Thiruvananthapuram Kombans to train in Goa ahead of SLK

Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram Kombans, the only Super League Kerala (SLK) franchise in south Kerala, landed in Goa on Thursday morning for further training and friendlies. 

The team will play three friendlies during their stay in Goa. 

Kombans will return directly to Kozhikode for their opening match against FC Calicut on September 10.

Before leaving for Goa, Kombans players and coaches addressed a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

Head coach Sergio Alexandre said that the Goa stint will help the team immensely. “I thank the management for providing this excellent opportunity,” he said.

Kombans have six Brazilian players in their ranks. Midfielder Patrick Mota, 32, has loads of experience. Mota, who doubles as attacker and prefers to go by his nickname Pat, played for second division teams in Brazil. Besides, he donned the colours of various clubs in Indonesia, Thailand and Malta. 

 “For me, nothing matters other than the triumph for Kombans. We have a balanced team. Our coach, my compatriots, Indians as well as local players are gelling well and eager to get on with the Super League Kerala,” Pat said.

Autemar Bispo, 34, the senior-most in the squad, has played for various clubs in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, South Africa and Libya. In Brazil, he played for Genus, Clube Atletico Rondoniense (RO).

“The squad is gelling amazingly well. With my compatriots and other Indian players I can only see a podium finish. We’re all excited to go out and play our best for the Kombans,” he said.

Davi Kuhn, the baby of the Kombans, is just 20. He will be playing his first game away from home. The attacking midfielder, who has played in top clubs including Campeonato Catarinense, Copinha, Serie B &C,  Figueirense FC U-20 and RB Bragantino U-20, is hungry to score and triumph in the first edition of SLK. “I’m hungry to score and eager to prove my mettle. Sky's the limit for me. This outing with Kombans will enhance me professionally and personally. I’m also eyeing the trophy.”

Renan Januario, the 21 year-old who plays the role of centre-back, has already played for Sao Paulo clubs, such as Gremio FC, São Carlense U-20 and Catanduva U-20 in his fledgling career.

“I’m acclimatising well except for the food, which is very spicy. Back home we hardly use spices in our food. I mostly stick to rice, beans, chicken, salad and potato. But I’m very, very happy to be in India to play for Thiruvananthapuram Kombans. Every team here will be eager to impress, but I feel we’ve the edge,” said Renan.

Marcos Wilder, 24, who is well-versed in English and the unofficial translator for his compatriots, played for two top clubs in Thailand in the last two years.

“I’m more than excited to be in India and switch to Thiruvananthapuram Kombans from Thailand after two years. I liked my new teammates who are also excited like me. All the players have the same wavelength. Our aim is to be on the top,” Marcos said.

Michel Americo, 22, is the tallest in the squad at 6 feet 5 inches. He will guard the goal for Kombans. Michel has already played for three clubs - Grrmio Desportivo, Piracicaba U-20 and Piracicaba U-20 in the last eight years.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play here. I hope to achieve glory with the Kombans. I want the Kombans to grow and play in the big league,” said Michel who dreams to play for the Brazil national team as well as his favourite club Corianthians soon. Michel hopes to follow in his hero Ederson's footsteps. Both Michel and Manchester City and Brazil custodain Ederson are family friends.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans: Goalkeepers: Michel Americo (Brazil), Pawan Kumar, Naveen Suresh. 

Defenders: Renan Januario (Brazil), Sarath K P,  Abdul Badish,  Belgin Bolster, Shinu Rimon, Ravikumar, Alan John, Antony Raju, Akhil J Chandran, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte.

Midfielders: Patrick Mota (Brazil), Akshay P M, Manoj M, Seesan S, Ganesan U, Sachin Saju, Sehnaj Singh, Paul Ramfangzauva, Akmal Shan, Davi Kuhn (Brazil).

Strikers: Autemar Bispo (Brazil), Marcos Wilder (Brazil), Vyshnav P, Vishnu T M, Muhammed Ashar, Shihad Nelliparamban.

Head coach: Sergio Alexandre (Brazil).

Assistant coach: Kali Alaudeen

Goalkeeping coach: Balaji Narasimhan