Santosh Trophy semifinal: The dream of an auto driver comes true when his son becomes Kerala’s new football sensation.

Joy Anne Dela Pena May 2, 2022

Santosh Trophy semifinal: Kerala faced Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy semifinal last Thursday. Mohammed Nizar was eager to sit in the stands and see the game. However, by the time the auto driver from Malappuram’s Nilambur had completed his day’s journeys. It was too late to get to Manjeri, 30 kilometers away, in time for the 8.30 p.m. kick-off. As a result, Nizar finally got to see his 22-year-old son Jesin T K, Kerala’s newest football sensation. He makes history by scoring five goals in his team’s 7-3 victory after coming on as a substitute. Jesin is the first substitute to score five goals in the Santosh Trophy’s history. He also broke Asif Saheer’s record of achieving four goals against Bihar in the 1999 edition of the competition. It is to become the new owner of the Kerala record for most goals scored in a game in the tournament.

Jesin’s father, Nizar, isn’t going to take any chances on Monday. He intends to call it a day by the afternoon when Kerala takes on West Bengal in the final. Also, he travels to Manjeri with his family to watch the big game. Nizar is a football-crazed father who raised a football-crazed son in a football-crazed land. Also, he says it will be the most important day of his life. In some ways, his son is achieving his unfulfilled goals.

Mohammed Nizar said,

Santosh Trophy semifinal: “I wanted to play football, but I wasn’t serious about it.” I attempted several sports, including athletics, basketball, and kabaddi, but in the end, I failed miserably. I also didn’t have someone to give me great advice. Jesin was also a sports fan who enjoyed running and other activities. I just offered my son one piece of advice: focus on one thing at a time. And I’m happy he hasn’t left football.”

Jesin was introduced in the 30th minute against Karnataka, with the hosts down by one goal. The striker had leveled the score within four minutes by lifting the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper following a through-pass. Nevertheless, in the 42nd and 44th minutes, he scored twice more. It is to complete a hat-trick in under 15 minutes, putting Kerala in command of the game before adding two more goals in the second half. However, Jesin, who plays for Kerala United, attributes his success to Bino George. The Kerala coach, as well as the coaches at MES College in Mampad, guide the team. He is pursuing an Arabic degree at this time.

Santosh Trophy

“I’ve never been a member of a district team.” But thanks to my coaches at MES, Rafeeq sir and Murugan sir, and George sir. I was able to play in the I-League second level, Kerala Premier League, and now the Santosh Trophy,” he stated.

Jesin’s grandma, according to his father, played an essential role in his early football career. When Jesin was a child, my meager wages as an auto driver became too much to bear. So I moved to the Gulf for a few years and worked there. My mother (Aamina) used to take him to a football academy in Nilambur during that period. She aspired to be a football player as much as I did.

Unfortunately, she passed away when he was in seventh grade. “Today, she would be the happiest,” Nizar remarked.

The family’s elders also contributed to Jesin’s purchase of football footwear. And if Kerala defeats West Bengal for their seventh title and the first since the 2018 edition, the Malappuram flavor will be remembered in more ways than one. At least 25,000 people have anticipated filling the stadium on Monday.

Santosh Trophy semifinal: Jesin TK said,

Santosh Trophy semifinal: “The fans here are incredibly enthusiastic about football and gather behind us.” Their encouragement is a significant source of motivation for us as players, and it gives us a boost of energy.”

“We overcame West Bengal in the group stage already” (2-0). Also, we understand how they play, and I’m confident that if we play to our total capacity, we can win the final. We will undoubtedly give it our all. Hopefully, I’ll be able to be the super-sub once more.” he added.

Image Credit: www.sentinelassam.com

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