Chennaiyin FC is not willing to slow down in its development of youthful talents anytime soon as the club is committed to fostering young players, according to Santosh Kashyap, the club reserve team coach.

The team has helped unearth young players in the mould of Jerry Lalrinzuala, Anirudh Thapa, Tondonba Singh, Germanpreet Singh and many others in the six years of establishment.

Despite this, the club’s reserve team only manages a few numbers of matches every season, which in turn limits the number of potentials and young talents that are exposed to top-level matches.

Coach of Chennaiyin FC’s youth and reserves teams Santosh Kayshap explained that the clubs put in a lot of effort to the reserve team as the management of the club understands that the team is majorly developmental and less result oriented.

He disclosed that he is given the freedom and free hand to coordinate the team, but the basic needs for the team to strive are always provided.

“We have excellent residential facilities in Chennai. My players have three-to-four star accommodation. We have a Volvo bus, good food arrangements and an excellent pitch. Whatever I require is provided by the management, including video analysts.” Santosh was quoted on goal.

However, while discussing the differences between the reserve team and the main team, he disclosed that it was a big gap, and it is a big decision for the management to promote reserve players.

“It is a big gap between the reserves and the first team. We mainly have U19 players, and the ISL features experienced and mature players. Even then, it is a big thing for the management to say they want to give more chances for the young players.” Goal quoted Santosh.

Santosh moved to Chennaiyin in 2019, but he has managed a couple of teams, including Mohun Bagan, Mumbai FC, Aizawl, Air India, amongst many others.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu