Vijayan, a guiding light for Mayakkannan

About a decade ago, the Ramanathapuram native didn’t make the cut for Raman Vijayan’s Noble Football Academy team in his first attempt. The then teenager went back to the drawing board and was second time lucky in 2012, joining the club the same year following a successful trial.

“When I was about 11 or 12 years old, our family moved to Karaikudi because my parents were posted in that city for work. People there love football and that is when I got a feel of the game. During our summer holidays, Noble FA conducted camps and trials across various districts in Tamil Nadu,” Mayakkannan started to narrate his journey to DT Next.

“I don’t remember in which year I attended the selection for the first time; it must be around 2009. Though I wasn’t shortlisted, I learnt a lot. I came back in 2012. Fortunately, I managed to pass the test and received a scholarship from the club,” added Mayakkannan.

Ever after earning a spot in the academy side, Mayakkannan’s road to the top was filled with challenges. The midfield pivot was only a bit part member of the squad during his debut season. However, with the backing of the coaches, he broke into the starting line-up next year.

“During my initial days, I was more of a substitute. Vijayan sir and others treated all the players equally. For them, all (playing eleven regulars and reserves) were one and the same. After one full year, I became a starter for the side. Vijayan sir always tried to take us to the next level; he wanted us to update our game now and then,” said Mayakkannan.

One year into his under graduate studies at the St Joseph’s College in Tiruchy, the 23-year-old inked a deal with Viva Chennai in 2016 and donned its jersey in the CFA Senior Division League. After learning the tricks of the trade under renowned coach CM Ranjith, Mayakkannan had a spell at Chennai United.

As a result of his consistent performances in the city league, the youngster was contacted by Gokulam, with the I-League club ready to offer him a contract in 2018. “When I was about to seek admission for Masters, I got a call from Vijayan sir. He told me that GKFC was interested in signing me,” he revealed.

Mayakkannan, a part of the ‘B’ team in the 2018-19 season, was promoted to the main squad by the club’s Spanish head coach Fernando Santiago Varela for the last edition. He went on to feature nine times in the I-League before it drew to an early close owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In my college days, I used to watch I-League. Now, I am competing in it. I am grateful to Vijayan sir for guiding me well. My manager at Gokulam also encourages me all the time. He always keeps it simple and doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on the players.” Having climbed up the ladder, Mayakkannan, in keeping with his name, could well create more magic in the years to come.

Raman Vijayan Soccer School (RVSS) products Sivasakthi and Kamalesh on Friday inked a two-year deal with Bengaluru FC reserves. The 18-year-old Sivasakthi, who joined RVSS six years ago and represented it in the Elite League and Junior League, has the knack of scoring plenty of goals. In the 2019-20 edition of the Elite League, which abruptly came to a halt because of the coronavirus, the striker netted 17 goals. In the preceding season, the Tamil Nadu-based lad had an impressive tally of 22 goals, clinching the Golden Boot.

All set to compete in the I-League Second Division, Sivasakthi has taken a step forward in his career. “I am delighted to have struck a deal with a big club like BFC, which has a name for developing youth. At Bengaluru, I feel I will get more exposure. I would like to thank Vijayan sir for helping me sign for BFC,” said an elated Sivasakthi.

His strike partner Kamalesh too couldn’t hide his contentment. “I am happy to have got selected. BFC is one of the best clubs in India and I am proud to be a part of it,” he said.