Denzil Franco has impressed on the field as a player and
off- field as a human being. He started his football career without much glitz.
However, the glamour came through his play. He last player for Churchill
Brothers in the I League. Things started to change rapidly for the tight back
after Churchill were shown the door out of the I league. In a state of limbo ,
Denzil waited patiently for the outcome of Churchills appeals. When it seemed
it was lost , Denzil jumped boat and signed for Atletico Club de Kolkata.
The journey to Calcutta was not new to Denzil. The journey
to the HISL team was or may have been – in new turf with a new club. As he
readied himself for his new club , Denzil was selected to represent India in
the international friendlies. As usual , India did poorly. Atleast this time ,
Koevermans realised he had to go.
Denzil does not get distracted by such events. He realises
he has to remain focused. His attention
is on football for Atletico Club de Kolkata now. “ I have had three sessions
with the team at the Salt Lake stadium so far. They have been electrifying
times. I am really beginning to get the feel of the stadium and most important
the supporters out here. It is a nice experience. It is something different
that I am experiencing now,” confesses Denzil.
Antonio lopes is the first international coach that Denzil
is come to grasp with at the club level. Antonio Lopes is a coach of some credible
repute in Europe. Maybe not the type that believes he can help elevate grass root football. “He is a
good coach. He is very disciplined and down to earth.He not only gives us good
advise but plenty of confidence. Most importantly , he is a very friendly
person,” observed Denzil.
Much hype has been created over the Pires’s , Lunjberg’s etc
playing in the HISL. The fact is many are retired players. Players, who have
hung their boots. From reports available and watching the FC Goa players at their
practise venue, their touch maybe there. But , they are physically raw. They
may try and get close to shape. But none will be able to regain full physical
fitness. That’s a far cry from the truth.
‘It is nice to play along with high class players. They have
got the touch and most of them are match fit .I do not foresee any problems. We
have a lot to learn from them,” surmises Denzil.
“ The team has around three good players in each position.
So, it is difficult to say whether I will be called up to play or not. All of
us are giving our best during the practise sessions. I am giving my best,
admits Denzil candidly.
