SIFF President Hifsu Rahman (R) handing over a memento to Victor Manjila, former Indian goalkeeper and coach of Calicut University, as (from L) Imran of Al-Abeer Group, former SIFF president Abdul Salam and former Calicut University player Papatta Kunjimohammed applaud at a reception in Jeddah Friday. JEDDAH — Saudi Indian Football Forum (SIFF) honored former Indian goalkeeper and Calicut University coach Victor Manjila at a reception here Friday. Kerala soccer legend Manjila, his former teammates, fans, officials and well wishers' gathering turned out to be a day to remember when Manjila, captain of the University team which won the all-India university football crown for the first time in 1971, and his teammates Papatta Kunjimohammed and Abdul Rafeeque shared the dressing room secrets, nicknames and anecdotes to the great laughter of the crowd. SIFF Secretary Naser Santhapuram welcomed the gathering and gave a detailed account of Manjila's achievements, former president of SIFF Abdul Salam spoke about the Forum and its motto "Football for Friendship" and Imran of Al-Abeer Group called for the support of ailing former soccer stars by visiting them and possibly lending them a helping hand. Manjila handed over a souvenir called "Sport Eclopaedia", which was brought out by the Calicut Univerisity ex-football Players Association, to SIFF President Hifsu Rahman. SIFF honored Manjila with a memento, which was presented by Rahman. SIFF Vice President Baby Neelambra decorated Manjila with a glittering shawl. Well-wishers made felicitation speeches, including Rahman, V.K. Rauf, Malayalam News Sports Editor Salim, Usman Irumpuzhi, Saudi Gazette Sports Editor K.O. Paulson, and former SIFF secretary Mohammed Ali. Manjila thanked SIFF and appreciated its efforts. He also sought support for their ex-players' association's venture of helping the bereaved families of players and the promotion of soccer among the youth.
