Viva Kerala is getting ready for the high-profile E.K. Nayanar Trophy. The team reached Kannur yesterday after its match in Mumbai against Mumbai FC. Viva's first match is scheduled for Sunday, February 7th at 6pm against Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting Club.

 

 

 

However, not all players made the trip to Kannur. Goalkeeper Vinshob and Sabeeth stayed back in Calicut and undergo individual training while Ahmed Malik has to miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Apart from this, skipper M.P. Sakeer consulted Dr. Shiller Jose regarding a shoulder injury which turned out to be a minor problem only. Nevertheless, Sakeer is likely to be rested as he played a crucial part in Viva's I-League campaign so far. The same applies to players such as Surjith and Karma.

 

At the same time, the organisers and fans will be expecting a strong Viva side and, alas, this is why coach Sreedharan cannot afford to only field second string players. The foreign players like Charles, Reuben and Bello are very likely to play. The tournament, no matter how important it is, comes at a rather unfavourable time as Viva is about to face Goa's Salgaocar SC on February 13th in an I-League match. Any serious injury to the key players could prove to be fatal for Viva's aim to avoid relegation this season and put up a good show in the I-League as it is the far more important competition.

 

 

During the Nayanar Trophy, the team has to play three matches in a short span of time and thus players get exhausted easily. Let's all hope for an injury-free and highly competitive tournament for the sake of Kannur's football enthusiasts. 

 

Viva Kerala's fixtures in Group A:

 

07.02.2010:  Viva Kerala vs. Mohammedan Sporting Club

08.02.2010: Air-India vs. Viva Kerala

10.02.2010: Viva Kerala vs. Mumbai FC

 

All matches take place at Jawahar Floodlight Stadium and kick-off is at 6.00 pm.

 

 

 

 

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