Edathanattukara: Lafin Shalu, who hails from Edathanattukara, a quaint countryside that breathes football, got employed in the central government service. Son of Kottapalla Nanampalliyal Late Cheriyadan Abdul Nasar and CP Jaseela, Lafin (24) is elated that the Indian Railways has appointed him. This makes Lafin Shalu the third person who played for the iconic Kottapalla Challengers Club to land a government job. 

VP Suhair who was a member of the Indian football team works in the general education department, while Mammad Parokottil who played in Santhosh Trophy is appointed in KSEB. 

Shalu who learned the basics of football from Edathanattukara Challengers Club was transferred to NNMHSS, Chelembra when he was in class eight after he displayed excellent skill in the game. Shalu excelled in studies while he got top-class training here. He represented the district at the Subrato Mukherjee Cup the same year.

He then played in the Malappuram district school team for the next five years and was the captain of the team for three years. Besides, he was also a member of the Malappuram district team for four years and wore the skipper’s arm-band for two years. 

Shalu completed graduation from Kozhikode Farook College and Kothamangalam MA College. He played as a defender twice in the university games and was a member of the team that became champions in the All India games. Meanwhile, Shalu is busy training before he leaves for Hyderabad on October 8 to join the team.