Durand Cup: The Golden Glove awardee Ubaid claims that playing in the MDFA has developed him better as a player

The 29-year-old, who always believed that imagination has no wings, and hard work with perseverance is the key to success has made it to the big stage, finally.
Ubaid CK, a sturdy man with a constant smile on his face went on to create history for Gokulam Kerala FC. He was awarded the Golden Gloves for his exceptional performance at the 129th edition of the historic Durand Cup held in Kolkata for the very first time.
We went up and close with Ubaid and asked him about his personal life, how his career started, and his plans for the future:
Excerpts:
When did you start playing football?
The first time I touched the ball, I was 13. We had a Municipality ground back in Kerala where I got an opportunity to play. There was a football camp held in that ground and my initial footballing memories are from that Municipality ground.
Was it always football or you were interested in some other sport during your childhood days?
Yes, but I was a multi-sport practitioner back in my days. During my school days, I used to play Cricket, Badminton etc. But I always had a soft corner for football and dreamt of becoming a professional footballer when I grow up.
Did you always want to be a goalkeeper?
Actually, when I started playing in my Municipality camp, I used to play as a striker. Eventually, my coach suggested me to play as a goalkeeper. Ever since then, I practised to become a goalkeeper and I love the position.
Who all are there in your family? Was it tough to convince your parents that you want to become a player growing up?
I have mom, dad, two elder brothers, a little sister, nephew and nieces in my family.
See growing up, I’ve received full family support. They are the pillars in my life and without their constant support, I would have been nothing.
Your first professional club as a Goalkeeper?
My debut as a professional footballer was back in the 2011-12 season with Chirag United Club Kerala, formerly known as Viva Kerala Football Club.
When did you come to Mumbai and play in the MDFA? How was your experience playing in the MDFA?
I have played in the MDFA Elite division for 4 years. I spent 2 years in Air India and the other two with ONGC. There’s no doubt that playing in the MDFA Elite with senior players and getting proper game time has helped me develop better as a player. Playing in the MDFA was a great experience and it has improved me a lot as a goalkeeper.
Tell us, in short, the fairy tale journey you had in the Durand Cup campaign and where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
Durand Cup will play a pivotal role in shaping my career in the future. Further, every player’s dream is to don the national jersey once in his playing career. I too dream the same. I have already started preparing for it and I will try my level best with proper efforts to achieve the goal. I also have plans to join an ISL Club in the upcoming years of my career!
Thus Ubaid, the newly noticed talent from Kerala concluded. Gokulam Kerala FC won the Durand Cup for the first time in the club’s short history. Ubaid played an important role in clinching a victory at the knockout stages against the Calcutta giants, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, whom they faced during the Semi-Final and the Final respectively.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Nadkarni Cup 2019: Century Rayon comes from behind to win while Customs edge Bank of Baroda
Also Read: Players eye improvement after the opening game of Nadkarni Cup 2019
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Feature / Indian Super League / Recommended
Indian Super League 2025-26 Season in Doubt: AIFF Calendar Omission Sparks Major Concern
The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) is currently shrouded in significant uncertainty, casting a long shadow over the upcoming 2025-26 football season. Recent reports indicate that Football Sports…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Mumbai City FC complete signing of Zothanpuia
Mumbai City announces the signing of Zothanpuia from Aizawl FC. The talented midfielder joins the Islanders on a 3-year contract.
AFC U23 / Indian Football Team
Ten-man India U23s lose lead and match against Tajikistan
The India U23 men’s national team suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of hosts Tajikistan U23s, after being reduced to 10 men in a friendly match at the TALCO…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Jorge Pereyra Diaz returns to Mumbai City
Mumbai City FC have announced the return of Jorge Pereyra Díaz for the 2025–26 season. The Argentine forward rejoins the Islanders after a season with Bengaluru FC, marking a homecoming…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Punjab FC announces the signing of Defender Muhammed Uvais
Punjab FC has announced the signing of defender Muhammed Uvais for the upcoming season. The full-back last featured for Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, where he reached both the…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…