‘Gokulam showed they belong in I- League’
Finishing seventh in one’s debut season in the I- League is creditable. In case of Gokulam Kerala FC, it is even more appreciable considering their disappointing start to the tournament.
They managed only four points from their first nine matches, but turned their campaign around in the second half of the season with consecutive victories over Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and eventual champions Minerva Punjab FC. Their revival not only turned the championship race upside down but made them king makers in a tight contest.
Gokulam collected 17 points from their last nine matches to finish with 21 points in the standings.
They capped their debut campaign with a 1- 1 draw at home in Kozhikhode against Mohun Bagan on Thursday, derailing the Kolkata club’s push for the title.
Gokulam coach Bino George attributed their desire to prove their ability in the top flight as the reason behind their improved performance.
“The desire to prove oneself is a prime reason for our success. Our team showed that desire to fight and win and we simply did. You can call that the magic formula if you want to,” he said.
Their turnaround is not a flash in the pan occurrence but a reflection of their ability, George said.
“Our team has some players who have no previous experience of playing in the ILeague. They were a bit overwhelmed and took some time to settle down,” he added.
“What you have seen in the second half of the season is what they are truly capable of. We had the will to prove that Gokulam are a team to be taken seriously.”
The team largely consisted of young home- based talent, proving that a unit doesn’t need to depend on big names and overseas recruits alone for success.
“Kerala didn’t have a platform for many years. Now they do it in the I- League for the local talent to flourish.
“I want more players to come up through Gokulam and hopefully go on to play for the national team. That’s my ultimate aim.”