I-League: Seeking Inspiration From Zidane - Kalu

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Kalu Nnanna, Churchill Brothers (Mango Peel)

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The Goan champions have been runners-up on four occasions in the past didn’t leave any doubt that they deserved to be the champions of India this season.

“First of all, I would like to thank God as He can do anything. The love amongst our team and the way we play was exceptional,” said Kalu.

All wasn’t well at Churchill Brothers at the start of the season with Emeka Ezeugo having problems with the squad with his strenuous training methods and publicly criticizing some of the star players.

“I never had any problems with the coach (Emeka). At that moment when he left, we never thought about this kind of success. In life, there are ups and downs and our ride to glory wasn’t smooth either,” said the central midfielder in a reflective tone.

So which game according to Kalu turned the tide towards Churchill Brothers after not having leaded the table for most of the season?

“My best game in the I-League was one of the most crucial wins for us. Everybody knew that if we lose against Mohun Bagan then our title hopes would be in quandary. We came back after going down and beat them 3-1. That for me was the turning point of the season.”

After joining Churchill Brothers a few games after the I-League kicked-off, the midfielder quickly adapted to Indian football and gained a footing in it.

“Last season, Karim played me as an attacking midfielder but it was Emeka who wanted me to play a defensive role. When Zoran came in, he continued the same,” states the Nigerian who refers himself as the playmaker.

When Kalu returned from Nigeria in June last year, he was a little disappointed as he was awarded jersey number nine instead of his favourite number 21.

“Last year, I had jersey number 21 as I love Zinedine Zidane. While he was at Juventus, which is when I became his fan, he would wear jersey number 21. When I got number nine, I was very unhappy and angry. I accepted it and here I am!”

The 21 year old has a penchant for writing and carries a diary with himself throughout to note down important events in his life.

“I keep a pen and book with me to jot down. I don’t write very often but when I make big mistakes or something good happens. This season, I wrote when we had a string of draws in the first phase of the I-League. I was completed frustrated with the results then,” said Kalu.

This season has truly brought out the best in Kalu and he hopes to continue this form in future as well. Another Nigerian eagle has been just found...  

Rahul Bali.