On November 5, it was a tryst with destiny (of sorts) for Kolkata’s football lovers at the jam-packed Mohammedan Sporting Grounds when Brazil’s football stalwart, Cafu, took centre stage and recreated the magic of his footwork albeit his age (he’s 52).
Marcos Evangelista de Morais, fondly known as Cafu, said, “It's great to see so many young players on the field and it's a great initiative taken by Kolkata Police and other sponsors to organise such a tournament. It's a message to the young players that they should not leave their school as education is an important part along with sports.”
Sporting Brazil’s canary yellow jersey, he also obliged the crowd when they cheered him and wanted him to score. Even as Cafu’s team won the match 4-0, the result was immaterial as the Man of the Moment was Cafu.
The Kolkata Police Friendship Cup, a charity match, was presented by Bengal Peerless Housing Development Company as a part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Later, Cafu was felicitated at CAB and he watched the Mushtaq Ali T-20 Championship final between Himachal Pradesh and Mumbai at the Eden Gardens.
Cafu in action at the Kolkata Police Friendship Cup match at Mohammedan Sporting Grounds on Saturday Amit Datta
Landmarks as a player
The former Brazilian captain is the most internationally capped (142 appearances) Brazilian player of all time. Cafu is known for his stamina, tactical intelligence and pace.
Cafu represented his country in four FIFA World Cups between 1994 and 2006. He is the only player in history to have appeared in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning the 1994 and 2002 editions of the tournament.
He also participated in four editions of the Copa America, winning the title twice in 1997 and 1999. He was also a member of the national side that won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1997.
Despite his hectic schedule in the city, Cafu, clad in a white shirt and jeans, took time out to speak to My Kolkata. Excerpts…
Q: How do you find Kolkata?
A: I visited Kolkata earlier in 2012. The city looks different. It has changed a great deal. I hope to visit India when the country plays the World Cup.
Q: Have you tried any city-specific food?
A: Some. I love fish and tried some dishes. Loved them. Besides that, I’ve had some chicken dishes, salad and pasta.
Q: Are you aware of Brazil’s fan base in Kolkata?
A: Yes. The city and its love for football are overwhelming. In many ways, Kolkata is no different than Brazil. Just like in Kolkata, people in Brazil are crazy about football. I know the most popular sport in India is cricket, but people here (in Kolkata) are so passionate about football and Team Brazil.
