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

by Rounak Majumdar August 26, 2019

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.

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