BENGALURU: Jackichand Singh has been one of the finds of this season’s I-League. The winger was a vital cog for debutants Royal Wahingdoh and his stellar display helped the north-east side finish third in the league as well as help him grab the Best Player of the Season award.
Talking about his impressive performance this season, the he paid homage to his coach Santosh Kashyap, who he believes has been one of the key reasons for his productive season.
“I have received a lot of help from my coach (Santosh Kashyap), the rest of the coaching staff and my teammates. I was happy to receive all the support and I will try to do better next season,” said Jackichand.
Talking about his journey from a small village to the upper echelons of Indian football, the 23-year-old recalled how he was spotted by the Royal Wahingdoh owner in the streets of Shillong and thus, his journey as a professional footballer began.
“I was in an academy in Shillong for a few years, but a coach from my own village taught me the basics before I joined the academy. Reagan Singh and me are from the same area. We used to practice on a road where we were spotted,” he mentioned.
“The Wahingdoh owner saw us and we got a call. We played in the club’s academy for a year after which we were handed contracts. There on, we played in the Second Division and now are in the I-League,” he added.
The young winger dreams of building a house for his family in his home town and believes playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) can help him fulfill his dreams.
“From childhood, we were poor. From the time I started playing in the I-League, I have started earning enough to help build my house in Manipur. Maybe if I play in the ISL, my dream house will be a reality,” he told.
Jackichand praised coach Stephen Constantine for having chosen the best players in the country who impressed in the recently concluded I-League.
“My main objective is to stay fit and follow the instructions of the coach (Stephen Constantine). The coach has chosen players based on the I-League games. So I think he has a plan for us. We will follow what the coach wants from us and give our 100 per cent.” he concluded.
Singh who enjoys playing on either side of the wings believes it has been the core of this Wahingdoh side that has helped them reach such great heights in their first I-League season.
“Most of the players have been together for six-to-seven years. So the team combination was fixed. Even when the new coach (Santosh Kashyap) came in, he realised that we have been one unit for many years. I have enjoyed playing with Wahingdoh. Everybody gave their 100 per cent,” he signed off.
