05-07-2025
Shivarajan, part of Vasco SC's Golden Era, dies at 81
C M Shivarajan (extreme left, middle row), joined Vasco in 1965
Panaji: C M Shivarajan, an influential member of Vasco Sports Club's Golden Era that conquered almost everything that crossed their path in the late sixties and seventies, died in Mangaluru on Friday.
He was 81 and is survived by his wife Asha.
Popularly known as Shivraj, the defender joined Vasco in 1965 after impressing everyone with SN College, Kannur, and Lucky Star. The defender had offers from Kerala-based clubs, including Titanium, but those who knew him well said he chose Vasco due to the influence of OK Sathyan, his former Kannur Lucky Star who had already made the move to the port town.
During his time at the club from 1965 to 1974, Vasco were a champion side and won plenty of trophies.
They made it twice to the final of the Rovers Cup, a prestigious fixture in Indian football's calendar at the time. Vasco lost both finals, against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan.
In his debut year, Shivarajan won the Senior Division League title and Vasco secured an invitation to participate in the IFA Shield in Kolkata, where they surprised Leaders Club from Jalandhar in the pre-quarterfinals.
Shivarajan's best, though, came during Vasco's tour of Kerala where they tasted big success, winning tournaments like the Nehru Trophy, Kerala Football Association Trophy, Mappen Mapillai Memorial Trophy, Sait Nagjee and Chakola Gold Cup.
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At home, besides the league title, Vasco won everything on offer, which included the Taca Goa, Police Cup and Bandodkar Gold Trophy.
'Shivraj was a gentleman, both on and off the field,' said Peter Valles, who shared the dressing room with him. 'When I joined the club (in 1973) as a junior, I was fielded at right back in Shivraj's place and he was naturally disappointed. I apologised to him after the game but, rather than sulking, he hugged me and passed on encouraging words, which I could never forget.'
Shivarajan represented Goa at the 1969
Santosh Trophy
in Nowgong, where five other Vasco players -- Arvinder Singh, George Ambrose, George Rosemond, Catao Fernandes and Dominic Soares – were also selected. He was also part of the state squad in 1973.
After his retirement, Shivarajan took over as president and later secretary of Kannur District Football Association and was Kerala's selector for the Santosh Trophy, handpicking the side that became champions in 1992 and 1993.
