Vikram Partap Singh: From Rising Star to Key Player – An Exclusive Interview

by Chittu Shetty November 9, 2023

In a candid interview with the promising 21-year-old forward of Mumbai City FC, Vikram Partap Singh, we delved into his football journey, his growth as a player, and his ambitions with the club.

Vikram, who joined Mumbai City in 2020 from Indian Arrows, has now become one of the key players in Head Coach Des Buckingham’s setup. Speaking with FootballCounter, Vikram shared his experiences, aspirations, and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

Excerpts:

Q: How did you start your journey in football, and who is your Idol?

Vikram: I wanted to be a footballer since my younger days as my father was a footballer too. He couldn’t go much far in it but he was the one who helped me get into this game. Ever since I started training, I wanted to be a professional footballer.

Q: So Vikram, you have been with Mumbai for a couple of years, and in these years, what has evolved in you? What aspect of your game have you improved?

Vikram: I have improved a lot in the last 3-4 years. I have learned a lot from different players who played for the club. I hope to play more minutes and score goals, and help the team in whatever aspect they need me to. I don’t consider myself as a youngster looking for just experience anymore; I want to play more now. I have seen our Coach Des in the last two years and know what he expects from me, and I believe I can deliver it for him.

Q: Can you share some insights on how coaches have helped you in improving your gameplay?

Vikram: There is constant communication with the coach on what to improve, how to improve, and what is expected from me. Earlier, my skills were not in sync with what the coaches needed from me, but over time, I have improved on it, and now I feel the coaches believe in me.

Q: Mumbai City FC has a lot of quality attacking players in JPD, Greg Stewart, Bipin, Chhangte, and others. Being an attacking player, how do you see this situation?

Vikram: It’s important to have good competition. Ever since my Indian Arrows days, I have wanted to go to a club where I can have healthy competition for my position. If I start playing there, I will get into the National Team quicker. Last year Bipin and Chhangte were doing really well for the club, so I learned a lot from them, and this year I am trying to replicate what they did for the club. If there is healthy competition, a player will improve more.

Q: This season, you’ve had more starting appearances in both AFC Champions League and now ISL matches. How does it feel to have the coach’s trust and more playing time?

Vikram: I always used to give my 100% effort in the game. But this time, I have a better understanding of what my team wants from me. During the off-season, I trained on the same, and I have started getting minutes, I just hope to come good on the Coach’s trust in me.

Q: Can you share some of your personal goals and ambitions for this season?

Vikram: Last season, I didn’t get to start any games, so my personal aim was to get into the playing XI, and now that I am getting starts, I want to extend it to as many games as possible, score some goals, and do my best for the club.

Q: Mumbai City FC may have a small but dedicated fan base. What’s it like playing in front of such passionate supporters at the Mumbai Football Arena, and how have they motivated you?

Vikram: The stadium and numbers may be small, but the fans are very vocal and loud, and it helps motivate you as a player. In the game against Kerala Blasters, when it was 1-1, the fans cheered for us continuously and helped us push for the winning goal. So yes, it’s a great set of fans to have.

Q. Any message for the Mumbai City FC Fans?

Vikram: Last season, we had a great run and lifted the shield. This year the expectations are the same, so to my Mumbai City FC fans, please continue this support. We want your support even more because we want to win every game. You guys in the stand, cheering for us, provide the extra motivation, so please do come to the Stadium and watch us play.

Vikram Partap Singh’s journey from the youth ranks to become a key player for Mumbai City FC is nothing short of inspiring. With his newfound confidence and Coach Des Buckingham’s trust, the future looks bright for this young Indian talent.

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