Sanju named captain of Kerala in Santosh Trophy

Defender Sanju G will captain Kerala in the 78th Santosh Trophy national football championships. Kerala's 22-member squad for the qualifiers was announced at Kozhikode on Friday.

Palakkad-based goalkeeper Hajmal S, who turned out for Forca Kochi in Super League Kerala (SLK), has been named vice-captain of the squad. Captain Sanju is a native of Ernakulam, and represents the Kerala Police.

Thrissur-based AFC A-license holder Biby Thomas Muttath is the head coach of Team Kerala, aiming to win its eighth title in the prestigious tournament.

Kerala will play its qualifiers in Group H at Kozhikode between November 20 and 24. Kerala's first match is against the Railways, followed by Lakshadweep (22nd) and Pondicherry (24th). Kerala will be hoping to reach the final round as group winners.

Striker Gani Nigam, who lifted the inaugural title of Super League Kerala with Calicut FC, is the star attraction of the Kerala side. At least eight other members of the squad competed in the recently concluded SLK.

Kerala, seven-time winners of the Santosh Trophy, last won the title in 2021-22 when the finals were held in Manjeri, Malappuram.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Hajmal S, Muhammed Niyas K, Muhammed Azhar K
Defenders: Sanju G, Manoj M, Muhammed Aslam, Adil Amal, Muhammed Riyas P T, Joseph Justine
Midfielders: Arjun V, Christy Davis, Mohammed Arshaf, Naseeb Rahman, Salman Kalliyath, Nijo Gilbert, Mohammed Rishad Gafoor, Muhammed Roshal P P, Muhammed Mushraf
Forwards: Gani Nigam, Muhammed Ajsal, Sajeesh E, Shijin T
Staff: Biby Thomas Muttath (head coach), Harry Benny C (assistant coach), Nelson M V (goalkeeping coach)