Kerala football legends recall ex-captain Banerjee

As condolences poured in on the passing away of former India captain and coach Pradip Kumar Banerjee, two Kerala football legends recalled their association with him.

Banerjee breathed his last at a private hospital in Kolkata on Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.

Former India footballer and hugely popular coach TK Chathunni said that he considered himself fortunate for his association with Banerjee.

"In 1973, Banerjee was my coach when I donned the Indian colours. The most memorable moment came when he came over and congratulated me after my team Salgaocar FC defeated East Bengal -- the team he coached -- at the 1997 Federation Cup finals. He came and told me that he is delighted as his trainee (me) had defeated his team," recalled Chathunni.

Another Kerala legend -- mercurial striker and former India great IM Vijayan -- said that though he had never seen Banerjee play, he has heard numerous stories of the great footballer.

"Inder Singh, one who had played alongside Banerjee, told me a lot of stories about him when I was with JCT Mills. Moreover, he was my coach when I played for Mohan Bagan and also when I donned the India colours. He later turned out to be a great football administrator. Indian football will be a lot poorer with the passing away of Banerjee," said Vijayan.