by PS Parameswaran

Nadumparambil Pappachan Pradeep - The Powerhouse of Indian football
Kerala have been an integral part in the history of Indian football. It has produced legendary players like Olympian Rehman, Olympian Chandrasekharan, C.C. Jacob, Sharaf Ali, I.M. Vijayan, C.V. Pappachan, V.P. Sathyan, etc and when India won the "ONGC" Nehru Cup it was the rise of Indian football's latest sensation Nadumparambil Pappachan Pradeep from the land of God's own Country itself.

NP Pradeep was born in Moolamattam near Idukki district in Kerala. Like the families of many other footballers in the country Pradeep's family was also suffering from poverty and was lacking basic amenities which are required in one's life. His father Pappachan was a daily wage earner like his mother Savithri but they gave Pradeep all the support one needs to become a footballer. But faith showed him a red card when his father had an accident while working and he remained ill for the rest of his life. This incident almost made Pradeep quit his football life but his friends and football lovers realized his potential and gave him the necessary support. He learned the first lessons in football from A.H.E.P School ground. Football became a big obsession for him while he was doing his Pre-Degree in Kerala Varma College. His breakthrough in football came when he attended a youth development camp organized by the Kerala Football Association in Thodupuzha and the same year he got his opportunity to wear Kerala jersey in the KFA Under-15 state championships. He then played for Moolamattam Vikas Club where he was a hero and then played for Unity Soccer Club, Thodupuzha where he was under the supervision of former Kerala Santosh Trophy player P.A. Salim. At the age of 17 Pradeep helped Idukki district team to clinch the runners-up position in the District Youth Championship. Pradeep was immediately spotted by S.B.T's coach K.M. Najeeb and he signed him as a guest player and that year S.B.T won their first State League. In 2002 he was selected in the Indian Under-20 team for the Asian Under-20 qualifiers to be held in Calcutta and it was late T Sugunan, then KFA Secretary, who forwarded his name to the selectors.
The power house has played different roles in his club and national team. He was the backbone in defence for S.B.T while for Indian junior team he did play as a striker. 2003 was disappointing year for NP Pradeep as his club failed to qualify for NFL and he was not able to grab his place in the Indian junior team. But 2004 saw NP Pradeep career graph moving up. S.B.T. won the Kerala State League defeating FC Kochin in the finals and helped them to clinch a place in the National Football League alongside Fransa FC. He was called for the Indian Under-20 team for the SAF Games in Islamabad where India finished runners-up and Pradeep made his impact by scoring a goal against Bhutan in the semifinals. He also played an integral part in the Kerala team which won the Santosh Trophy at Delhi. NP Pradeep was also included in the 2006 Doha Asian Games squad and he scored the opening goal for India but India failed to reach the quarterfinals. His club side S.B.T were relegated from NFL in the following season but the defender impressed many with his long runs from defence, uncanny way of scoring goals, and were was a high demand in the transfer market for him at the end of the season.

NP Pradeep had to wait for his senior debut. He was included in the Pakistan Tour and SAFF Championships but didn't play any single game due to injuries. Then in 22nd February 2006 he made his debut in the 2007 Asian Cup qualifier against Japan but it turned out to be an disappointing outing for him as India were thrashed 6-0 and in the next game India were beaten by Yemen where the defender conceded a penalty. After two disappointing defeats he was selected to lead India's under-20 team for the AFC Challenger Cup where India reached the quarterfinal. Soon after he was included in the squad for the Whitecaps Nations Cup 2006 held at Vancouver, Canada where India was playing their first tournament under new English coach Bob Houghton. He scored his first international goal against the Chinese Under-20 team. His performance against Saudi Arabia in home match of Asian Cup Qualifiers did help to change his role in the Indian national team. Pradeep's 40 yards shot which was tipped over the bar by the Saudi keeper stunned everyone The Asian Qualifier home match against Japan he was assigned the role of central midfielder and in the last game of the qualifiers he netted in a goal against Yemen.

In a surprising, but wise move NP Pradeep joined Mahindra United in the season 2006/07 along with his SBT team mate Mohammad Rafi. He adapted quickly at Mahindra United and helped them to win the IFA Shield, finishing 3rd in the National Football League and helping them to book their place in AFC Cup quarterfinals. Like in SBT he was the backbone of Mahindra United's defence. Back to national team his first assignment was the training camp in Portugal ahead of the "ONGC" Nehru Cup to be held on August 2007. India won two out of the four games and it helped Pradeep and the rest of the team to practice at great facilities and made them well prepared for the championship. But tragedy struck for Pradeep as his father passed away while he was in Portugal and after a month's time he became the National hero when he scored the winner against Syria in the "ONGC" Nehru Cup finals. This was the first time India won the Nehru Cup and it was Pradeep's goal that helped India to achieve this feat. He dedicated the goal to his father and to the almighty.

NP Pradeep's' biggest quality as a footballer is that he can play in any position and can contribute towards his team's cause as and when required. He is also very strong, anticipates very well and doesn't give strikers any chance to move on. He is easily one of the best defenders in the National Football League. His stint with S.B.T. made him strong and his days with Mahindra helped him to compete with best players in the Indian football circuit. In the "ONGC" Nehru Cup he proved that he is the best central midfielder in the country. His long rangers and headers are a major threat to the opposition. The 25 yard screamer against Cambodia in the "ONGC" Nehru Cup opener which found the net will always be one of the best goals scored and will always be remembered.
Pradeep's dream is to play in the English Premier League. He loves David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson. And he never forgot the way his footballing yatra started. He is always thankful to his family which has always given him the necessary backing, both Tomy Joseph and P.A. Salim without them he would not have been a football player and to the almighty. If Indian football utilises Pradeep to the best no doubt he will find his places among the legends of Indian football.