Kerala Blasters FC have had another disappointing Indian Super League season in 2020. The side, with arguably the most passionate fan base in the ISL, finished in seventh place, having won just four of their 18 matches and losing seven.
However, Nigerian forward Bartholomew Ogbeche had a good season. Ogbeche. the Kerala Blasters captain, was in the running for the Golden Boot award, having netted 15 goals.
Now, with his season over, Ogbeche shared his thoughts on the state of the ISL in a Facebook Live with commentator Anant Tyagi on Monday.
Responding to a question from a fan on who could be a potential successor to India captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri, Ogbeche singled out Kerala Blasters midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad.
Ogbeche was quoted by the ISL website as saying, "I think Sahal Abdul Samad can be the next Chhetri. This season, he hasn’t played as much as he would have wanted to. He is a hard worker. He works very hard even on his bad days. It’s one of his qualities. He is also full of talent. Having seen him closely, I have belief in his abilities and I can say that he can be the next Chhetri,”
Sahal Abdul Samad had won emerging player of the season in the ISL in the 2019 season. However, he had little to do in the 2020 season and looked out of place when not playing as an attacking midfielder.
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Ogbeche also generously praised the performance of other Indian players. "I have been impressed with Rahul K.P. and also Jeakson (Singh). Both are magnificent human beings and players and are yet to fulfil their potential. Samuel Lalmuanpuia is also one to look out for in the future. If not from Kerala, I will have to go for Suresh Wangjam from Bengaluru FC. He had a fantastic season," Ogbeche said.
When asked about his thoughts on the ISL final, between Chennaiyin FC and ATK FC on March 14, Ogbeche noted Chennayin could win. " I think they found themselves in an improbable situation after the first few matches of the season. They turned things around just at the right time. Now, they look unstoppable, juggernauts of sorts. I don’t see them stopping here. I think they will go on with their free-flowing football that (Chennaiyin FC manager) Owen Coyle has employed. It will be tough, against a tough opposition, but I see them going all the way,” Ogbeche argued.
Ogbeche was coy about his future with Kerala Blasters FC, noting a decision could be known in a "few more days, maybe weeks".
