Another find of this season’s Goa Professional League is Kunal Kundaikar, a young central defender of Panjim Footballers. Born on 28.12.1998, this Goa Velha-based 22-year-old soft spoken lad has led his club from the front which ultimately ended up in the top half of the table of the GPL.
Kunal Kundaikar was given an additional responsibility of leading the team for the season. The lad plays with astounding maturity for someone who doesn’t have professional experience. His ability to pre-empt the pattern of play is second to none among the young defenders in the league.
Panjim Footballers Head Coach Shekhar Kerkar was very optimistic about the potential of Kunal and stated “Skipper Kunal has really proved to be a leader in our defense. He was outstanding throughout the league. He has a strong character with timely interceptions, great composure on the ball and confident in the air too. I personally feel that this player is ready to play at the top level in the future.”
When questioned Kunal about his performance in the GPL and what does he attribute it to, Kunal says, “It is my hard work towards improving my game that has made me confidence personified. I would also thank my parents and the Management of Sporting Clube de Goa and Panjim Footballers who valued me and put their faith in me.”
If one recollects, Kunal was promoted to Sporting Clube de Goa during the last season 2018-19. However, as the defence line of Sporting Clube de Goa was well established, he could not find a place in the squad. As things turned out, on the other hand, Panjim Footballers were fairing very poorly after the loss of their dependable defender and were fighting in the relegation zone. It was at this point that the Management of SCG decided to loan out Kunal to their Developmental Squad and Kunal didn’t let them down as he was one of the many to be instrumental in bailing out Panjim Footballers to safety.
Kunal stated the Goa Football Association’s Goa Professional League is a great opportunity for upcoming players to showcase their talents and added, “It has helped young players like me to develop more consistently for a better future to play in the top tier of Indian football.”
Panjim Footballers finished sixth and managed 7 clean sheets in the GPL this season. He also scored a goal and has one assist to his name in this season. With his performance this season, a couple of I-League clubs did show their interest in the young footballer and if he continues in the same vein, one will definitely see him play in the top tier of Indian Football.
“My aim is to play in the top tier of Indian football and want to be seen in Indian colours one day representing the Nation,” expressed Kunal.
Panjim Footballers’ coach Shekar feels that it’s Kunal’s consistency and commitment has helped in the youngsters growth and we can say with his consistency throughout the season although marred by injuries, one won’t be surprised if Kunal gets promoted, once again, from the Developmental Squad to Sporting Clube de Goa, if he doesn’t make it to I-league clubs.
