Savio Medeira: Sunil Chhetri can be the next Bhaichung Bhutia

Indian national team coach believes that Sunil Chhetri has the traits required to replicate the legacy left by Indian legendary forward, Bhaichung Bhutia. Bhutia will play his last game for India in a farewall match against German giants Bayern Munich next week, and while many regard him as a gem of his kind, Medeira claims that Chhetri could be the next Bhutia.

“At the moment, I see a bit of potential in Sunil Chhetri to be Baichung’s successor, but he has a lot of football left in him and as I said it’s difficult to imagine anyone taking Baichung’s place in Indian football,” the Indian coach enthused.

“I have been saying it for quite some time now that no one can replace him. He has done a great job for the clubs and for the Indian national team.”

India will take on Bayern Munich on January 10 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and Medeira believes that it will be a historic venture for the Indian players and also fans.

“It’s a lifetime opportunity for players to play against one of the best club in the world.

“It will attract a lot of people. It doesn’t happen often in Indian sports. Whatever the result may be, it will be history in the making for the Indian players to be part of this exhibition match.”

The ticket revenues gained from the match will be directed towards earthquake victims in Sikkim, an arrangement that Medeira applauded.

“It’s a very good effort, and I hope that people in Sikkim will benefit from the ticket proceeds of this match.”