As Chirag United Kerala gears up for a tough away match against Sporting Clube De Goa in Goa this week, its hopes of ending the losing streak received a big boost with striker P.K. Anilkumar joining the squad.
The ace striker was released by Dempo SC on loan to Chirag early this week and has started training with the squad for the last three days.
It is homecoming for Anilkumar, who had enjoyed two productive seasons with the club which was formerly known as Viva Kerala. Anil was instrumental in Viva avoiding relegation last season.
But the striker since then moved to Dempo, but found opportunities hard to come by and was cooling his heels when the unexpected call came from Chirag.
Chirag's campaign in the ‘I'-league has been derailed by lack of an effective striker upfront. The efforts for the club to find a suitable striker from overseas also didn't materialise forcing the club management to fall back on Anilkumar.
Though Anilkumar was only warming the benches, Dempo released him only after its ‘I'-League fixture against Chirag United on Nov. 10.
Lynchpin
Now as the lynchpin of the Chirag attack Anilkumar is determined to prove a point.
“It is good to be back and I will be trying my best to score. I enjoyed two good seasons with the club. Hopefully this season will turn out to be even better,” the striker said.
But Chirag is still on the lookout to find an effective partner for Anilkumar.
The efforts to get a Cameroonian striker before Chirag's away match didn't materialise as the player couldn't get the visa in time.
C.K. Vineeth, who is the highest goal-scorer for Chirag with three goals, has recovered fully from his hamstring injury.
If the player can end his propensity of self play and strike a good rapport with Anikumar, Chirag can be more than a handful to any team.
Ajayan, Charles out
But Chirag will be without the services of two of its best players in the match against Sporting Clube as both captain Ajayan and defender Charles Dzisah picked up their second yellow cards in the 1-2 defeat against Dempo Goa.
“It was unfortunate to lose two quality players. But it is something beyond our control. But hopefully I think their replacements will take up more responsibility and play accordingly,” Chirag's Sri Lankan coach Pakir Ali said.
The absence of two stalwarts has forced Ali to slightly change the combination, but said his side will not shed its attacking style.
“I still think we are a good squad and we have improved with every game. I am impressed with this young team. We played well against Dempo. If we can more goals then we will be tough to beat,” said the coach.
The return of goal-keeper Arindam Ghosh from injury has also boosted the morale of the squad.
Arindam injured his hip after colliding with a Dempo player and played only 17 minutes in the Dempo game. Ali has a lot of confidence in Arindam's ability and the goal-keeper will have to be at his best to shore up for the absence of Charles.
The team has been practicing at the LNCPE ground for the last few days and the mood is upbeat and the players are looking forward to give their best shot.
