SUNDAY, MAY 05, 2024
ALLAN D’CRUZ
PANJIM: In the last couple of seasons, Salgaocar Football Club produced some fine homegrown talent other wise to name —Liston Colaco, Ronaldo Oliveira and now — Chaitan Komarpant. The winger, who is recently turned 20 on April 7, is seen of something as a prodigious talent.
Blessed with outstanding pace and the ability to transition from defensive third to attacking third, Chaitan has been one of the best midfielders in this edition of the Goa Professional League and despite having a strong right foot, he normally plays on the left flank.
He caught the eye of many with his stunning performances throughout the league, but Salgaocar coach has been deeply impressed with the youngster’s commitment from his time at the club.
“Chaitan is the perfect example of hardwork and dedication. He has been with the club since 13 and has only grown through the years which made him confident. He is aggressive and can deliver whenever I seek something from him in the game,” stated Salgaocar FC coach Anthony Levino Pereira.
Unlike many of us who would find distance as an excuse for calling a quit, Chaitan didn’t let that change his goal as he regularity attended training, spending most of his time in travelling.
“The lad travels everyday from Canacona to Vasco for practices and this itself says a lot about him. Chaitan might be a U-20 player but for the last three years he has been getting game time in top Goa league and the boy made the best of the opportunity and the game time. Chaitan is ready to play Indian Super League and if he continues to play like this, definitely there wouldn’t be any stopping for him,” expressed Pereira who also coach Chaitan in the Goa State team for Santosh Trophy this year.
Chaitan is an attacking midfielder and doesn’t fear any defender and he is of a kind which any manager would like to have, such is his ability to fill the number of attacking positions with considerable aplomb. The Canacona-based lad has scored six times in the league and has over 15 assists. Well, now you know why is he so special in the league.
“This season has provided me with lot of opportunities to learn new skills during the trainings. I am lucky to have such a good coach as he always helps the entire team providing any help when in need. He is an inspiration and motivator for me,” expressed Chaitan.
With a clean touch and technique and a tremendous body swerve, Chaitan has the ability to tear the opposition defence into pieces. The Salgaocar academy graduate has scored most of his goals dribbling from the width and curling the ball at the second post. Technically he is sumptuous striker of the ball.
“The club gave me an opportunity to meet new people, witness good footballers and
learn new skills. Because of football, I could travel around India and this played a major role for my happiness and for making this season so love worthy,” added Chaitan.
When asked his goals in life, the humble lad gave an unexpected answer, “I want to be a good footballer,” he expressed.
While every other player desires to play for Indian Super League, Chaitan desires to just improve upon himself and be a better footballer which would see him in Indian team some day. “I want to make my coach, family and everyone else proud by representing in the National team,” he concluded.
The winger is already on radar of many ISL club and given his performance and work-rate you shouldn’t be surprised to read his name in one of the ISL team squad in next couple of years. His coach Anthony Levino Pereira already termed him as the next Mandar Rao Dessai and we hope Chaitan goes all the way to make everyone proud.
