The colour blue is symbolic of Chennaiyin FC, one of the most successful teams in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ganesh Prabhu embodies this blue spirit, having been a vital part of the club for nearly a decade.

As the second-longest-serving employee after Vice-President Ekansh Gupta, Prabhu joined Chennaiyin FC in 2015. Throughout his tenure, he has seamlessly transitioned through various roles — from analyst to youth development officer and now Head of Technical Operations. His diverse responsibilities have significantly contributed to the club’s development, both on and off the field, making him the heartbeat of Chennaiyin FC behind the scenes.

"Every day at Chennaiyin FC feels new to me. Over the past 10 years, I’ve never felt like I’ve been working," Prabhu reflects in an interview with indiansuperleague.com.

From player to analyst

Hailing from Coimbatore, Prabhu began his football journey as a player. Scouted by Abraham Varghese from Indian Railways and Hindustan University, he joined the university on a sports scholarship, where he pursued a B.Tech degree and later an MBA in Marketing Management.

Prabhu represented the Tamil Nadu State Football Team, Food Corporation of India, Hindustan Eagles, and Arrows FC before playing for Indian Bank. He competed in the Chennai Football League, the state’s premier league, for three years.

He then joined the Chennai-based firm SportsMechanics, where he worked on projects with the Indian hockey team, the Indian squash team, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Although he did not formally study analytics, his practical experience led him to a role with NorthEast United FC in the inaugural ISL season in 2014.

When Chennaiyin FC, a club from his home state, came calling, Prabhu’s first season with the team as an analyst saw them win the ISL Cup under Marco Materazzi. Success continued for Prabhu two seasons later as the Marina Machans secured their second Cup under John Gregory.

Rising to the challenge

In 2019, Prabhu took charge as Youth Development Officer in addition to his duties as an analyst. He has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing local talent, particularly across Tamil Nadu, which he finds the most challenging but rewarding aspect of his work.

Prabhu has been delighted with Mohamed Liyaakath’s journey, a player from a humble background who impressed the Chennaiyin FC youth teams and has since represented India. Another success story is Senthamil Sengbam, who has progressed from the youth team to the reserves and went on to be a part of the senior team. Prabhu and Chennaiyin FC remain focused on developing local talent for the first team. His efforts at the grassroots level have been recognised with Prabhu receiving the Presidential Award at the AIFF Grassroots Awards 2023-24.

The rise in local talent within the club reflects a significant shift in Tamil Nadu’s football culture. Prabhu observes that parents now view football as a viable profession rather than just a hobby, encouraging children to start their football journey. Children are now taking up the sport as early as five years of age, which is a promising sign. The Chennaiyin FC Soccer School is a key initiative by the club, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills.

“If Chennaiyin FC weren’t here, football in the state would be in decline. We have played a crucial role in reviving football in Tamil Nadu. The culture is evolving, but there is still much work to be done,” Prabhu asserts.

Prabhu’s scouting extends beyond youth development. Last season, he and his team identified Irfan Yadwad, a forward from the Bangalore District Football Association Super League, who scored a crucial goal in a comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The goal and win was crucial, keeping Chennaiyin FC’s playoff hopes alive and eventually helping them secure a knockout berth after a three-season absence in the 2023-24 season.

In his role as Head of Technical Operations, Prabhu not only oversees the first team but also manages grassroots and youth teams. He ensures effective planning, monitoring, and coordination across all levels, maintaining seamless operations.

Among his most cherished memories with Chennaiyin FC are Stiven Mendoza’s title-winning goal and the two ISL Cup triumphs. Although he may no longer be part of the first-team staff, Prabhu’s contributions continue to drive the club forward.

“You should be proud to wear the badge because not many get this opportunity. One day, you’ll look back and cherish these memories,” he proudly concludes.