Titus James

Titus James Palani, (aged 20) is a Malaysian-born footballer who is a midfielder for SM Caen in France. In early 1999, his name was a hot topic for football fans in Malaysia when he was chosen by the Union Sportis Quevilliase (USQ) selection, which is in co-operation with Le Havre AC's football academy. In May 2000, there was good news for Titus and his family because the Le Havre AC coaching panel was attracted by his performance.

French football
He left Malaysia to fulfill his ambition to be a successful footballer. In France, he lives in Rouen, with Francis Herbert, the talent finder who was responsible for his management in the club and his wife, Slyvaine Wairin, who became the adopted family for Titus in France.

Two years later, Titus moved with his adopted mother, Slyvaine Wairin to Meaux, about 20 km from Paris, and joined Villenoy FC. Titus started with the Villenoy FC Under-18 team before graduating into the senior side in 2007. He is the captain of the team and the club are currently third in the 15-team league.

The attacking midfielder was the team’s top scorer with 16 goals with the Villenoy Under-18 side two seasons ago. He helped the team finish fifth in a 12-team league in Paris. Villenoy were also the FA Cup runners-up to Vaire.

Since May 2007, he has been trying to get a place in Ligue 1 when the open selections are being held. After 7 years playing football in France, his target is to play in Ligue 1. He has been asking his coach in FC Villenoy to convince the Ligue 1 clubs of his talent.

Titus doesn't mind joining any club in Ligue 1 but his main wish is to play for Paris St Germain (PSG).

Malaysian football
Titus James was called up to attend centralised training with the national Under-23 football squad for the Korat SEA Games in December 2007.

National football coach B. Sathianathan said he spoke to Titus of plans to include the 20-year-old in the Games squad and if all goes well, the player will be home in June 2007 for the training camp. He said Titus is keen to answer the call-up but must first meet his commitment with French Third Division club Villenoy FC in Meaux.

Former national coach Bertalan Bicskei had also called up Titus for trials for the Manila SEA Games in 2005 but then he was only 18 and was dropped.

Unfortunately the opinion about Titus is that had he been a Malay (Bumiputra), the Malaysian Government would have looked after him a lot better. He was streets ahead of any kid in his generation ,in terms of football ability, yet the Malysian Government gave him minimal support.

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