Minister Churchill Alemao drives home a point. Photo by Peter DaSilva

Passion fuels Churchill to be publicist of his own soccer club; Politico overcomes crisis with shrewd tactics

Churchill Alemao dons multiple hats. He is the owner of a top flight soccer club in India, and a successful politician. Add to that his role of a publicist for his club, besides being a business tycoon.

 “It gives me a great satisfaction to promote my own club, and this is something that I cannot describe in words,” Churchill said during a telephonic interview with this writer.

Churchill is the boss of Churchill Brothers Sports Club, and currently the Minister of Technology, and Public Works and Development in the State Cabinet.

“It’s not that we cannot afford a publicist but cementing your own brand with your own communications efforts is totally rewarding and enriching experience,” adds Churchill, who despite his gruelling schedule regularly finds time to promote his club activities.  

Churchill Brothers enjoy the distinction of being the first ever family owned club in India. Besides winning the domestic league, the club left its imprint by registering wins over some formidable clubs in Asia.

Churchill has emerged as a political heavyweight with his sharp acumen, and has been instrumental in promoting soccer at the grassroots level in India.

His club boasts of players who have made a mark on the international circuit. Though his rivals have levelled allegations of graft against him, Churchill has slammed them as “politically motivated.”

Churchill has proven skills in handling crisis management.  

Churchill’s PR efforts came to the fore when he managed to bail himself out from a controversy that was threatening to snowball. He managed to clear his image on his own steam. His party later gave him a clean chit.

Moreover, one of his players was also embroiled in a controversy, but managed to ride out of the storm with Churchill embarking on a fire fighting mission on a war footing.

Churchill opined that it is important to build good relations with the media personnel and disseminate information in a quick fashion to counter any negative publicity.

“Journalists should be treated on an even keel. When you promise something to them, deliver on it. That is very important,” he asserted.

 “It all boils down to passion for the job you do, nothing more, nothing less. If you put your heart and soul into your job, then you will definitely go a long way,” says Churchill with a tinge of excitement in his voice.

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