David James reveals that he wants to win the ISL for the people of Kerala in the first year itself, while Potluri claims the franchise belongs to the people of the southern state
Kerala Blasters on Monday unveiled their official kits as well as unveiled their logo ahead of the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL), in Kochi.
The entire squad had gathered ahead of a select set of invitees to mark what they believe is the tru beginning of a new era for football in the football mad state of Kerala. Amongst the dignitaries were Prakash Potluri, co-owner of the franchise who deputized in his partner Sachin Tendulkar’s absence, K M I Mather, the Kerala Football Association’s (KFA) President and Kochi Mayor Tony Chambany. Also in presence were two of Kerala’s prodigal football sons, I M Vijayan and Jo Paul Anchery.
“Sachin and I are overwhelmed by the support to the Kerala Blasters by the people of Kerala. We are just the owners on record. The Kerala Blasters in owned by every football loving person in this state. This is your club,” roared Potluri.
It must be remarked that 21 of the 27 strong Kerala Blasters’ squad made it for unveiling with David James, marquee signing as well as player cum manager, Iain Hume and Michael Chopra, both new foreign recruits alongside Trevor Morgan, the coach.
James believed the pressure was all on Kerala Blasters to deliver to the folks who support them in God’s own country, in lieu of the state’s long standing association with the sport.
“We will try to uphold the traditions of Kerala and hopefully try to bring the trophy to the state. I know cricket is a strong sport in India, but now it’s football’s turn,” he elucidated.
The jersey was a bright canary Yellow, with the logo embossed on the right side. The logo, the mast of an elephant cradling a football in it’s trunk, is closely embedded with the culture of the state.
"The logo reflects the cultural and sporting legacy of Kerala symbolized by the elephant. The elephant is a symbol of strength and pride, rooted in its family and community, reflecting the aspiration and spirit of Kerala Blasters," revealed Potluri.
"Using the state animal, the elephant, as the starting point, we built an identity around it, reflecting its prominence in Kerala's culture," revealed the logo’s designer John Brash, founder of Brash Brands, who have claimed that extensive research of world football clubs’ logo’s had been done before a suitable choice was made.
The Blasters have already assembled for pre-season training at the Corporation ground, Thrissur.
