MARGAO
Former international footballer M Prasannan passed away on Thursday in Mumbai. He was 73 and is survived by his wife and two sons.
Prasannan was one of the best midfielders in the country who could instil fear into opposing ranks with his immaculate distribution and passing. He was born at a time when there was no dearth of football players in Kozhikode. Starting his football career at St Joseph's Boys High School, Prasannan captained the Kozhikode District Schools team in 1963. He soon began to play for clubs like Excellent Sports Club, Young Gems and Young Challengers Club in Kozhikode. He represented the Kerala State Junior team in 1965 and 66 and the Kerala State team in 1968 and 69.
After success in his home State, Prasannan started his professional career with Dempo Sports Club in Goa along with his team-mate KV Usman in 1970. His headband, hairstyle and beard made him a highly recognisable figure on the Goan pitches. He was then selected to play for the Indian side in the 1973 Merdeka Football Tournament. There were four Keralites on the battlefield. The old warhorse Chathunni was joined by youngsters KP Sethumadhavan, E.N. Sudheer and Prasannan. All the three youngsters were from Kozhikode and all made their way to the top from Young Challengers Club of Kozhikode.
After receiving international recognition, Prasannan joined Central Bank, Mumbai and remained with them till the end of his career despite offers from big Kolkata clubs. He captained the Central Bank in various all-India tournaments like Saith Nagjee, Chakola Trophy and Sree Narayana Trophy in Kerala, Stafford Cup in Bangalore, Vittal Trophy in Madras, Bandodkar Gold Cup Football Tournament in Goa, Rovers Cup in Bombay etc. During his prime, Prasannan represented Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy.
Despite his fame and calibre, Prasannan did not forget his roots as he continued to be a Godfather to many young Malayali footballers, paving their way to get employment in many Mumbai football teams. His access to high places and his impeccable reputation for integrity was a great asset to those in need at that time.
After his active football days, Prasannan joined NIS, Bangalore to become a professional football coach and started coaching clubs in Mumbai. He was also appointed as the coach of Maharashtra junior football team for BC Roy Trophy and later got an assignment to coach the senior state football team for the Nationals. He was the coach of Maharashtra when they were runners-up Santosh Trophy tournament held in Lucknow.
Later he got his transfer to Calicut and worked in his home town as Assistant Manager for a couple of years. Prasannan later took VRS and went back to Mumbai and settled there with his family.
“He was my senior. I played for one year with him. He had a great vision as a midfielder. Later on, he moved to Central Bank, Mumbai,” said former Dempo SC coach and player Armando Colaco.
