Bosnian centre back Enes Sipovic has been in India for a few years now. The big defender has plied his trade for Chennaiyin FC and was with Kerala Blasters last season in the bio bubble. He also had a part to play in their journey to the Indian Super League finals where they lost against Hyderabad FC.
However the great thing that happened during the season was his wife Nejra Ibric was watching a match in the bubble and they heard the commentator take NorthEast United midfielder Imran Khan’s name. They really liked the name and decided that if they are blessed with a son they will name them after the Indian footballer.
It was a game between NorthEast United and Mumbai City FC as the Highlanders scripted a sensational comeback with Deshorn Brown scoring a brilliant hattrick to hold the Islanders to a 3-3 scoreline. Imran Khan was one of the star performers of the night as he came up with two assists.
“The commentators mentioned Imran’s name quite a number of times and my wife heard it,” Sipovic recalled. “It was a special name. We decided that if it was a boy, we will name him Imran.” They searched for its meaning and learned it meant ‘prosperity’. The defender further revealed that the name means a ‘special significance in Islam’. In Arabic “it is regarded as the father of Mary.”
When Enes Spiovic shared this on social media , Imran Khan was overwhelmed reading the entire thing. He replied, ‘Imran means Barkat and Prosperity. Thank you for the honour! very gratifying.” He also revealed that his mother was very happy knowing that they named their child after him and had sent her blessings. He also wished the child the best. The 27-year-old also hopes that the child becomes a great footballer like his father.
Enese Sipovic who featured in 13 appearances last season for Kerala Blasters is currently looking for a new club after parting ways with the Yellow Army. Similarly Imran Khan’s contract also has run out with the Highlanders. But till now there is hardly any movement in the transfer market from them. So only time will tell where Sipovic and Imran will end up this season.
