JEDDAH — Former Indian footballer and Arjuna awardee Mohammed Habib has praised young soccer players at Sporting United Jeddah for their talent. Addressing a gathering at a coaching camp, run by Indian Soccer Academy, here recently Habib recalled his childhood, playing in the streets of Hyderabad without proper kit and facilities. “You kids are lucky. You have all the facilities, good ground, support from your parents and officials,” he said. The former Indian captain, who is in the Kingdom on a personal visit, said he is sure a few kids he saw here could make it to professional football clubs in India. Sporting United Jeddah, with more than 80 trainees between 12-17, honored Habib, who dominated Indian football for two decades. Starting at the age of 15, he played in 3 Asiads, numerous Santhosh trophies and Federation cups with Bengal state. Sporting United coaches Rashid Alikkal and Shabeer Ali Lava presented Habib with a plaque of honor. Club president Sadiq Pandikad, Mustafa Chalil, Kareem Mavoor and Ismail Kolakkadan received the guest. Habib also signed a guest book at the academy. Habib interacted with the trainees and expressed joy when the famous singer Mashood Thangal sang a welcome song. Rasheed Maliyekkal and Nazir Feroke introduced the guest to kids and Sporting United trainees took golden tips from the legendary footballer. He handed out trophies to the winners of the academy's in-house tournament. A large number of his fans attended the function, where he shared his memories. Many still remember the late 1970s and 1980s – golden age of Indian football which Habib ruled those Calcuttan trio- Mohan Bagan, East Bangal and Mohammedan Sporting. People from the north- and south-end of Kerala used to come in buses, jeeps and even lorries only to see Habib play Sait Nagjee tournament at Calicut. There were faithful supporters for these Calcuttan teams in Kerala and the public did not care whether Habib came with Mohan Bagan one season and with Mohammedans or East Bangal the next, they simply wanted to see him in action. Many also recalled street fighting and police baton charge in Calcutta when Habib signed for another club. Habib captained India for a long time and wore the prestigious No. 10 jersey for India, Bangal and all Calcuttan clubs. With his brother Mohammed Akber and then teammates Subrato Battacharjee, Surjit Sengupta, Subash Bhoumik, Goutam Sarkar, Prasoon Banerjee, Prem Dorji and goalkeeper Ganguly, it was a dream team for fans. He was considered a complete playmaker of Indian football. Fans still remember his famous defense-breaking back flip, unthinkable today. He also coached Tata Football Academy, Mohammedan Sporting, Mumbai FC and others. — SG
