Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem Exclusive: From Badminton Champion to Petr Cech - FC Goa Keeper on Career, India Dream and a Special Anecdote

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Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, FC Goa's primary custodian is hoping to consolidate on his recent upsurge at the club. In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, the Goa and former India U17 goalkeeper opened up on many things, and also shared the story of how he became a goalkeeper.

Dheeraj, who played for India in the U17 World Cup in 2017, has been a mainstay at FC Goa since 2020. He started his career with Indian Arrows, then moved to Kerala Blasters. After a brief stint with ATK (now Mohun Bagan Super Giant), the Manipuri boy moved to the West Coast for greener pastures.

In an exclusive chat with MyKhel, the India U23 goalkeeper opened up on a plethora of aspects - from his career in Goa to the India dream.

A strong Work Ethic and Mentality

The young goalkeeper wasn't the first choice from the start of the season in Goa. But recently he has been reinstated back by Manolo Marquez and started the last game against Mumbai City in the ISL.

The 23-year-old says it is sometimes frustrating to not get chances, but keeping the same work ethic and a strong mentality is the key formula to sustain amid adversities.

"It's not easy for any player to not play, it's a part of our profession and every player has gone through the difficulties. You have frustration, anger and all the excuses in the world, but all you need to do is keep control in your mind, keep patience and do things which are in your control.

I don't like to compare myself with anyone and I love to focus on myself. It's difficult as training and playing is different. The more you play, the more you develop. It is not easy but a strong mentality is key. As a goalkeeper, you have to focus more and concentrate, get ready for every situation."

When asked if the current acknowledgement was rewarding, Dheeraj plays it down and says he just wants to help the team.

"It is not anything such as rewarding, it's just a normal comeback. I hope I can help the team to get more points in the final few matches," the goalkeeper said MyKhel on the eve of their crucial East Bengal tie.

A Badminton Champion

Born in Moirang, a town 45 km away from the Manipur capital Imphal, Dheeraj was a Badminton Champion and is the first in his family who invested such time and dedication in football.

"I never expected to become a professional footballer. My parents wanted me to study and before I started playing football, I used to play Badminton and was a champion in our school."

The story of becoming a Goalkeeper

Although Dheeraj has been playing as a custodian, the player reveals he didn't start with the gloves as a kid. It was only an accidental late arrival from his coach which made him a goalkeeper.

When I started playing football, I was only playing as a regular outfield player. One day, the coach came late and the boys were shooting the ball. I went there randomly and started diving, catching the ball. The coach saw me from a distance and he asked me if I wanted to train as a goalkeeper as he liked my technique. That's how my journey as a goalkeeper started."

India Dreams

India coach Igor Stimac is yet to call up Dheeraj in the senior squad. Despite playing in all the youth levels, the elusive senior debut is still not achieved by the player. When asked about it, Dheeraj looked unfazed and admits the competition for a Blue Tigers call-up is intense, but he is ready to capitalize if an opportunity arrives.

"To be honest, things are not in my control. What I want to do is to play well for my club and win trophies. I have played every youth level but didn't get any chance to make my senior debut. I know it's going to be very difficult. We have so many good goalkeepers, like Amrinder, Gurpreet and many young ones coming these days. So it is going to be very difficult to be even in the national team. But I have to keep the focus and if I get the opportunity, I will have to utilize it."

To be honest, chances for a senior team call-up only come when you play regular football for the club. But Dheeraj hasn't played all season. It is only after a flurry of Arshdeep mistakes, that coach Manolo Marquez has returned to the former Indian Arrows shot-stopper. And even FC Goa's coach admitted he has been 'not fair' with the player.

"I love this guy (Dheeraj Singh). It's incredible how good a professional he is. And in a lot of moments, I thought I was not fair to him. I was fair to Arshdeep because he deserved to play. But maybe for this, Dheeraj didn't go to the Asian Cup. But the way he trains is an example for any player. He is always pushing and training hard," Manolo Marquez said in FC Goa's pre-match press conference for the East Bengal match.

Love for Chelsea, Real Madrid and Petr Cech

Dheeraj also has strong admiration for former Chelsea coach Petr Cech and says he has grown into a Chelsea fan for the Czech Republic legend. but when it comes to supporting a European club, he has love for both Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The ISL Shield Quest

The ISL is entering the business period. Although the Gaurs have lost some ground, there is ample chance for them to roar back and clinch the Shield title.

"We have fair chances to win the shield. The important thing is to keep our mentality as we have a very good quality in our squad. We need to focus game by game and stop thinking too much ahead. And given the games that are still remaining, we can win the title," Dheeraj signs off with a smile.