Stalwarts of Santosh Trophy Victor Amalraj, Shabbir Ali hail competition as ‘pinnacle’ of Indian domestic football

For the two former India football captains Shabbir Ali and Victor Amalraj, it should be a trip down memory lane when they don the role of AIFF observers for the Santosh Trophy football championship in the city from December 14.

The two of the best footballers from the city that produced so many Olympians during the golden era of Indian football have every reason to look back with a sense of pride being victorious members of a national cup competition which they feel “is the pinnacle of Indian domestic football”.

“Despite playing for the leading clubs of Bengal – East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting and Mohun Bagan – in those days, playing Santosh Trophy was honestly something different and a special honour,” said Amalraj in a chat with Sportstar.

“I had the privilege of representing Andhra Pradesh in 1977 and West Bengal in 1979, 1980, 1982, and 1984 and those days the standard was just too good and the crowds too were vociferously cheering the big names,” he said.

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On his cherished memories, Amalraj said, “1979 stands out as a landmark moment for me when West Bengal emerged victorious, and I had the honour of sharing the field with the legendary Shabbir Ali, under the inspiring captaincy of Prasun Banerjee.

“Donning State colours was never easy given the kind of competition we have had and an achievement in itself, a testament to relentless hard work, passion and determination. The Santosh Trophy is always special for me for giving me so many memorable moments as I scored quite a few crucial goals too,” said the former India midfielder.

For Shabbir Ali, it was no different as he felt the Santosh Trophy was the premier competition and eagerly awaited in those days.

“In those days, playing for the State, making an impact was the first step to getting a job or an entry into the famous Kolkata Clubs” said Shabbir, who represented Maharashtra twice (once runner-up) and West Bengal (1979 winner) and was also went on coach three States.

Interestingly, Shabbir who coached Bengal to triumphs in 2010 and 2011 was also Telangana’s coach from 2017-24.

“Twice Telangana had a good chance to qualify for the final round in 2018/19 at Neyveli and it was a good team. Hope, this time at home, the State team makes amends,” he said. “Winning the 1979 Santosh Trophy for Bengal is the most memorable moment for me with Amal also in that team. Some of my contemporaries were greats like Surjit, Bhaskar Ganguly, Prasun Banerjee, all nostalgic names in Indian football.”