A top half finish in the 12th edition of the competition would have earned it a lot of plaudits. But, CCFC was ambitious and punched above its weight under head coach Akbar Nawas.

Chennai City remained in pole position for the majority of the league and clinched its inaugural crown by defeating Minerva Punjab FC in its last home match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore. A victory in just its third year of participation makes it even more special.

Technical Director of Gokulam Kerala FC CM Ranjith said the triumph will be an ‘eye-opener’ for Tamil Nadu football. “If a Singaporean can win a championship by fielding local players, it shows that we have so many youngsters who are passionate about the sport. If they are provided the right platform, TN can become one of the best in India,” Ranjith told DT Next.

  

“There has been no activity in the past one year. Tamil Nadu Football Association and Chennai Football Association (CFA) are at loggerheads for some reason. It is now up to them to nurture the talent the State has,” added Ranjith, who is the coach of the CFA Senior Division League side Viva Chennai.

The attacking triumvirate of Pedro Manzi, Nestor Gordillo and Sandro Rodriguez pumped in the lion’s share of goals for the victor. As a foreign member of the squad, Spanish centre-back Roberto Eslava also chipped in at crucial stages. 

According to the former India player, the quartet formed the spine of the team. “I watched most of the matches and CCFC played really well. Its overseas contingent was its backbone. Ajith Kumar, Romario Jesuraj, Edwin Sydney etc., played their part too throughout the course of the event.”