by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Jun 29: There are stars and there are super stars. Likewise, there are fans and there are die-hard sports fans. The one game that definitely qualifies for the top honours in this craze is none other than football, a truly global game.

While the whole world is glued to small screens, watching the world's greatest sporting extravaganza being played in the most modern stadiums in Germany, here is a house which can easily and rightly qualify to be a true footballer's house.

The house is being built by one of the most promising young talents that is waiting to burst in the international arena.

That rare talent that has its root in this city is none other than the 26-year-old Noel Wilson, who is lurking in the shadows of football greats and biding his time to bring glory to the country, which he can only if there is an honest approach in spotting the 'right foot' at the right time, which is sadly missing in this country. Call it a missed chance for many a young talents or missed opportunity by the sports federations to spot the talents, but in the end, the words 'So near, yet so far,' echoes in every right thinking mind.

Noel is one such genius footballer available right here, but not recognised by the sporting body that manages an association of a game, that is the most popular of all sports on the world stage.

Noel, born to Mary Wilson and Kenneth Wilson, is only 26 years of age and though he has scaled great heights on the national arena, is itching to bring glory to the country.

It is an understatement to say that he played many international matches representing India against UAE, Yemen, Brunei, Japan and other Asian and European football playing nations. As a striking defensive mid-fielder, Noel's disguised nimble feet marched past many a great footballer's on-field strategies.

After being selected to play for FC Cochin, Noel did his successful stints in Church-ill Brothers, Goa, for four years from 2000. From 2004 to 2006, Noel has been playing for the prestigious Mohun Bagan, Kolkata. His talent was picked up by another top club, Mohammadan Sporting, Kolkata, seeing his hardwork and above all, sheer love for the game.

Coming back to the passion and drama of football in his life, Noel's house, which is being given a final touch as you can see in the pictures, is a true foot-baller's house. It's literally footballs galore.

The main gate to the three-storeyed building on Ganesh Temple Road in N.R. Mohalla welcomes you with a football-shaped gate and the footballs hit you for a clean goal. There is football, here, there and everywhere! There are totally 105 football-shaped designs stuck everywhere. Even the two huge water tanks on the terrace are in football shape!

The main door, with Noel's full length portrait etched on it, is only the beginning. As you climb the floors, you come across 105 footballs, of course, shaped in cement, reminding you what passion and drama is all about a great game.

Noel, after completing his initial studies at St. Joseph's, Bangalore, took to the golden boots of football and has been staying there ever since.

He was the star of the 31st Youth Cup Qualifying Round (U-19), star of the well-deserved win over Sri Lanka in the Federation Cup in 2001, the prestigious Millennium Cup in 2000 and so on. The list may be endless, but his spirit is as strong as the game itself.

If Noel looks like your favourite Ronaldinho or Nessi with his flowing mane, make no mistake, he is not just a look-alike in his appearance, he is something more than what looks can project. He is a real killer on the field only if the football federation gives him the chance.

Noel's mother Mary Wilson is from Mysore. Though she shifted her residence to Bangalore to nurture her son's football dreams, she says her heart is back here. 'Mysore is so cool, so hospitable and so accommodating, we are coming back. This house is my son's dream house. We will come back and stay here,' is the proud mother's words, as her husband Kenneth Wilson nods.

Football fever may grip our nation and our minds once in four years only when the World Cup is on, but here is a house, that can stand as a memorial for a great game from a fantastic footballer, a great fan and above all, a true lover of the game.

Noel, who took to the nimble dribbling of football at the very young age of six years, says he could come this far by the blessings of his supportive parents and God.

Missed chance

Noel's misfortune, as any player in this country, was that he missed out on being spotted in the crucial 2002 World Cup qualifying rounds. Along with three other promising footballers — R.C. Prakash, S. Venkatesh and Balaji — Noel was sidelined.

When asked about the state of football affairs and the future of the game in India, Noel regrets that India is a non-starter till a fresh breath of professional ethics is infused in the game.

Now the FIFA World Cup Football is on and to add more glamour to the game, there are restaurants and clubs that have installed giant screens to telecast the games live. While you watch the FIFA extravaganza being played far away from the Indian shores, here is a true football genius who gets the pleasure of living in a house that breathes and lives football. Every brick, wall, door, and the ambience screams and shouts football.

This is the real passion and drama of a true footballer and our very own footballer.