Q&A session with Churchill Brothers goalkeeper, James Kithan

The 24 year old from Nagaland is the currently the first choice goalkeeper at the Goan club. Here’s our conversation with the shot-stopper.   

Note: This article was originally published on 15th September, 2019.  

Q) Growing up, which team did you support? Who is your favourite player? 

– I support Real Madrid. My favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo because of his dedication and the hard work he puts in.

Q) How did you get into football? When did you decide to become a professional footballer? 

– I first got into football in the 8th standard. I played my first tournament, the Diphupar Khel tournament (Dimapur, Nagaland) as a goalkeeper which got me interested. I decided to become a professional footballer in 2011 after playing in the first season of NPL (Nagaland Premier League). With the commencement of the first season, I was fairly positive about my foray into professional football. While this ended up not working out, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to an agent by my friend, enabling me to pick up my career again.

Q) What’s your take on the professional football scene in India?

– With the emergence of ISL and the continuing popularity of I-league, the football scene in India has been elevated over the past couple of years. India’s hosting of the U-17 World Cup in 2017 and the participation of the senior team in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers is encouraging. Young, talented players are coming up. The future looks bright for Indian Football. 

Q) Still only 24, you’ve already been established as the first choice keeper at Churchill Brothers. What are your short term and long term goals?

– I would like to say that this is all by the grace of God, without whom I am nothing. This, coupled with the hard work I’ve put in has helped me to be where I am today. My short term goal is to maintain my form and give my best in every match. My long term goal is to improve myself further and to continue playing in the big clubs in India or abroad.

Q) Which goalkeeper would you like to emulate in your game?

– Gianluigi Buffon.

Q) What has been the most memorable game you’ve played and the most memorable you’ve watched so far?

– The most memorable game I’ve played would be against Kingfisher East Bengal in the 2017-18 I-League season in which I won the Hero of the match for the first time. The most memorable game I’ve watched would be Man City’s comeback against QPR in the 2011-12 season. They were down 1-2 up to the 90th min. They scored 2 goals in additional time winning 3-2 and clinching the Premier League trophy.  

Q) What’s the best thing about being a professional footballer?

– Physically, it is a lot of hard work but it’s undeniably fun! Getting hit every day, working out, feeling like you are about to die and then going past that point. 

Mentally, it trains your leadership skills. It gives you a chance to take charge. 

Q) What has been the toughest challenge in your professional life? 

– It was when I moved to Kolkata at a very young age to start my career. Initially, I had a really hard time because of the lack of financial support and struggled to adjust to the new environment with new people. The relocation assistance given to me by the new club was kind of low. But, I believed in God and my family always supported me through prayers.

Q) Finally, what would you advise other aspiring footballers on the come up?

– I would say believe in God always because He holds your future. And also to believe in yourself and in whatever you are doing because that’s the most important thing. Never forget that hard work is the key to success. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Failure will come, but success will follow. So, when you fail, remember that if you keep trying, better things lie ahead.