Mithun banks on SLK to keep footballing dreams alive

KOCHI: Goalkeeper Mithun V was Kerala's hero in the 2017-18 Santosh Trophy as the state lifted the national title after a 12-year gap. Mithun pulled off two saves in the penalty shootout in the final against West Bengal.
Two years later, when Kerala regained the crown on home soil in Manjeri, Mithun was the team's first-choice goalkeeper. But in the final, during the shootout, he injured himself and had to be substituted.
Though most of the players in those two title-winning Kerala teams got offers from either ISL or I-League clubs, Mithun resisted the temptation as he was a bank employee."Since the ISL and I-League contracts are generally for nine months, I was not in a position to accept those offers as I won't get so much leave."
But now at the age of 31, Mithun has signed his first professional contract with Super League Kerala side Malappuram FC. "SLK contracts are only for a three-month period, and I am hoping to get my leave approved for such a short period," said the State Bank of India employee from Kannur.
Earlier, Mithun had played for Kerala United FC and Muthoot FA in Kerala Premier League. "For matches held outside my work station, I used to take a day's leave. For the final round of KPL last season, I used to join the team in the evening after work and play," said Mithun.
“There are not too many opportunities to represent SBI in football. Opportunities like SLK help to keep the footballer in me alive," added Mithun.