in India, Bangladesh or in the middle-east countries? But the actual fact is not that. In India, there are some football clubs which are among the oldest clubs in Asia. Here in India, I just came to know, that one of the most popular football league takes place every year. Then, tell me why, there is not a single logo of Indian sponsors in the logo board of AFC? Well, the reason is, football is not so popular in this region. It is undoubtedly true that the Business houses place advertisement there where they can get some mileage other than some social issues. Rightin this situation the media should come forward and may take a great role in promoting and popularizing a game or a tournament. During the World Cup football, the amount of news and information published in the media makesit clear that football is very popular here in India. At the same time it is also true that football in foreign countries is much more popular, than local football. Media should aware the general people that in other countries' football league is played in the same way. The best players from the world plays in European football league that we watch in the TV and therefore the game becomes more appealing. But it is not true that all the leagues in all the countries' are as good. Club culture is the most important thing in the football in all countries all the time. Media should broadcast this with more importance. Actually this is the first time we are trying to improve the standard of the Asian football in an organized way. This is the very beginning. It is true that the standard of Indian football is not very good but at the same time it is also true that there are a lot of football geniuses here. The problem is in the infrastructure. India is a large country. Until now, no arrange ments were made to mark the places and upload them. We are trying to do that. As for example players from North-East India especially from Manipur, have skills, structure of the body and interest in football is not less than that of Japan or Korea. What they lack is scientific training. We are trying to impart scientific training to them. We are also interested to the players of Western India. At the same time Jath and Pathans of India have body structure for European power football. We are trying to make training centers near Delhi. We hope if we could make this process successful, our dream to see India at World Cup arena will come true. Face to Face interview with Rafique Sattar (Executive Editor of Kick-Off) at kolkata during U-20 AFC CUP Compiled by : Tanmoy Mukherjee

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THE WAY OF THINKING SHOULD ALWAYS BE POSITIVE :          BOB HOUGHTON

Kick-Off:What is your impression about the present Indian Football ? Coach : Well! It is too early to make any comments.I need some more time before giving a full picture of the Indian Football.But what I can say is the problems I have confronted from the date of taking over the charge of Indian National Football Team,the reserve bench is not equipped with competent players.If any player of the first eleven gets injured, the proper substitute is hardly available.The reason is not that there is dearth of genious footballers in India but there is lackof proper arrangement to spot them. Kick-Off : What arrangement you propose to pick up the talented Footballers ? Coach : It would better try to start it from the end.I have observed in the National Coaching Camp that players practise faultly chest trapping,some turn to the left side and some to the right side.But the internationally admitted system is that after chest trapping,the ball should drop down just in front of the foot of the receiving player.Here very few players are seen practising this advantageous system.On the other hand they are receiving the ball by chest and terning to the right or left and ihe the sequel the ball after being recocheted received by the opponent player in most of the cases. Kick-Off : Does this happen in regular manner? Coach :In fact,I think the boys receive coaching in different coaching camps in different manner and as aresult they learn trapping and shooting in different ways. Kick-Off : How this type of coaching system be changed? Coach : The only remady I can suggest is to introduced uniform code of coaching system throughout the country. Kick-Off : It has been learnt that you are not happy with the coaching camps playing grounds and other inrastructure in some case ? Coach : Exactly.perhaps they are not atall nearer to the International standard.But I think there is no use commenting over these shortcomings,we should make proper utilization of the resources,we have had in our hands at present.Simulteneously linear coaching system has to be introduced to ensure supply lines of good footballers so theat the quality team be formed in future. Kick-off : We should definitely show politive mental attitude in line with what you suggest.But in spite of that are you hopeful that India may qualify to play in the World Cup in near future? Coach : See! World cup is a very big affair.Initially we should comtemplate on Asian Level and thereafter it would be better to go up step by step. Kick-Off : In which aspect The Indian Football is lacking ? Coach : The Indian Footballers are not lacking in skill but they are lacking in Strength and Stamina.Individual game should be stopped .On the other hand the wings should be properly used in order to strengthen the attacking front.This coaching should be start from the very initial level of each footballers of the country. Kick-Off : Do you think it possible to introduce linear coaching system in India where people of different language,races,relegions,culture live? Coach : I know it very well about Indian culture.But we should go ahead with positive thinking inspite of these prevailing difficulties. The Chief Coach of Indian National Football Team Mr. Bob Houghton expressed his views to the reporter or KICK-OFF Magazine Mr.Sabyasachi Mullick about Indian football.

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In Zurich as part of the delegation to present the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, the International Journal of the History of Sport award, I asked him about the Indian subcontinent. Firstly, a hi tech 21st century office, it was fascinating to see replicas of all the age group world cups displayed all round. As my colleague Tony Mangan put it, "The building is a futuresque Kafka!!" :Dr.Boria Mazumder

Ranked 157th in the world, it is difficult to even broach India at the hallowed head quarters of football's governing body. However, Blatter surprised me when he mentioned that India was part of FIFA's vision document for the near future and it wants to tackle the problem of Indian football head on. It was indeed fascinating to know that India ranks fairly high in FIFA's priority list in the near future. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Boria : Does India really matter to FIFA? We languish at 140 in the world rankings yet the passion for the game is intense. How do you view India? Sepp Blatter : To use a footballing term, tackle, we intend to tackle the question of India in the next few months. In fact, an Indian delegation led by the AIFF President Priyaranjan Dasmunshi is due to visit FIFA on 19-20 December and discuss threadbare possible mechanisms of collaboration. This will be followed by a visit of the FIFA President to India in February where he plans to outline the FIFA vision for the Indian subcontinent. India, Blatter contends, is a sleeping giant that now needs to be awakened. Far more than performances on the ground, football, FIFA feels, can be used as a mode of life to help alleviate several problems of Indian day to day life. Boria : Do you know that when the world cup was played in Germany almost the entire Indian nation had come to a standstill. Normal routine of work was disrupted with people watching live games in the evening and highlights in the morning? Sepp Blatter: Football is a world passion and it is great to know that people in India love their football like this. I know it is not the number one sport in the country. Cricket is number one there but we are determined to help Indian football come up. I have already had a rather fruitful meeting with the Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee in Germany during the world cup and FIFA is rather keen to work hands on with the Indian government. If football can do a great job in China , Japan and Korea , not to mention Brazil and Argentina , there's no reason why India should lag behind. Boria : What about Africa? The next FIFA world cup will be played in Africa. We in India often feel that socio-economic and political conditions in Africa is not much different from that of India's. If Africa can, why can't we? Sepp Blatter : Indeed. The whole purpose in giving the world cup to Africa was to get this message across to the world that football is much more than a mere game. Of course it is entertainment for the masses of soccer fans and it gives great fillip to nationalism all over the world, but it is far more than anything else a way of life, a culture that aims to unite the world. And India is very much a part of this vision. All the differences in a diverse country like India can be overcome with the help of passions like soccer. Boria : Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi is by profession a politician. He is also President of the AIFF. Do you think he can do justice to his job? Sepp Blatter : I know Mr. DasMunshi well enough to say that he is extremely passionate about Indian football and is very keen to develop football in India. In fact, I would say that because he is a politician and a member of parliament he should find it simpler to get things done. He is leading the India delegation to Zurich in December and we plan to accomplish much during the visit. Boria : We have heard you plan to come to India in the near future, in early 2007, Is this true? Sepp Blatter : Yes, I have plans touring the subcontinent in February 2007. The dates are not final yet but surely the planning is on. It will indeed be a very exciting trip for me. With all its diversities and knowing about its passion for football, it will be lovely to go to India. And your national league will then be on I am told. May I can I will watch a game as well. Boria : You are an accomplished sports administrator. This award too is in recognition of your services. What is the most defining moment of his career? Sepp Blatter : The most poignant moment of my life came when I visited some of the Tsunami afflicted areas and handed footballs to the children. The way a few of them embraced the ball was just amazing. It was not a mere ball, which is kicked around for joy, it was their life. This is what we aim to achieve. Far more than providing entertainment for people and championing nationalism for nations, we view football as a mode of life, as a culture that will help bring the world closer together. And this is where India comes in as well. Boria : What do you feel about issues of Fair Play and cheating? Sepp Blatter : Extremely serious. Cheating is surely there because people want the laurels. This is what makes Fair Play even more important. If you see the official FIFA flag you will see how concerned we are about Fair Play. At this point, Blatter presented us with the commemorative gold medal distributed to the two world cup finalists, Italy and Germany . A terrific piece of handiwork, we were moved. Boria : Thanks a ton for this. A much treasured thing for me. Sepp Blatter : Yes, they were bleeding in Germany for this. What a world cup it was and the players were all giving it their very best. Such intense competition is what makes football the most loved passion of the world. Boria : Football, more than anything else, unites the world. What do you feel about this? Sepp Blatter : You are right. The United Nations has 192 members. We, in FIFA, have 202. This is a matter of great pride and also great responsibility. We have to run the sport well to ensure that this passion grows further. At the same time we will have to harness this passion well to serve society. Boria: Not always do academics recognize sports administrators. What do you feel about the award? Sepp Blatter : As I have said before, I and the entire FIFA family is honoured that IJHS has given me this award. It is a privilege for us all. Thank you. Exclucive Interview taken by World Famous Sports Historian Dr. Boria Mazumder and Compiled by Mr.S. Mullick

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