Chennaiyin’s youth academy in two years time: Abhishek

In a novel move, Chennaiyin FC signed five AIFF elite academy graduates this season and Chennaiyin FC co-owner Abhishek Bachchan said plans to start a youth academy in Chennai are on track.

Abhishek said the management is working in the right direction by getting Syed Sabir Pasha on board overseeing the grassroots development. “We did the first step (signing of academy graduates). The next step is the academy. We are working hard. These are expensive things and need a lot of time and planning. It was in the same idea that Pasha is on board. He is a local man, knows the local scene and the Indian boys have huge respect for him. The academy is on the cards very soon, in the next two or three years to be precise. It is one of Chennaiyin FC’s goal,” the co-owner said. 

The junior Bachchan said it would be good for the fans to see local players in action. “I am happy Mohanraj got a start against Kolkata. It was a very emotional moment for him. He wanted to play here. He was distraught when the league started and didn’t get picked by CFC. He takes it as a major responsibility to perform for the club. I hope Dhanpal too gets to play because the fans would love to see the local boys get a game in Chennai,” the 40-year-old said. 

Abhishek said it was a proud moment for the club to have fielded the youngest ISL player, Jerry Lalrinzuala, against Kolkata in their first league match. “I am proud of the fact that he is the youngest in the league. I am happy that Marco allowed him to play. Although he would want to forget the match, it was a fair match. I can assure you that he won’t be the last youngster to make the cut. Marco is bullish about the other younger players too,” he added.