Four players from Gokulam Kerala FC will represent Kerala in the upcoming Santosh Trophy Football Tournament South Zone qualifiers to be held at Neyveli in Tamil Nadu from February 3 onward.
Mohammed Azhar K (goalkeeper), Safvan M (defender), Anurag PC (striker) and Gifty C Gracious (midfielder) have made the cut to play for the state team for the qualifiers. Azhar, who is from Perinthalmanna, studies at NSS College Manjeri and plays for Gokulam Kerala FC reserve team in the Kerala Premier League.
Safwan, who is also a student of NSS College Manjeri, is a stout defender of GKFC reserve team. He is a reserve team regular and has played for Gokulam in their Kerala Premier League opening match against Kovalam FC.
Anurag PC is a utility forward, who can also play in the wings. He has been with Gokulam since his formative years and is a student of Farook College in Kozhikode. The Thrissur lad is registered for Gokulam’s under-18 and reserve team and has been representing Kerala for two years.
Gifty Gracious is another upcoming talent from Kerala. The Wayanad player is a creative player, who can dictate gameplay from the middle of the ground. The player, who is studying at Mar Baselius College in Kottayam, has played for GKFC U18 team and is a registered reserve team player.
Two other Gokulam Kerala FC players, N Solamalai and U Ganeshan are also in the Tamil Nadu Santosh Trophy camp. Tamil Nadu team will be announced on Wednesday.
“From the club’s inception onward, we have been nurturing several upcoming players. Our aim is to give a platform for the youngsters, which has been lacking for so many years. These players have the caliber to become the best in the country and Gokulam will continue to nurture such talents,” said Bino George, the head coach of Gokulam Kerala FC.
