Intelligent8217; James second-time lucky

The Bengal Mumbai Football Club player was unanimously selected by a panel of soccer greats. Olympian Babu Narayanan, who was among the panel, said, 8220;He was outstanding and lucky, for he faced strong competition from Raguveer Khanolkar Central Railway goalkeeper. Since Raghu got a red card in the final, James was ultimate choice.8221;

The teenager from Imphal, who joined BMFC 8212; the country8217;s second professional club 8212; after passing out from the Tata Football Academy last year along with junior international striker Sanjeeb Shaikh, was second time lucky.

When he played Rovers Cup for TFA last year, he was noticed for a 40-yard strike against Indian Telephone Industries in a quarter-final league match. And this time too, Cooperage was good to him.

While speaking to The Express Newsline, the young Manipuri modestly reflected on his performance: 8220;I was not expecting it. It has come too early for me. But I am happy as my parents will feel good after hearing the news.8221;

Coach Jamshed Nassiri says, 8220;His forte is intelligence, he knows when to stop dribbling and pass. He is packed with surprises. James is always ready to learn.8221;

James, who was the member of Indian youth team which went to Thailand, has always been in the starting line-up for BMFC and has been entrusted to mid-field duties along Nigerian Abdul Latif Seriki and Kasif Jamal.

He started playing at the age of four when elder brother and former international Gunabir Singh discovered his hidden8217; talent. While playing for Kha Imphal High School, he was spotted by a local coach and asked to play for Sico FC, a local club, which plays senior division in Imphal.

In 1993, he went for TFA trials and was selected for the junior program. He honed his soccer skills under the surveillance of Mohammed Habib, the TFA coach. And there has been no looking back since then.

The man who admires IM Vijayan8217;s touch, Bhaichung Bhutia8217;s verve, and considers Basudev Mondal as the country8217;s best mid-fileder, has a strong urge to play along with these players for the country.

But before he dreams further of donning India colours, he has to concentrate on improving his speed and shooting power in order to help BMFC enter the National Football League qualifying through the second division.