The echoes of Joshua K Denny’s goal could be heard all the way back to the southernmost state of India. Precisely at Malappuram, the football epicenter of Kerala. The goal was a testament to hardwork and effort, the result of heart over mind.
Two weeks ago, Luca Soccer Club was training at the Kottapadi Stadium in Malappuram when they received the invite to Assam. Former Bodousa Cup Winners had backed out and the organisers reached out to the KL10 Blues. Once things settled Luca seemed to be headed towards their first preparatory campaign before KPL. However, train cancellations put the journey in limbo. Just when things were looking bleak, the club pushed forth for flight tickets despite financial constraints. Thus began the Assamese journey.
A warm welcome awaited the Blues. In another football loving state with unlimited passion for the game, Luca players and staff felt right at home. All the members had the same goal in mind and they were willing to move mountains to achieve it. This global feeling helped them prepare mentally for the pre-quarterfinals.
The first match was against a formidable side in Global FC. The home support was a telling factor but our Blues steeled their nerves and took the lead through a penalty. Bibin Boban slotted it in with the poise of a professional. Global FC pulled one back but the fearsome Sibil CK’s gliding run through the defense gave the Blues the lead once more in the tie. This time it stayed unchallenged.
Maulai SC proved to be a tough nut to crack int the quarterfinals. They took the lead after a defensive error from the Blues but the hungry lions from Malappuram stayed confident. Luca kept testing the opposition defense repeatedly and finally cracked it through homegrown Muhammad Luthaife aka Babu. The match proceeded to penalties and Joel Aju stood tall helping the Blues to a 5-4 victory.
The semifinals were a nail-biting affair. The Eastern Railway side from Howrah conceded within 3 minutes into the game, courtesy of quarterfinal hero Babu. However, the opposition refused to relent fighting hard to claw back into the game. It was not to be as Luca Soccer Club made it to the final of the very competition they seemed poised to miss.
On the other side of the finals, waited a familiar foe. The Purple Brigade of Kerala United. The rest is etched in Luca folklore. A tough and gritty Kerala derby that took place far from home. The battle remained goalless for the better part of 80 plus minutes, with both teams refusing to give an inch. However, Luca’s young core of substitutes rose to the spotlight. In the 88th minute Ameen’s effort was parried by the opposition goalkeeper only for Joshua to slot the rebound into the net with a calm finish. Celebrations ensued and the final whistle was received with unlimited joy. Luca SC were the champions.
Bodousa Cup stands out not just because of the sheer success. It is a testament to perseverance and will power. The hurdles that had to be overcome just made the victory sweeter. From a point of no hope to lifting the cup, it was just everything falling into place at the right time.
When a group of people really want something, they need to put in the hours and sweat it out. In the end, the result follows. This system never fails. And the bling from Assam is proof of that.
It was a great effort and great result.