Mumbai City FC Goalee Vishal Joon Vows To Give 100% For League Shield & ISL Cup Glory- Exclusive

Add as a preferred source on Google

Indian Super League (ISL) giants, Mumbai City FC roped in custodian, Vishal Joon in the January transfer window to add more depth to their goalkeeping department in the ongoing 2024-25 season.

Joon rose up the ranks starting from the I-League 2nd division, where he won the Best Goalkeeper award and also the league title with Rajasthan United to making a mark in the I-League. His previous clubs include Aizwal FC, Bengaluru, Hindustan FC, Delhi FC and also Indian National.

But in recent times, the former India U-23 keeper won the hearts of Keralites with his superb performance between the sticks in the 2024 Kerala Super League.

His brilliant outing not only fetched him the Best GK tag but he pulled off a host of saves to lead Calicut FC to their first-ever crown.

For years, he was chased by ISL clubs and Kerala Super League heroics brought more attention. He would be staying with the Islanders till the end of the season and is ready to give everything in his capacity to help his new team win titles and give it to the fans.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

1) From Rajasthan United to Aizwal, Bengaluru United, Calicut FC and now finally in the ISL for Mumbai City. Take us through your journey and what was your initial reaction after you got to know that the Islanders want to sign you?

It was during the time of COVID, I joined Rajasthan United. Just like any other human being, it was a tough time for all of us and I wanted to be in the professional set-up as a player. We became 2nd Division Champion, where I emerged as the Best GK. In the I-League, I had a decent outing. In one of the matches, we played with 9-man against Punjab FC and put up a very good show. Then COVID showed up again, I was sidelined with an injury and then I came back strong and even participated in the Durand Cup as well as the Super Cup.

After Rajasthan I went to Aizwal FC, but had to leave after a short stint due to unforeseen circumstances. Then I joined Bengaluru United, where we came close to becoming 2nd Division Champions but didn't go well towards the end. After that I participated in the Kerala Super League for Calicut, where we ended up winning the tournament. It helped me a lot.

ISL has always been my goal. Even during the Kerala Super League, a deal with an ISL club fell apart before Mumbai came knocking. It is really a proud moment for me to play for one of the top clubs in the history of this league.

2) Well, now we can say that you've experienced all the professional tiers of Indian football. So what is difference you see in an ISL structure, compared to that of an I-League set-up?

Well, the main difference is the professionalism. It is not just how they function, but in management as well as the training. If we look at the infrastructure wise, it is not very different from other I-League clubs but yes, when you are playing for one of the top clubs in the country, you can feel the difference for sure.

3) What's it like working with coach Peter Kratky and GK coach David Preece? What's their philosophy like?

Well, I have been training here for over 10 days now and it's going well. I am really having a good time as I am getting to learn a lot of things. The management here is quite helpful, very polite. The entire staff is always there to help us in every possible way. Both of them are very good coaches. They prepare us in such a way so that we can cope up with any match-situation.

4) You were simply outstanding during the Kerala Super League with Calicut FC, as you not only won the title but also the Best GK of the tournament. Would you say, was that your best ever performance, which actually played a huge part in getting you to the ISL?

Well, of course it was one of my best performances. Head Coach Ian and goalkeeper coach Dipankar Choudhary played a great role. Dipankar sir always pushed me and motivated through out the league. I also had good outings during my time with Rajasthan as well. But speaking of the Kerala Super League, the way it was organised, it has actually helped the players to get a wider reach. The broadcasting, the fanbase and the management was just like the ISL. I won't compare but they are actually giving their best to compete with ISL.

5) Currently, Mumbai City FC are placed 4th in the standings. Mohun Bagan have already qualified for the playoffs and the Islanders are pretty much in contention. Obviously there's a huge gap in point difference between Mumbai and Mohun Bagan, but it's still not over as far as the League Shield is concerned. How are you looking into it?

We will fight till the end, no matter what. Be it the League Shield or the ISL Cup, we will give our best. Right now, we are focusing on qualifying for the Play-offs and let's see how things pan out.

6) You have already achieved your goal of playing in the ISL. Now you are in the country's top tier league, do you think now you are much closer to your national team dream?

The main thing is that it's a team game. Our target is to become champions. Whatever is my part, I will play and contribute in the best way possible.

7) How are you getting along with your goalee colleagues- Phurpa Lachenpa and TP Rehenesh? What's the mood among the keepers?

Yes, we have got along well. We keep on pushing each other during training, doesn't matter who is playing in the starting XI. Our unity is very strong and we try to contribute as a team.

8) Your Message to Mumbai City FC fans?

As always I will give my 100 per cent and we will try our best to win back the League Shield and the ISL Cup for our beloved fans.