Kerala and the Punjab have once again shown that football is still very much alive and active in the two states. Consistent goal scorers like Abdul Naushad, Hakeem, Gurjit Singh Atwal, Ignatius and many others from lesser known states made a lasting impression during the just concluded Nationals. Bengal, Goa and Maharashtra lacked effective and genuine strikers and the results are there for every one to see. The NFL teams from these states have relied heavily on foreign strikers and thereby failed to inspire confidence in local attacking frontliners. Hence when India plays its internationals, NFL players selected for goal scoring are hardly effective in the playing eleven. But this year's Santosh Trophy has thrown up some smart goal poachers and the AIFF need to groom these young men for international engagements. There is plenty of enthusiasm in the country outside and beyond the NFL walls. Teams like the Services, Delhi, Manipur, Sikhim, Kerala and the Punjab are loaded with talent that could be tapped and groomed for international duty. Even the preliminary qualifying rounds of the Durand have some potentially gifted strikers and stars in the making. Why not catch them young ?
