Sudeva Delhi’s Chandan aims for the top after learning curve in maiden Hero I-League season
Sudeva Delhi FC concluded their Hero I-League campaign with a 1-3 loss against Aizawl FC and although it would go down as an underwhelming one for the side from the capital, certain bright spots did appear, one of them being center-back Nishchal Chandan.
The towering lad from Chandigarh started his journey with the club in the Delhi Senior Division as he couldn’t be registered until the January transfer window. He was made captain of the reserve side which finished the campaign with the most clean sheets and the least goals conceded.
Chandan carried that form over into the Hero I-League season, making 14 appearances in his first-ever season at this level, helping Sudeva Delhi keep 5 clean sheets in the process.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful. Having spent around five years with Minerva Academy, it was not something that I thought of when I was there. But obviously, it’s a dream for every footballer to play at the highest level and that has exactly been my aim as well. I’m very happy to be where I am today and obviously, I want to develop further and achieve more in life,” he said.
For a young center-back coming through the ranks, there is not much room for error but Chandan had the perfect mentor in former Indian international Mehrajuddin Wadoo, his head coach at Sudeva Delhi FC.
“He was a great defender in his time so learning under his guidance has been a great thing. He has been very helpful in bringing me up to a new level and learning from his experience has been wonderful,” he said.
When it comes to center-backs, India is not blessed with as many options as they are in others and the mohawk-sporting Chandan wants to change that trend.
“I think center-back is one of the most important positions on the field as it is like the heart of the team. I like playing in that position because I think I do well under pressure and having that pressure of playing against the best of foreigners is a great feeling for me personally. Obviously, I want to make it big in this game and I want to show that Indians are no less than foreigners in any position wherever they play,” he asserted.
Keeping goals out is part of his daily bread and butter, but the 22-year-old also scored his first senior goal for the club in a 1-2 loss against Aizawl FC.
“The feeling was absolutely ecstatic. I was really very happy to get my name on the scoresheet. Although it would have been better if we would have ended on a winning note. But still, I was very happy for my first professional goal at this level and I hope that I’ll be having some more of them by the end of the journey,” concluded Chandan.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Late comeback see Bank of India edge RBI 2-1
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…