Kochi: Former Test cricketer Tinu Yohanan, a Kochi native, has bought a local football club in the city and they’ve rechristened it FC Kochi — no relation to the erstwhile iconic club FC Kochin that comprised a galaxy of stars, including I.M. Vijayan, Jo Paul Anchery and Carlton Chapman that won the Durand Cup in its prime before perishing shortly after the turn of the new millennium. “I have always been passionate about football and we are quite serious about the project,” said Yohanan, a former mediumpacer.
The cricketer, who played for India before S. Sreesanth arrived on the scene, wants to build a club that focuses on developing young footballers. “We bought it with the motive of overall development. This project was in mind for a few years and initially the idea was to associate with an existing club but then not everyone shared our vision and that’s how we decided to do it on our own.”
Joji Mathew Daniel, a former physical education trainer, is the co-owner and the CEO of FC Kochi. “We have focused mostly on recruiting U-23 players and there are footballers from throughout the state,” said Joji.
FC Kochi will experience a baptism by fire as it has been registered with the Kerala Premier League, the state’s biggest football championship, most likely in October. Former Kerala Blasters squad member Ajith Sivan, Santosh Trophy players Vibin Ajayan and Rafeek are some of the youngsters raring for a fresh start. The club is looking to add a few experienced players on loan with the KPL in mind.
Tinu feels launching a team has been relatively the easier task but he believes they are ready to handle the pressure of developing it into a proper club in the coming seasons.
“It is just a humble start and we want to improve with every season. We believe if our vision is genuine likeminded people who are capable will come forward to support us. Just like any club owners will tell you we also want to go up the ladder but we believe that should not be by sacrificing our values. For us this club is a platform for talented footballers to arrive, get better and reach the next level,” he said.
