With over Rs 1 crore as prize money for the Philips League, local clubs have signed up a large number of players from abroad. But can they revive the game in India?

By Binoo K John

There could be rotors whirring somewhere inside his body -- how else could he be so fast? His speed wreaks havoc among the opposing defenders who run helter-skelter. But Iraqi Bassim Yonan, mid-fielder of Goa's champion club Churchill Brothers, has other plans. A few yards from the centre-line, he lets go a scorcher that dips dangerously into the JCT goal and there's a collective heave followed by a loud cheer from the bustling crowd at Delhi's Ambedkar Stadium, which is watching the first match of the Philips National League.

A new style of soccer, more robust and more varied, is on show on Indian grounds as an avalanche of foreign players, most of them from African countries, strut their wares. Names like Emeke Achilefu, Seriki Abdul Atif, Oscar Hunda and Sammy Omollo fill the starting line-up of most of the 10 Indian clubs that are battling it out for the Rs 1.07 crore prize money in a tournament being played over three months on a home-and-away basis. Fifty foreign players -- nearly half the total number of players in the league -- have registered for Indian clubs this year.

"There is a new euphoria in Indian soccer. This must inspire the local players who get the chance to rub shoulders with players of a higher calibre," says former international soccer star Chuni Goswami. The euphoria seems to be reflected in the crowds which have gathered for the league so far, and among the organisers too. Malcolm Thorpe of the International Management Group, which manages the league, feels that "foreign players can add that extra edge and provide better competition".

True. An array of faster and better skilled players add to spectator interest. This was evident during the inaugural National League last year when Nigerian Stephen Abrowei, recruited by JCT from its associate club in the Malaysian league, helped the Phagwara team pocket the Rs 35 lakh winner's purse with superb his mid-field play. "If there are more players of the calibre of Stephen, they can help football in the country," says JCT's coach Sukhvinder Singh. Abrowei, who went back to Malaysia, has rejoined JCT for this season.

Be it the run down the flanks, quick-fire 30-40 yard first-timers -- which leave goalkeepers lock-jawed -- or robust tackles in the defence, the Africans show remarkable precision. While Indian mid-fielders can scheme a move equally well, they lack the perseverance and power to sustain the onslaught.

Foreign talent comes at a price though. The players are hired through agents and are paid as much as Rs 2 lakh per month during the season. The highest paid foreign players in India are Kenyan Omollo of East Bengal, who gets approximately Rs 13 lakh for a season, and Mohun Bagan's veteran striker Cheema Okerie, who gets around Rs 3 lakh per month. But not all hirings work out. Two Brazilians whom Churchill Brothers tried out last year did not perform as expected. Mid-fielder Friday Elaiho of Nigeria was picked up by FC Kochin only to be found lacking in both speed and stamina. Elaiho and Bernard Oprehenzo, also from Nigeria, were eased out of the team just before the league began.

For Kerala and Bengal, which were considered nurseries of Indian soccer, this global search for players also points to the deplorable lack of local talent. But star striker I.M. Vijayan of FC Kochin feels that there is enough local talent available and only top-of-the-line players from abroad can help Indian soccer set new goals for itself.

Being duped by agents who bring in second-rate players is a hazard Indian clubs have to live with. Apart from the draining of their meagre resources, the sudden departure of two or three players can leave huge gaps in their formations.

So can short-term hiring have long-term impact? Or should more Indian clubs take lessons from the Tata Football Academy and nurture local talent, as coach George Blues of FC Kochin believes? Adds Churchill's mid-fielder Chibuzor: "The problem here is that players are not professionally oriented."

He could be right. But so far, teaming up with foreign footballers seems to be helping local players develop a robust approach to the game. And if the league matches this year look like a try-out for a Third World XI, there should be enough reason to be hopeful.

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