Slovenia opens a new European window for young Indian footballers

Panaji: Indian footballers are moving out of their comfort zones like never before. There are players in lower divisions of Spain and Portugal, some in Uruguay, and even the top-tier Bolivian league.
Now, several young Indian footballers, some still in their teens, have signed long-term professional contracts in Slovenia, opening a different pathway for Indian talent to taste competitive European football. While in the past Indian footballers have tried, and failed, to crack the European code because they were never good enough to make the cut, Slovenia has emerged as the new hope from where, the players believe, they can make bigger career moves.
“Slovenia is an interesting market for (Indian) players because fancy markets (elsewhere in Europe) are not going to work,” said Luka Kovac of the Slovenia-based United Globe Sports Agency (UGSA). “The players are not ready right now. Slovenia is a stepping stone; if it works, they can move higher. Else, when they return to India, they will be much better players. It’s win-win,” added Kovac.
It was Som Kumar who first made the move to Slovenia. The former Kerala Blasters goalkeeper joined first divisioners NK Radomlje and has now been loaned to ND Slovan, where he’s guaranteed of games in the second tier till the remainder of the first-half of the season.
Others have started to follow in his footstep. Midfielder Nihaar Manirama is Som’s teammate at ND Slovan, progressing from the club’s U-19 side last season to the seniors at just 19.
Hridaya Jain, winner of the I-League Emerging Player award last season, had successful trials in Croatia, but chose to sign with NK Brinje Grosuplje, a strong second division side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the top division. Sragvin Venkatesh (NK Kety Emmi Bistrica, second division), Yohaan Benjamin (defending champions NK Bravo U-19) and Divij Surapaneni (NK Brinje, second division) are also now based in Slovenia.
Yohaan, in fact, will compete in the UEFA Youth League, with home and away clashes against FC Porto lined-up next month. He will become the first Indian to take part in the competition, the junior version of UEFA’s Champions League.
“The impression created by Som, Nihar and Yohann in the previous season has been very positive and their qualities (in their respective positions) is adding value to their teams,” said Abhay Raj, director at TRP Sports, an Indian football management agency that has collaborated with UGSA for the transfers.
“We plan to bring in more players to Slovenia, and if the market is saturated, then other ‘stepping stone’ markets like Austria and Croatia. In the next 3-5 years, Indian football can hugely benefit from this. The (football) education here is much higher and the boys get to train and compete with senior pros.”
According to Luka, though a smaller European footballing nation, Slovenia has a strong track record of player development and exports.
“Slovenian clubs need to produce and sell (players) to survive. That’s their business model. When ready, the clubs can sell these players to other European clubs. If not, there will always be takers for them in India since they have European pedigree. The boys (who came to Slovenia) were adamant that they want to be in Europe, experience this life and become better footballers. The parents too have been supportive. It’s not easy; the weather is different, the families are away, they need time (to deliver). They are all determined. I am certain these players will go far,” said Luka.

INDIAN FOOTBALLERS IN SLOVENIA
Som Kumar (Radomlje, loaned to ND Slovan)
Nihaar Manirama (ND Slovan)
Hridaya Jain (NK Brinje Grosuplje)
Sragvin Venkatesh (NK Kety Emmi Bistrica)
Yohaan Benjamin (NK Bravo U-19)
Divij Surapaneni (NK Brinje)