KASARGOD: Kayilamcode, an Adivasi colony in the middle of Plachikara reserve forest, is on the edge. That is because every four years, the settlement of 27 Malivan families near Vellarikundu turns into a mini Argentina. Now, they are staring at an early exit from the World Cup. A week ago, the ambience was jubilant and hope wafted through the colony, dominated by FC Kayilamcode -- a motley club of 40 players -- which routinely sends players to the district football team. Yet, there was not a flag or a cutout or flex board put up to announce their allegiance this time.
“We did not want to waste money. We are saving up for our Messi,” says Haridas, a young player, who is also the goalkeeper of the Kasargod district football team. Their ‘Messi’ is Kaliyanath Veedu Manu. He is special. Youngest of the three children of daily wage labourers Karunakaran and Thambai, Manu was born deaf and mute.