Chennai blanks Kochi

In the last 12 months, the city of Kochi had seen more top level football action than what entire Tamil Nadu has seen, thanks to a fortnight of the prestigious Federation Cup.

The turnout for the Santosh Trophy gala in Chennai disparages the poor fan following in its neighbouring port city of Kochi where the Fed Cup was played to a sea of vacant seats.

A classic example of Malayalis’ failed marriage with football was at the Fed Cup, notably those involving Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan.

The Mariners have nurtured many a Malayali dream, through the careers of Xavier Pius and I.M. Vijayan and many more, for decades. Bagan’s affair with talents in Kerala continues unto this day.

If not to return a favour, at least for the sake of witnessing something spectacular, from a handful of I-League clubs, the Kerala football fan could have marked his attendance at the Fed Cup. Ironically, a three-member Bagan family of Bapi Maji, hardcore supporters of Bagan, made more noise in Kochi than any local fan.

Fans turned up in large numbers at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday to allay organisers’ apprehensions and make it a huge success. Unlike all the tournaments in recent years, entry wasn’t free for the Santosh Trophy qualifiers but football fans weren’t worried about paying a paltry sum of '20 to take in the action. A tournament involving Tamil Nadu always has the ability to galvanise the fans in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Football Association secretary B. Ravikumar David said the turnout on Sunday could be around 5,000. “It’s only an estimate. We sold nearly 2,700 tickets over the counter. We also issued complimentary passes to players and district associations,” he added.

According to Dinesh, an ardent football fan, the huge crowd for the Tamil Nadu-Kerala match was an indication that fans would come to the ground for good matches. “They would be willing to pay even more if football matches are organised professionally in Chennai. Football has a unique ability to appeal to fans at all levels. The gates are free for Ranji Trophy matches involving current India stars but only a handful of people watch them,” he said.

The noise drummed up by the fans was a crucial factor in Tamil Nadu’s narrow win. Even though Kerala also had their fair share of supporters, the fans of the hosts outnumbered them easily.

Andhra Pradesh were the unexpected beneficiaries on the opening day. “There was a huge crowd for our match against the Andaman and Nicobar. “We knew that everyone was waiting for the second match between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, but it was a great feeling to have so many fans at the stands. Our players have never played in front of such a big gathering,” AP coach M. Hari said.

Kerala coach A.M. Sreedharan doffed his hat for the fans. “It was wonderful to have one side of the stadium full for the match. I’m happy that Tamil Nadu and Kerala dished out an entertaining contest. The fans must have enjoyed the show from start to finish,” he said.

M.S. Nasser, who follows local football religiously, said the organisers should put up some signboards near the main gate to show the way to the ticket counter. “It would be useful especially for outstation fans. The Tamil Nadu Football Association can also place some officials near the entrance of the H stand to give information to the ticket holders,” he added.