Bruno Coutinho, one of the Goa football’s most prolific footballers feels a ‘benevolent fund’ should be introduced for the coaches like T.K Chathunni who were struggling with financial crisis to fight against severe diseases. 

The 79–year–old Chathunni who was undergoing cancer treatment died on Wednesday at a private hospital. 

Under Chathunni’s guidance, Salgaocar had one of its golden times winning the first Federation Cup. Bruno speaking over the phone from Goa opined, "His brilliant smile worked as the inspiration for the footballers. He was so hard-working and dedicated to the game that we sometimes lost patience. But Chathunni’s smile brought us back with the spirit and encouraged us to deliver the best."

Bruno, one of Indian football’s prolific strikers also added, “I met him last around two years ago. He became weak, and undergoing treatment. Still, his smile, so warm during his coaching days was almost the same. I was remembering the smiling face after having heard the sad news today."

He continued, “I feel a ‘benevolent fund’ for coaches like Chathunni and the footballers also who have been struggling with the financial crisis to fight against the disease should be introduced." 

One of Indian football’s finest coaches TK Chathunni guided several big club teams including Mohan Bagan, Salgaocar, FC Kochin, and Dempo. 

One of his best students, legendary striker I.M Vijayan, naturally upset with the news, spoke over the phone from Bangalore on Wednesday, "I owe everything to him as it was he who made me Vijayan the footballer. I was under his guidance for three years in Kerala Police. He never discouraged my spontaneity in the training, even in a match. Rather he inspired me to do whatever I wished even in a crucial match. Even if I failed Chathunni sir always asked me to practice harder on my instincts, skills, maintaining his splendid smile. Kerala Police won the Federation Cup, Durand Cup under his guidance.”