On a cold February morning, a group of national and international footballers were practising hard on the only Astro-turf ground to prepare for I-League Second Division.
From Punjab to Kolkata, Mumbai to South Korea and Ivory Coast, players of different states and nations are part of the Real Kashmir FC (football club) that will play for the state's pride in the tournament next month. The team is coached by former Scottish soccer player David Robertson.
"Currently, 35 players are undergoing trials and we will select 25 to 28 players for I League Second Division next month. If we win, we qualify for I League First Division, which will be a big plus for Kashmir", said Shameem Meraj, owner and promoter of Real Kashmir FC.
In fact, there are many firsts associated with the Real Kashmir FC. It became the first local football club to hire a former Scottish player David Robertson to coach the youngsters. David was playing for Rangers FC and Leeds United before taking up the assignments. Established in 2016, Real Kashmir FC is the only club from Kashmir to have played in Scotland.
This year, the team has hired Ivory Coast player Yao Bernard and Nigerian defender Loveday. Besides, South Korean player Yang Jea Kegong is also participating in the trials. Players use Google translator to communicate.
"He neither speaks nor understands English or any other language other than his mother tongue. Whatever we have to say, we put in the Google translator to communicate. He does the same", said Showkat Akthar, manager of the team.
From the national kitty, the team has hired Shuman Dutta, a mid fielder from Kolkata and Kamlesh Nadar, a defender from Mumbai besides players from other states.
"When I landed here, I was a bit afraid to see the forces. I had never seen so many. When I joined the team, it was great. I am loving it", said Nadar.
"I have been here for the six days and it is a very good experience. I have been playing for different teams in India. We are gelling well," said Yao Bernard, a player from Ivory Coast.
Real Kashmir FC
- Players of different states and nations are part of the Real Kashmir FC that will play in the tournament next month. The team is coached by former Scottish soccer player David Robertson.
- Established in 2016, it is the only club from Kashmir to have played in Scotland.
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