Chennai City FC all set for goal podu

The team owned by Rohit Ramesh, an Arsenal fan, has roped in ace music director Vishal Dadlani and A.R. Rahman’s nephew A.H. Kaashif for the song that is aptly titled – goal podu. 

With the team having a good online presence, Rohit’s extra-mile before the senior division league starts hasn’t come as a surprise to many. “We wanted a local connect. Not many people are in the know about a football league and the teams involved. 

This is an attempt to get the people to know about football and the support we need from them,” Rohit added. While many may rub it off as a publicity stunt, Rohit feels the team song has created a sense of bonding among the players. 

“The song has done a world of good for us. The feedback has been good and it has done justice – of making people know about the club. It also gives a chance for the players to know that we are serious about football,” he added. 

According to Rohit, the team is ready to take the senior division by storm. The team has a wonderful blend of attack and defence. They scored 62 goals in 11 matches and conceded just four to top the first division last year. “The camaraderie is excellent in the team. Four of our players are away on state duty but that hasn’t dented our plans. 

Regular practice matches against Chennai Customs and Madras Sporting Union are keeping us in good stead,” the team owner added. While the club’s target is to nail the title, Rohit said consistency in all departments is the key to success. “We do not want to show that our team’s performance is a flash in the pan. We do not want to be a one-off team in the league and be it in scoring goals or conceding, we would want to maintain the same level,” he said. 

Chennai City FC’s coach G.R. Inqulab said the team has a right mix of youth and experience. “Many of our players are from Thoothur and that makes it easy as their communication between them is above par. We have players who are just out of their teens and their agility would be a big asset for us. With experienced players like Morgan Justice, Sounesh, Soosai Raj or even Pradeep, we are in good shape,” the coach added.