Justin Stephen’s performances were rewarded by the Kerala Football Association as they named Justin Stephen the KFA Player of the Year for the season 2008-09. Justin’s performances for his club Mahindra United and in the recently concluded Santhosh Trophy were very impressive.
Footballkerala caught up with Justin Stephen when he returned from training and was glad to share his thoughts and feelings on the KFA Award, the new season, the preparations, training and the new training ground.
FK: You are KFA Player of the Year for the season 2008-09. How do you feel?
Justin Stephen: I am delighted with the honour. I enjoy playing football and hope to play even better. The function is supposed to be held in cochin this month.
FK: Tell us about your previous season and how you feel going into the new season.
Justin Stephen: I am pleased with the last season. Felt elated to play with Pradeep, Diaz (N P Pradeep, Steven Diaz) and all. I am eagerly looking forward to the new season.
FK: So tell us about the preparations, training, and the new playing turf.
Justin Stephen: The turf is superb. It is the best playing turf in India, one of international standards. It is a great experience. The training started about a month and a half ago. I had a minor problem with my knee, but it is all right now. I have started light training, preparing for the pre-season friendlies. We are playing .... And the IFA shield is to start this 25th, so looking forward to a great season.
FK: You are to play your old club (Viva Kerala) this season at Calicut, the Mecca of Kerala football. How do you feel about that?
Justin Stephen: Yeah! I am looking forward to it. Playing at Kozhikode will be great, and that too to play against Viva (Viva Kerala) will be superb. Most of the players when I was playing there had left, still, I am excited. Sajesh is still there.
FK: Thank you for sharing your valuable time with us. We wish you a successful season ahead.
Justin Stephen: Thanks.
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Saturday 15 August 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.