IndianFootball.Com Interview: KALYAN CHAUBEY

Introduction
Goalkeepers they say should be mad and imposing figures. But Salgaocar Sports Club goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey is neither of the two but still ranks as one of the most promising in the country. He is less than 6ft (180 cm) but still manages to stretch himself enough to thwart all those uncompromising strikers. Ask any Indian striker who is the toughest nut to crack in the goal and the name Kalyan Chaubey instantly pops out. Playing in the highly-competitive European League is both Kalyan's dream and goal. He was close to realising his dream when he arrived in Germany for trials to two teams last summer. He did his best, impressed but still could not make it. "Visa problems," he says disappointment writ large. In this free-wheeling e-mail interview with indianfootball.com the fiery yet polished goalkeeper tells it as it is.
IndianFootball.Com was able to do the eMail interview with Kalyan Chaubey, with kind help from Anthony Marcus Mergulhao!

Tell us something about your football background?

Like most Bengalis, I took to football like the proverbial fish to water. And like most of the footballers, goalkeeping did not excite me initially. Ocassionally scoring goals and thwarting the defenders was what I liked the most. That perhaps explains best why I started out as a winger during those initial days of under height (4'10") mini tournaments, that were a rage in Calcutta.
But the I was destined for other roles. One sunny afternoon, we suddenly realised that the main goalkeeper could not keep the goal and there was no replacement. The coach asked me to do the job and I hesitantly took-up. Not for the love of the position but I took it up as i wanted the team to sail through. And like most fairy tales, my life changed ever since. Since that evening, I have not looked back and i have no complaints!

Which has been the most memorable moment for you?

There have been many moments to savour but I think the joy I witnessed when I was selected to the TATA Football Academy in the under-12 age-group cannot really be translated into text. I was on the typical seventh heaven.

How did your chance to go to Germany for trials come about?

Ever since that memorable visit to Germany as a 13 year old with TFA, Germany has always been on my mind. The facilities for football there were mind-boggling and it was not difficult to fathom why Germany were one of the football superpowers in the world. Playing in the European league in general and Germany in particular has been a dream for me. Since Indian footballers hardly get the respect they deserve outside the region, it was sort of difficult to convince many that I need to go there and play. It took me years and I finally took that risk.

Who all helped you in your Germany adventure?

Frankly I expected a lot more help from a lot more people but in the end I think it was only Sattar Da (a Non-Resident Indian based in Heilbronn, Germany, who is a referee in Germany) who was both the pillar of strength and source of help in Germany. He has helped me a lot beyond words.

Which clubs did you have trials with?

Karlsruher SC (a second Bundesliga club in Germany)

What do you think about football in Germany, after having seen?

I've must say that I have turned a lot more wiser after the Germany sojourn. The Germans are thorough professional and discipline is the watchword. But I strongly feel Indians are no inferior, save for the (inferiority) complex. All that we need is exposure. if we constantly play against them, we can easily get to know their style, menality and most importantly the pattern of football. Its not a big task but you need a big heart and loads of determination.

We at indianfootball.com have heard that Karlsruher SC II were impressed with you but due to visa modalities you had to go back to India?

That's right. The KSC officials were impressed by my performance but somehow things did not work out due to visa problems. I have not lost hope though.

Will you be back in Germany next season?

Its too early to make a definite statement but if things go as planned, I may be there next season. But I am keeping my fingers crossed.

What aims have you got with Salgaocar in the National League and at the Federation Cup?

We need to perform to our potential and grab whatever is there at stake. That's the aim of the Salgaocar brigade. Personally, I have not set goals for myself but yes, i am working towards being the best goalkeeper in the country. And with me I carry Salgaocar's expectations.

You have been one of the consistent performers in the Indian circuit, have been captain of the Indian Juniors, been in the India squad but haven't played for the national team.

I was a member of the Indian national team at the Asia Cup, the SAFF Cup and SAF Games. And I was in the starting eleven in the Pre-Olympic qualifiers and would like to be there at the top again. It shouldn't be long before I get there.

When do you think will you play for the Indian national team?

I'd like to say that I'm trying my best to get a chance in the national team as soon as god helps me. I hope I will be there. You know, sometimes you do well, but it remain unnoticed or unrecognised and the goalkeeping position is a very sensitive position, so you've go to be very careful throughout the season with your performance...

the interview was done by Arunava Chaudhuri per eMail (December 2002)

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