'Indian football gave me everything'

NANDAKUMAR MARAR

CHIMA OKORIE had no part to play in the revived Federation Cup because his new team, Bengal Mumbai Football Club, was not invited by the All India Football Federation to take part in the country's premier inter-club tournament. The 32-year-old Nigerian powerhouse, awaiting the federation's clearance to become eligible as one of the five foreigners allowed to be fielded by the Mumbai club, hopes to parade his footballing skills in the National Football League, where BMFC featured in the Second Division last season. Till then, all he can do is to watch football on television, a lot of English Premier League on private channels in between Federation Cup telecasts on the national network, to keep himself updated on Indian football.

"East Bengal's exit came as a surprise, but I feel the result is also good for Indian football because it shows that the game is developing in different parts of the country. Sporting Club de Goa's qualification for the Federation Cup semifinals was impressive, as also Dempo Sports Club. Mohun Bagan and Mahindra United were expected to be there around the last four stage," said Chima, one of the few foreign imports to have explored a football career in three different European countries - England (Grimsby Town FC), Denmark (Ikast FS) and Norway (Sogndal FC) - in between juggling contracts with Kolkata clubs. He is happy at the Federation Cup's revival, but doesn't agree with the AIFF's policy of organising the tournament as an invitation event.

"The Federation Cup belongs to the nation, India. In essence, every club registered under the AIFF should be given a chance to participate. It should be a six to eight month affair with maximum publicity. Teams should not be handpicked. India being a vast nation, the competition can be divided into zones," reasoned Chima, who, over the last 15 years, has become a very familiar name in Indian football circles since making a mark in university football from Hyderabad.

The Nigerian's argument is questionable, since the NFL already has an all-India format and there is no point in adding to the already crowded club schedule. "I really should not be telling the authorities," he says, in reply to a question whether the Federation Cup revival deserves to be looked at as another chance for Indian clubs and their professionals to perform.

There is another side to Chima's career move of shifting from Kolkata to Mumbai for the first time - setting up a football academy to train young footballers in India. BMFC's offer to assist him in branching into the teaching part of football coincided with the disappointing response in Kolkata, where he had already served out a two-year suspension imposed by the AIFF for assaulting a referee. The Nigerian pleaded innocence, but his club Mohun Bagan refused to appeal against the fine.

"Before my two-year ban was lifted, I had been involved in some kids projects, something that would have been of great benefit to the ordinary footballer. To my amazement, there were no takers. I literally spent six months chasing people. So when Sen (BMFC Director Krishnendu Sen) came along and shared the same views, I needed no prodding. Coming to Mumbai, I knelt and kissed the tarmac. I felt new," exulted the Nigerian, now leaner and more muscular than before.

His aspiration to get into the business of football got a headstart with the BMFC appointing him as its brand ambassador. The Mumbai club is very open about cashing in on its Nigerian star status and recently went public with a novel plan - Chima to present designer BMFC pens to the first 100 football fans entering the Cooperage ground for the club's matches. The strapping Nigerian is a very popular figure all over India, also one of the most experienced foreigners around.

Excerpts from an interview to The Sportstar:

Question: Did you have any other plans/projects in mind when signing up for BMFC, besides stretching your playing career?

Answer: Football is still my game. I feel good playing it and am still good at it. The BMFC package was something! They offered the ambassadorship of the club as well as playing for them. They already have a massive stretch of land for development. The issue of identifying and nurturing talent brought us together. This clinched the deal for both of us.

Indian football has brought you fame and fortune. Is there anything you want to give back to the game, besides pulling in crowds for BMFC matches?

I was and am still a nobody. Indian football gave me everything. India as a nation has been kind to me. I love my football and if in the course of playing it, I can bring in a few more fans, I will be thrilled. Afterall it is my assignment to develop the brand, BMFC. My only regret is that the project on kids is yet to take off. The future belongs to the kids, ignore them at your own peril. However, all this can only be a token gift from me to Indian sport, because I cannot really give back the extent to what I got from India.

You have played as a professional in England. How difficult is it for an outsider to break into the higher ranks in English football?

I played in England, Denmark and Norway. In England, I played for a First Division club side called Grimsby Town FC. I also played for Sunderland FC. The game there, though fast, is just like any other task. You are part of an orchestra. English football is like a rendition of an orchestra. Six days of rehearsal and a day's rendition. You put your mind into it, train with them, stay with them and eat with them. It is not difficult for any outsider to break into the higher ranks. The resolve to succeed will always see you through. If I could turn out for these clubs, anyone can.

Bhaichung Bhutia recently played a game against Manchester United as part of Bury FC pre-season friendlies, a breakthrough for an Indian footballer. Your comment on this "achievement of sorts," besides on his decision to risk a career in English Second Division at the cost of easy money back home?

Bhaichung has done well to play against Manchester United. I know that he doesn't see it as a big achievement. Deep down, he believes, I do as well, that he should be on the opposite side. I just think Baichung should move to a bigger club. He's got all it takes. In England, you can be playing in the third division this week and find yourself in the Premier League next week. It depends on your managers. He is very young and these three years in England will do a lot of good for him. We had a night out once in Bolton. The English experience has transformed Bhaichung into a better person and his football has also improved. His all-round persona has moved up a notch. He can play for another decade in India and still pick up easy money.

You have been a close follower of Indian football. Do you see potential in any other Indian footballer (among the current internationals and others) in terms of attempting a professional career in England?

I am quite confident that a few other players will definitely make it. Most players from Manipur could slot into English clubs easily. Players like R. P. Singh, currently with Mohun Bagan, Alvito D'Cunha (Salgaocar SC), Raman Vijayan (Mahindra United), I. M. Vijayan, Jo Paul Anchery (both East Bengal) would most certainly make the grade. Some other players might have to struggle a bit.

Bhutia has played on both England tours by the Indian National team. Have you noticed any difference in the team's performances?

Firstly, it's a National side. They deserve better treatment. It will not require rocket science to fix up matches against decent teams in the First Division or the Premiership. I think Bhutia has added the English aggression to his game. It will be nice if the organisers can arrange annual trips for the under-12s as well. They are the future of Indian football. They will be able to train with professional sides in Europe at a very minimal cost.

You have played the National Football League (NFL) for Kolkata clubs. It is no secret that the league is losing its sheen with every passing year. How can the NFL be made more beneficial for promotion of Indian football? Are you happy with the way it is covered on television?

Television coverage of football in this country is a huge joke. In Europe, they use about 25 cameras for a match, making the game look fast and very pleasurable viewing. The English Premier League was not always this exciting, it was the advent of SkySports that heralded a new chapter. In India, watching a football game on television is not a pleasurable experience, to say the least. They surely will not be sacrificing eight cameras for football, will they? I will go far to say that the media has the key to revival of football's fortunes in India. If you guys want to make things better, it takes only a co-ordination council amongst the media to make things happen. The potential of the NFL is awe-inspiring. Tap into it and blow the others away, it is a whole new industry.

India beat the United Arab Emirates in a World Cup qualifying zonal home game. Do you think this unexpected win is a sign of untapped potential in Indian football? Do you feel the current side led by Bhutia can help India move higher up the ladder in the FIFA list?

Nobody needed that win to notice that there is no dearth of emerging talent. This bunch of players is not inferior to anyone in Asia, they can do well against most sides. The win (over UAE) was deserved. The AIFF for once agreed to Five-Star accommodation for the players. Some other incentives were announced. Credit is due to the federation and its dynamic secretary, Albert Colaco. Of course, this team under Bhaichung will do well, they can move up a few notches yet.

Nigeria's role in promoting and popularising football in the world is evident, through the export of players. Can you make a frank assessment of Nigeria's impact on Indian club football?

Nigeria has contributed quite a bit to Indian football. The Nigerian players out here might not be the best back home but they have surely contributed to football, here in India. Personally speaking, there is no single individual alive who cannot be my source of education. As much as the Nigerians who have played here have gained, Indians have also gained.

Do you have any role model in world football? And any Indian player you played with or against whom you respect?

I am my own role model. I make my own rules. I respect my colleagues, all of them.