Kerala Blasters finalists of 2014 & 2016: Where are they are now?

These players headlined the Blasters' dominance in the early years of the league.

Kerala Blasters have been considered one of the heavyweights of the Indian Super League ever since its inception. The now three-time ISL finalists have had some impressive players in their ranks in earlier seasons prior to this one. Iain Hume and C.K.Vineeth are the more illustrious names that come to mind. However, there are plenty of underrated players who have made their mark for the Tuskers and the league alike. 

Let us dive deeper into who the star finalists of the ISL 2014 and 2016 season for Kerala Blasters were and where they are now.

2014

Iain Hume

The Canadian super striker first graced the ISL with his stint for Kerala Blasters in 2014. He amassed a total of five goals and three assists for the Tuskers, as he led them to the finals in the inaugural season. 

Despite being unable to get the Blasters the title, Hume managed to translate his talismanic skills as a player well into management. He is the current head coach of Hellenic League Division Two North side Woodstock FC.

Stephen Pearson

The 39-year-old Scottish midfielder joined Kerala Blasters from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell and was another instrumental cog work for their final appearance. His solitary goal for the side came in the 117th minute of the second leg of the playoff semi-finals against Chennaiyin FC. But, his neat left-footed finish turned out to be the winner and liberated a buoyant Kerala Blasters side.

Pearson’s last contribution to professional football was in 2017. He re-signed for Motherwell for a third time, agreeing to a contract until the end of the 2016–17 season. The former Celtic and Stoke City player’s club career ended as he was released by the club in May 2017, at the end of his contract.

Penn Orji

Former SC East Bengal star Orji scored only two goals for Kerala Blasters after he joined the ISL side from Mohammedan SC. Fans may remember both of his goals, as they were winners against Delhi Dynamos and Pune City.

However, those contributions were important in securing a final appearance and the central midfielder was last recorded playing for Vasco S.C. in the Goa Professional League.

Sandesh Jhingan

Hailed as one of the Blue Tigers' best modern centre-backs, Sandesh Jhingan was a loyal custodian for the Blasters from 2014 to 2020. His indomitable first season in the Indian Super League saw him make 42 tackles, 85 clearances, and nine blocks at the heart of defense.

The central defender also got himself two assists. He currently plies his trade for Kolkata-based outfit ATK Mohun Bagan and barely missed out on another final appearance, as the Mariners were knocked out by Hyderabad FC in this year’s playoffs.

Coach: David James

The mercurial goalkeeper responsible for conceding Cristiano Ronaldo’s wicked knuckle-ball free-kick goal while at Portsmouth, was a pivotal player in the ISL. As the marquee player-coach for Kerala Blasters, the capped English custodian managed to gather four clean-sheets.

He also had an impressive 76.19% save percentage in his last season as a player, as he got the Kerala-based side to the ISL finals. The English player had another short managerial stint with the side in 2018 and is now a television pundit who has worked for BT Sport and Eurosport.

2016

C.K. Vineeth

Kannur-born pacey forward Vineeth was a quintessential piece of the puzzle for Kerala Blasters in their 2016 ISL Final appearance. He followed up a meek goalless season with them, as the top Indian goal scorer in 2016 with five goals.

After only two appearances with SC East Bengal in the 2020-21 season, he moved to I-League side Roundglass Punjab, where he has already scored once this season.

Mohammed Rafi

Indian forwards really thrived in the Tuskers’ 2016 season and Mohammed Rafi was yet another benefactor of the same. The striker followed up on his five-goal performance in 2015 with a rather shy two goals, but was still an important element for the Tuskers.

Although his second title-winning season came at the mercy of Chennaiyin FC, he amassed a massive 24 shots on goal. He last played for the side in 2020 and has since not signed for any other team after he left the club in the same year.

Kervens Belfort

Sony Norde is probably the most famous Haitian footballer to grace Indian football, but Kervens Belfort is not far off his legacy. Though it will take quite a few unforgettable feats to match up to his status, Belfort has already been a stalwart for Kerala Blasters.

Belfort had an impressive 10% conversion rate as he scored thrice from 30 shots on goal and guided Kerala to the finals. The forward can now be seen donning the colors of Kelantan FC who compete in the Malaysia Premier League, the second tier of Malaysian football. 

Duckens Nazon

Another Haitian forward, Nazon was known for his pacey dribbling and accurate finishing among the Manjappada. He only scored against Pune City and Delhi Dynamos in the league and playoffs respectively but was another highlight for the Kerala Blasters in 2016.

The 27-year-old joined Ligue 2 side US Quevilly-Rouen Métropole in 2021 and has performed well for them scoring six times in 13 appearances.

Cedric Hengbart

Though a natural right-back, Hengbart played mostly as a centre-back for Kerala Blasters. He was there for two seasons at the Blasters and acted as an important figure in the defensive third. He played 30 matches across two seasons at Kerala Blasters. In spite of being a defender, he scored a goal and provided four assists during his stay.

In 2014, he played 13 matches and went on to commit 18 tackles that season. He also made 49 interceptions and notably 101 clearances. His passing accuracy was as high as 88.19%; a sheer display of his class. Similarly in 2016, he committed 41 tackles and made 71 clearances and 30 interceptions in 17 matches.

In 2017, he took a career break. Currently aged 41, he is plying his trade in France for ESFC Falaise.

Coach: Steve Coppell

The former Crystal Palace and Manchester City tactician led the Tuskers to their second final. They lost the final in spite of getting the lead as ATK came from behind and then won on penalties, after finishing second in the league with 22 points.

Surprisingly, his side scored the joint-least number of goals alongside Pune City with 13 goals, but still made it to the playoffs. The Liverpool-born manager last managed ATK during their 2018-19 season and has been out of contention for the head coach position ever since.

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