KOCHI: When Jubi Justin landed in Kolkata in 2017, football welcomed him everywhere. It flowed through the tea stalls, fueled lively discussions among strangers, and echoed through the packed galleries of the stadium. In time, the Kerala-born footballer would be exposed to the city’s passion for the game, unlike anything before him.Almost a decade later, Kolkata has transformed Justin into a hardened professional. And last Sunday was the most important moment of his career. Diamond Harbor FC, a club founded in 2020 and captained by Justin, was promoted. Indian Super League After climbing to the top of the second tier of Indian football: the IFL. “Really proud of how things have panned out for us this Indian Football League (IFL) season,” the 32-year-old told TOI. “To think that this club was only formed six years ago makes this achievement even more satisfying.”Justin first represented East Bengal from 2017 to 2019, before moving to Mohun Bagan between 2019 and 2022. After a short stint at Chennaiyin FC, he joined Diamond Harbor FC in 2023. “Playing professional football in Kolkata prepares you,” he says. “It helps you soak in the pressure of playing a big derby in front of passionate fans.”With the passage of time, the city got used to it.“I can speak Bangla, though not fluently,” says Justin. “I work in the accountant general’s office near Eden Gardens. It was never a culture shock for me to come here. Kolkata is like a home away from home. The people here are very welcoming.”At Diamond Harbour, Justin would be part of a footballing revolution masterminded by manager Cabo Vicuna, known as “The Boss” by the players.“He rallied and identified 40 to 50 players, developed them and taught them tactically the nuances of the game. Our biggest strength has been our bench strength.”Under the Spaniard, Diamond Harbor adopted an aggressive brand of football. The team lined up in a 4-3-3 system that gave the players freedom to express themselves while maintaining tactical discipline.“The coach gave us the freedom to be more fluid in our game. The pressing style of football worked in our favour,” explains the right winger.This relentless pressure game became the hallmark of a team that consistently overpowered opponents. At the top of the pyramid stood Justin, whose influence extended beyond scoring. Leading the squad as a center forward, he emerged as the team’s chief creator, while bringing experience and leadership to a young squad.A clear characteristic was their refusal to surrender despite hardships.The clash against Dempo SC captured that spirit perfectly.Diamond Harbor needed just one point to secure the IFL crown. Still, nerves rose when Marcus Joseph handed the Goa side the lead. Fewer teams may crumble under pressure. Diamond Harbor responded with composure, finding the crucial injury-time equalizer through Hugo Diaz to seal their promotion.“That never-say-die spirit has been the biggest reason for our great season,” explains Justin.Ironically, the campaign got off to a disappointing start. Diamond Harbor lost their opening match against Srinidhi Deccan. But still, Vicuña’s response revealed a glacial pattern that would explain the weather.“He didn’t scare us after that loss,” Justin recalled. “Instead, he said we played well. He told us it was a long season and asked us to forget this game.”Serenity ripped through the squad.After an unforgettable season, the Thiruvananthapuram native yearns for something beyond trophies.“It’s been a tough season for me,” he says. “After the last league game against Shillong Lajong FC on May 23, I want to go back home and spend time with my family,” Justin added.He is back not just as a Kerala footballer but as an architect behind some of the greatest stories in Indian football.
