MALAPPURAM: Faisal Rahman of Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, the top-scorer in 2012, was snapped up by State Bank of Travancore. Jijo and Rahul also play for SBT while Ashkar has signed with Customs.
“It is truly an effective tournament as far as players are concerned. The best part is its organisation and media exposure. TNIE doesn’t favour any team and, unlike other tournaments, the best team always wins,” says Narayana Menon, Kerala Santosh Trophy coach.
Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson will inaugurate the fifth edition of TNIE Goal at the Malappuram District Sports Council Stadium, Kottappady, on Sunday.
Former footballers Asif Saheer and Kurikesh Mathew, Malappuram municipal chairperson C H Jameela, District Collector T Bhaskaran and Kerala Chalachitra Academy executive committee member are among those slated to attend the inaugural function. In the opening match, MES Keveeyam College, Valanchery, will play Sacred Heart College, Thevara.