Happy homecoming for Sushanth

KOCHI: It's been 13 years since Sushanth Mathew left the now defunct FC Kochin football club and he was desperate for a homecoming. On Tuesday morning his prayers were answered with none other than Sachin Tendulkar drafting him in the Kerala Blasters FC squad from the Indian Super League domestic players draft held in Mumbai.
Hailing from Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Sushanth had honed his skills in the high ranges of the state and had joined the FC Kochin side in 1997-98.He left the club and played for Vasco FC, Mahindra United, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in the last decade and a half.
For quite some time now, Sushanth had been eager to return to his roots but the lack of a good football club in the state meant that he had nowhere to go. But the emergence of ISL and the acquisition of the Kochi-based franchise by Sachin Tendulkar and Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Prasad Potluri gave wings to his hopes.
Quite naturally, Sushanth who played for Rangdajied United FC on loan in last year's I-League, felt excited to join the Kochi-based team.
"I feel great. ISL will be a major platform for players like me and I wish to make the most of it. I am thrilled that I will be returning to Kerala and has got an opportunity to play in front of home crowd. I am quite optimistic and will give my best for the Kerala team," Sushanth told TOI.
The 33-year old is quite a utility player. His versatility has been explored to the hilt by clubs with some playing him in defence while others giving him the midfielder's role.
An ardent Sachin fan, Sushanth is excited that he will be playing for the cricket legend's football club.
"I am eagerly waiting for my first meeting with Sachin. I have been a great fan of him and I have to say big thanks to him for acquiring the Kerala-based ISL franchise. It also offers me a big opportunity and I am sure he would come up with plans to nurture young talent in our state," he added.
With Kerala Blasters planning to rope in some top notch footballers from around the globe, Sushanth believes that ISL will become a huge success in the state.
"I think our youngsters would embrace the concept in no time. They would be happy to see top players vie for the glory and ISL can be a big boost for Indian and Kerala football for sure," he said.