Modern Indian Football is dominated by Mumbaikars and Goans but still there is a place in Kerala, God’s own country, named Areecode in Malappuram which has produced lots of international players for the country and when a 17 year for Viva Kerala netted a goal against Salgaocar SC in the 5th round of inaugural I-League it was the rise of Indian football’s latest sensation: Shahbas Shaleel.

Parameswaran: How you got an interest in football?

Shahbas: During my childhood days I used to see people playing football everywhere in Areecode (the place where Shaleel born) so naturally I got interest in the game. My cousin C Jabir is an ex-international player and my brother C Shameel is now playing for Mohammedan Sporting Club. They were all a motivation for me.

Parameswaran: How was the football journey from Areecode to Viva Kerala?

Shahbas: I used to play football while studying in Subulussalam Higher Secondary School, Moorkanad. After finishing my 10th standard I went for selection in a centralised Sports School in Trivandrum and got selected. There I was under the guidance of Sajeevan Balan Sir for a year and the next year I was selected for the Kerala Under-16 team to play in the National Junior Championships. After the championship I got a surprise call from the Tata Football Academy and joined them. After spending a year in Jamshedpur I got confidence in playing professional football so contacted Viva Kerala officials. Sreedharan Sir was impressed by my performance and I got selected into the team.

Parameswaran: What was the contribution of Sajeevan Balan towards your success?

Shahbas: He is an excellent coach and when I got an offer from TFA he was the one who told me to go ahead and gave me lots of confidence.

Parameswaran: How was the experience playing against the big guns of Indian football?

Shahbas: While playing at TFA we played friendly matches against the big Mohun Bagan so had an idea how tough it is and before the start of I-League had a chance to play in Federation Cup and Durand Cup. While playing in the I-League my confidence was increasing after each match and scoring against Salgaocar in Calicut was really a morale boost also I became the youngest play ever to score a goal in the I-League.

Parameswaran: What was your experience with A M Sreedharan and with your teammates in Viva Kerala?

Shahbas: Well as a junior player I wasn’t able to get any chances while playing football in any other clubs but Sreedharan Sir gave me lots of chances and had confidence in me. He helped me to attain a certain standard in my game also the assistant coach Vinu helped me a lot while training.
I was lucky enough to play with this team as we had many experienced players like MV Nelson, Ebin Rose, TG Purushothaman, etc who have got years of experience playing in Santosh Trophy. When I played first I had a fear of running with the ball but that changed soon as the senior players gave their tips and it helped me a lot to play positively.

Parameswaran: What was the reason behind Viva’s lacklustre performance in the I-League?

Shahbas: We played really well throughout the I-League but we failed to score goals and when the strikers don’t score goals the defence and midfield is under more pressure. So we lost our way. I heard there is no relegation this season and if that the case we will be back strongly for the next season.

Parameswaran: Do you have any idol or any person who motivated to you play the game more?

Shahbas: My biggest motivation is my home town Areecode. Here the people have a great passion for the game. My family has the same passion and they always gave me a great deal of support while playing the game and also now my mind is obsessed with football.

Parameswaran: What’s your dream?

Shahbas: Playing for India is the biggest dream and to be one of the best players in the country.
Shaleel has been selected for the Indian Under–19 camp

Parameswaran: Which position you prefer Left Wingback of Left Half–Back?

Shahbas: I love to play midfield as one can play creatively and can play attacking football. Also the three goals I scored in the I-League were by playing in this position.

Parameswaran: So far which was the best moment in your career?

Shahbas: Getting selected for TFA was the best as it came as a surprise for me immediately after playing the National Junior Championships. Also the goal scored against Churchill Brothers in Calicut. I took the ball from defence and dribbled past two defenders to score the goal. Many said it was great to see such a goal scored at such a younger age.

Parameswaran: Why did you choose to play for a professional club rather than Government/Departmental teams?

Shahbas: Viva Kerala was the best chance to play in the I-League than any other club in Kerala. Also playing in the I-League is good exposure for any player. The more we play at such level, the more chances we could get to play for the country and also to impress other clubs in the country.

Parameswaran: What is your next assignment?

Shahbas: I will be playing in the Senior Inter-District Championship for Ernakulam and will be playing for Viva Kerala in the Nayannar Gold Cup in Kannur.

Parameswaran: Can you tell something about your family?

Shahbas: My father was a former district player and is now working in the Police department. My mother is a house wife and I have a brother and a sister.

Parameswaran: Who is you favourite player?

Shahbas: It is Cristiano Ronaldo!

Parameswaran: Which is you favourite club and international team?

Shahbas: I like Manchester United and as Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Portugal I support them. I also love to watch Brazil play.