Chennai City’s Ajith talks about five days that changed his life

The defender couldn’t have asked for a better start to his senior career as he appeared in each of the 20 league matches during Chennai City’s title-winning run in 2018-19. Through the course of that period, the local lad also turned out three times each in the Durand Cup and Super Cup for the Akbar Nawas-managed team.

In the following campaign, which abruptly came to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 23-year-old donned the CCFC jersey 16 times, including twice in continental competitions – AFC Champions League [Qualification] and AFC Cup.

Interestingly, Ajith would have settled for a spot in a different ‘field’ had he not played through the pain during the Chennai City selection two years ago. “When I was plying my trade in the CFA Senior Division League, (CCFC goalkeeper coach) Sathish Kumar informed the club is about to conduct trials in June [2018]. But, I wasn’t sure of making it as I had a hairline crack on my ankle,” recalled Ajith, who represented Viva Chennai and Chennai United in the local league.

“I thought of giving the selection a miss. However, I attended it and did my best despite the discomfort I had. The trials went on for five days, with Akbar and (former Chief Scout) Jordi Gris overseeing the proceedings. It ended up being fruitful as Chennai City picked me and offered a contract. In case I hadn’t gone for it, I would have been a Chartered Accountant,” he said.

Now that he has painted a beautiful picture of himself with the ball at his feet, Ajith, predominantly a right-footed player, remarked he is extremely lucky to have ticked many boxes in the early days of his career. “I had never dreamt of playing in the I-League. To win it in my first season was a memorable experience,” he added.

“AFC Cup is a prestigious tournament and not everyone gets that chance. In just my second year, I managed to do it. A Tamil Nadu-based team, with so many locals in it, being a part of the competition is a huge thing. I can’t describe playing in such an event in words,” exclaimed Ajith whose only assist this term came in the AFC Cup group stage duel against Maziya S&RC (Maldives) in Chennai last month.

Although the sporting calendar has presently been torn asunder by the virus, Ajith is staying in touch with the game, thanks to CCFC gaffer Akbar. “He regularly talks to each and every member of the squad. In the first few days of the lockdown, I got cleared the doubts I had. He sent me video clips and told the areas I should improve upon. With plenty of time available, I am analysing how I performed in the domestic season that just got over,” revealed Ajith.