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Shem Marton Eugene, the 23-year-old winger from Pooliyur in Kerala, is undoubtedly one of the best local signings made by Chennai City FC this season. Shem Marton was roped in by CCFC for the I-League because of his superb dribbling skills and his on-field exploits for Viva Chennai in the CFA (Chennai Football Association) Senior Division.
He is also a versatile player as he can play the role of a winger, midfielder and also as a wingback for his side. Despite making only three appearances so far, he is expected to play a more crucial role in the upcoming games for Chennai City FC. He has displayed extraordinary ball-control skills and has the ability to score goals from a long range.
Sportskeeda caught up with the midfielder for an exclusive interview.
What has your journey in football been like?
My football career began in my hometown where I played for a club representing our area in the Trivandrum League. After that, I played for Sethu FC which is based in Madurai and was a part of Madurai League.
After a few good performances, I moved to Chennai to play for Viva Chennai in the CFA Senior Division. Now I am currently plying my trade for Chennai City FC in the I-League. It has been a great journey so far and I want to keep going, improving every day.
What made you take up football as your career?
Even during my school and college days, I didn't think of taking up football as a profession. I liked playing it very much. Football became my main priority only when I joined Sethu FC in Madurai.
What, according to you, are your biggest achievements?
I was captain of the Tamil Nadu U-19 team, where I played along with Ajith Kamaraj (another Chennai City FC player). I have also played for MS University, Anna University. I narrowly missed out on making it to the Tamil Nadu squad for the Santosh Trophy because of an injury.
Moving on to Chennai's incredible journey this season. They are top of the league with 21 points in 10 games, three ahead of second-placed Real Kashmir. What's the secret behind CCFC's form?
The secret to our success is our team bonding and coordination. We are like a family and have a great understanding.
How has coach Akbar Nawas transformed you as a player?
Working with coach Akbar has been like a dream to me. He has been the best coach I have ever worked with and he has improved me technically.
I am very grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to work with him. He always tells me to play with concentration and he is very motivating. He is very sharp when it comes to tactics and helps us practice those in training.
Even if we commit a mistake, he always encourages us and asks us to move on. There are no words to describe him.
What has been the impact of foreign players in CCFC? How do they help you?
The foreign players are all specialist footballers. They are all very friendly and treat me like a brother. I would like to salute them. They have all come from top leagues in the world. They are always encouraging and try to improve us.
How did the move to Chennai City FC happen?
I attended the trials which were held in Chennai for two days in the month of May. They also scouted and kept trials at Thoothoor. Finally, there was a 5-day trial in Chennai and a total of nine players were shortlisted and I was one among them.
I am very glad to be part of the CCFC family. I am enjoying every day and it is like a dream to me.
(Shem Marton Eugene talks about his personal goals and the friendship with S Rajesh of Gokulam Kerala in the next slide)
You and S Rajesh of Gokulam Kerala are very close friends. How do you know each other? How often do you talk to each other?
We have been friends since childhood and he is more of a brother to me. We know each other because he is my neighbour (back home). We have practised together when we were kids and have grown up together.
Tell us about your family. Who supported you through football?
I have three elder sisters. I live with my sisters, parents and my grandfather. My father was a fisherman and I loved playing football on the beaches. They have been very supportive.
But I didn't know how to proceed with it. I owe all my success to my coach Cleofas Alex, who lives in my hometown. He guided me perfectly and I am very thankful to him. I am also very thankful to my cousin brother Crijin, who helped me through my difficult times.
How do you rate the CFA Senior Division and I-League?
I played in CFA Senior Division for one year. I-League is more professional, grand, state-based, whereas CFA Senior Division is limited only to a district. These are incomparable.
What are your personal goals?
My dream is to help our team win all the matches and the I-League. It is every footballer's dream to play for their national team. My dream is also to play for the Indian team at least once.
Who is your best buddy in the team?
My close friend in the team is Pravitto Raju. We belong to nearby towns and also studied in the same school for higher studies. He is also my roommate.
What would like to say about the fans in Coimbatore who come in huge numbers to the match?
They have the backbone for our success. They are everything to us and have always been with us always during our highs and lows.
