On most occasions Rehenesh TP’s name finds a place at the top of the team sheet — the goalkeeper’s slot — but this Subroto Cup has been an exception that the Kerala team have been relishing all through the tournament. With a crisis of quality defenders he was asked to let go of his goalkeepeing gloves and move a few steps forward to guard his box — to be the team’s left back.

There’s no denying the fact that the Kerala sub-junior goalkeeper is among the top at his level in the state, but coach SC Bose says he’s the best defender among his line of four citing their 1-0 loss to Orissa when Rehenesh was sent off early after being booked twice.

“His strength is his confidence. At this age, it’s very difficult to convince a player to switch from his original position. But look at the way he has handled things playing for the first time as a left back,” Bose said speaking to Sportline, adding, “The only time we lost was when he was sent off early, against Orissa. There were no separate preparations going into the Subroto Cup. It’s just a desperate move that clicked and I hope it takes us to the next round.”

Rehenesh credits his team mates for his run, saying the support he gets from his partners in the box gives him the licence to make mistakes. The coach, however, wants him to improve as a left back even if he doesn’t take the position too seriously in future.

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