ISL 2017-18:Goalkeepers are no more just stoppers but also build attacks, says FCPC keeper Vishal Kaith

WITH A couple of clean sheets and stellar saves almost in every match, Vishal Kaith is fast becoming FC Pune City’s key cog. After having cooled his heels on the bench for the entire 2016 season, Kaith is now a starter in the Ranko Popovic-managed Orange & Purple brigade.

He is not complaining though.

“Last season I was on the bench as Edel (Bete) and Arindam (Bhattacharya) were playing, but training and seeing them train I learnt a lot about the game and it helped me during I-League,” explained the 21-year old.  Kaith took his lessons back to I-League and it paid rich dividends bagging four player-of-the-match awards in 18 appearances, helping his Shillong Lajong to their best-ever finish.

Making the most of his chances for FC Pune City, in six matches, Kaith has got three clean slates.

“It's my first season when I am starting for the team so I make sure I play smartly and communicate well. My sole aim in this season to play better and grow,” said Kaith whose ultimate goal is to don the senior national colours. 

Having represented India at U-16 and U-19 level, Kaith was then hand picked for the AIFF Elite Academy in 2013. His progress there was pretty impressive and earned him a move to Shillong Lajong FC before getting picked by FC Pune City.

“I want to give my best in the league and I also want to work towards my game so that I can make the cut for the Senior National Team,” said Kaith. “My long-term goal is to grow after every game and make myself good enough to play for an international club some day.

Kaith picked up goalkeeping after watching Iker Casillas. Seeing the 6 ft 1 in Spanish turning out to be one of the most successful stoppers in the history, he decided to emulate his hero. Though, from the current lot, he loves Peter Cech. The 6 ft 2 in youngster feels that the role of goalkeeper has evolved into a more offensive in nature than ever.

In a club where the coach expects his side to score one goal more than his opponents, Kaith never shies away from playing a high line in defence and becoming a sweeper keeper to attack from the back.

“The role of goalkeeper has changed from being just a stopper to also attacking. We are no more just the final line of defence, we are expected to build attacks,” said Kaith. “Because our mentality in this team (FC Pune City) is to score a goal more than our opponents, so everyone including goalkeeper has to play part in it. The moment your opponents aren't doing this, your team has an advantage,” added Kaith.

With this mentality and the performance to back with, it won’t be too long before Kaith becomes a part of the long-term plans of national squad. India National coach Stephen Constantine has kept a keen eye on the custodian and had called the youngster up to national team squad. In July 2017, Constantine called Kaith for the Indian U23 team that played in Singapore.

Until the Senior Blues come, Kaith is happy to don the Orange and Purple.

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