Footballer Vinu Jose on a Distinct Career Path

Former India international footballer Vinu Jose is to become the head coach of Skyline Football Academy based at Skyline University College in Sharjah, UAE which is to open on Friday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former India international footballer Vinu Jose has embarked on a distinct career course after agreeing to become the head coach of Skyline Football Academy based at Skyline University College in Sharjah, UAE which is to open on Friday.

The defender from Thiruvananthapuram represented India on four occasions and did turn down two offers in the country to move to the Middle East. “It is run by Gulam Mustafa Group of Pakistan which runs the reputed GM Cricket Academy here,” Vinu said from Sharjah.

“They planned to start a football academy because they already owned a football ground, something which is very difficult to find here. And once they shared this idea with me, I did not give it a second thought,” the AFC B licence holder said.

Vinu said he was forced to settle to coaching in UAE after failing to find attractive offers in India. “Tata Football Academy had contacted me and I was excited about it. But the situation has changed there and I had to turn it down,” Vinu said.

“Also, I was recommended by the All Indian Football Federation for FCBEscola Academy run by FC Barcelona in New Delhi. I gave an interview and they were impressed but things didn’t go forward as planned,” he said.

Vinu who played for FC Kochin, State Bank of Travancore, Vasco SC Goa and Mohammedan Sporting Club also had plans to start an academy in Thiruvananthapuram. “I had drawn up a plan with a few good friends and we are working on that,” he said. “I don’t want to start a centre for some boys and then run after sponsors for the fund. Finding a good ground is also a problem in the city,” Vinu said adding it is the infrastructure that puts footballers from Middle East head and shoulders above those from the sub-continent.

“When I got the call from Skyline, I told them I will come and see the infrastructure here before committing. When I was here, I could see the difference and I was excited,” he said.

Vinu still has plans to execute his dream of starting an academy in Thiruvananthapuram. But for the moment he is satisfied to coach kids from India, Pakistan, Philippines, etc in Emirates.

“I want to get my AFC A license. Whether it is India or anywhere else in the world, the main thing for me is to coach. At the moment, there is a lot of scope here for coaches,” Vinu said.