Soccer
The talented defender could be the solution to Pune’s problems.
As expected, the Indian Super League has introduced itself with a bang, with the past few games seeing some entertaining performances as well as some high turnouts by football fans in India. One can safely say that the football revolution has arrived in India, and it’s only a matter of time before the majority of the general public takes to the game that has been overshadowed by cricket for too long in this country.
On that note, let’s take a moment to shine the spotlight on Pritam Kotal, a promising young defender currently in FC Pune City, having been loaned from Mohun Bagan. Kotal has certainly had an eventful football journey so far.
The bright beginnings
Born in West Bengal, a breeding ground for talented footballers in the country, he first kicked a ball at the tender age of four, having been inspired by his uncle who was also a footballer. Kotal’s parents also played a big part in the shaping of his career, as they provided all the encouragement that one needs to succeed as a footballer in a country dominated by cricket.
The talented kid began his career with Chirag United and represented the team in the Under-14 Manchester United Cup. He also represented his state at junior level, mainly as a defensive midfielder, eventually getting called up by India at junior level.
The I-League journey
Kotal’s talent as a player was noticed by the India Under-23 coach Arthur Papas, currently assisting Zico at FC Goa, who took the youngster with him to Pailan Arrows back in 2011.
Kotal played for the now disbanded Pailan Arrows for three years before being spotted by Mohun Bagan, which is undoubtedly among the most prestigious clubs in India. To be picked by a team of Mohun Bagan’s stature speaks volumes about the talent of Kotal, who has already established himself as a key player for the Kolkata-based outfit.
Now on loan with FC Pune City in the Indian Super League, Kotal is waiting to make his mark in the widely watched tournament.
Waiting to set the ISL alight
Although Kotal hasn’t made his debut for FC Pune City yet, he’s a gem waiting to shine. The club could use a player like him in their next match, which is against the powerful Mumbai City FC.
The Pune team, to be quite frank, were a little careless against the Delhi Dynamos, especially with their defence which was strictly mediocre. Delhi would have certainly snatched three points if it weren’t for the heroics of Pune goalkeeper Emanuele Belardi.
Even the highly rated Bruno Cirillo, who was one of the first players signed by the Pune franchise, was at sea during the match and was fortunate not to concede a penalty after his foul on Mads Junker.
Pune desperately need to sharpen their defence, and calling Kotal into action would be the right move on their part.
The sky is the limit
Kotal, whose idol is John Terry, is an extremely versatile player who can operate in any part of the defence but is particularly apt as an offensive right back, the same position he plays in for Mohun Bagan. He can inject some much needed pace and attacking qualities in the Pune team which was a tad too slow and toothless against Delhi. In Kotal, Pune FC would have an attacking as well as defensive threat against Mumbai.
The youngster can also benefit from the coaching facilities provided by Fiorentina, the partner club of Pune FC, and can become a better player under the Italian coaches. Of course, one thing that Italy has consistently contributed to football is quality defenders, and Kotal may very well be the next in line of that illustrious company.
Here’s hoping Kotal grabs the first opportunity afforded to him with both hands, and brightens his already promising future.
This article is courtesy www.sportskeeda.com