 While most of the other teams of the I-League 2009/2010 have already significantly bolstered their squads, Viva Kerala has so far failed to struck a big-name deal. Liaquat Ali, the club's managing director, explains that a lack of financial funding is the main reason.
"It has been difficult for us to attract a sponsor. We are operating in a tough environment", says Liaquat Ali, MD of Viva Kerala. Apart from the current economic conditions in which companies minimize their marketing budgets, the history of FC Kochin also puts a bad light on Viva Kerala. "After FCK's dissappearance, companies are skeptic of another team from Kerala. They wonder whether we will be around in a few years' time. ", explains the founding member. Apart from that, the state of Kerala does not have any big corporate houses which could financially help the state's no.1 football team. "The government's 25 lakh award is very helpful as it is a recognition of our work." But to operate properly, the club needs a constant source of financial backing. Only then, players like Ajayan and Susjanth Mathew can be lured to the club.
On the bright side, Viva managed to retain the bulk of its youthful squad, including the likes of Sabeeth, Shahinlal and Sakeer. Should the team manage to avoid relegation in the next edition of India's top-flight, then it has a better bargaining position and companies are likely to come forward in order to sponsor Viva Kerala.
Meanwhile, former Viva player Bimal Birua is expected to rejoin the club. "He is not an outstanding player, but solid and has a powerful shot. Apart from that, we only have limited recruiting options.", says the team's chief coach A.M. Sreedharan. The veteran coach is however optimistic and believes in the quality of his young players.
|
