Denson: Unbeaten and still counting

When Churchill Brothers SC played Dempo SC on November 8 in an I-League match, a native of Kannur, Denson Devdas, saw the match with his fingers crossed as the result had a decision on his team's immediate future in the league.

Though Churchill won the match, Chirag United captain Denson had hoped for another result. “More than the victory of Churchill Brothers, I wanted the match to be drawn. Yes, you can say that it is the selfishness of a captain,” quipped Denson.

After the seven league matches, Chirag United is leading the league with 15 points and their captain has already received several accolades from different corners of Indian football. Still the defensive midfielder is humble about his contribution to the club. “We are top because the team is good and has played brilliantly. The club brought in several experienced players and I now feel proud to lead a team like this,” he said.

However, the 26-year-old is preparing for his next match against mighty Churchill Brothers. “It is their home match and they will surely attack to top the league. They have some of the best foreign players. Whatever the fact is, we have to face it and I assure my team will pick the best against them,” he said.

''One of the major set back will be that we will miss Edmilson as he has received two yellow cards in successive matches,” he opined.

Reminiscing his football career, Denson revealed he had started as a striker in Viva Kerala. ''There were not much chances at that time and it was Chathunni Sir (T K Chathunni) who found out my ability in the midfield,” he said.

The midfielder found his mojo in this position. Even though chances to score a goal is less and the risk factor is large, Denson is optimistic about playing for the national team and he thinks his position will be an added advantage as there are few players in this position in the Indian team.
“When I came to Chirag there were many experienced players in the team and I was doubtful of first squad preference but I worked hard and with the grace of God I reached here and after the Mohun Bagan match my confidence level has also shot up.” the skipper said.

Hailing from a football family, Denson began playing for SN college, Kannur, under the rigorous training of K Barathan. His father Devadas Antony was a wing back for Services and also has played in the Santosh Trophy. His brother, Daison Devdas is also playing for Malabar United in the Second divison of I-League.

Asked about his expectations about the national team call, he said, ``When the right time comes, God will show me the way as he has always given the best for me. So I am waiting,” the stalwart said optimistically.

But right now he is focusing on his club matches. “Before next round starts we will try hard to overcome our weaknesses. Some matches should have been won easily. Still the fact that we have not lost yet is a boost for the team,” he said.

With his impressive season and the man-of-the-match display against Mohun Bagan, Denson has proved that he is worth a place in the national team.

Kevin K for FootballKerala.com

From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Tuesday 10 November 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.