Pranav Kotra, the 19-year-old goalkeeper from Delhi club Hindustan FC, threw his hat in the ring and earned his due on Monday, signing a contract with Cove FC in Adelaide, Australia, who participate in the South Australian State League.
But how did Pranav bag such an offer
Originally from Noida, the youngster first went to Adelaide to study.
“I came to Adelaide in 2015 for my diploma in marketing from the Durban International College, but my first priority was to become a professional footballer,” says Pranav.
The youngster shortlisted clubs and kept his training videos ready.
“I sent them my resume and videos for them to understand my game. Soon, offers started pouring in for trials,” he says.
Cove were the first to approach him and he lapped it up. “The goalkeeper coach really liked my game,” he says with a smile.
However, Pranav’s journey started with the Ashoka Football Academy in Delhi under former international player-turned coach, Anadi Barua.
The lad also tested his luck with Mohun Bagan Sail Academy (Durgapur) and PIFA Sports FC (Mumbai) before joining Hindustan FC who fought tooth and nail till the final round of the I-League U-19 tournament.
“After the I-League, my father urged me to try for a foreign club. I chose Australia, it is one of the best places to start,” he asserts.
The national football team’s dismal show in the international arena doesn’t bother the custodian.
“I think football is more of a club sport than country. But like everyone, I wish to play for India U-23 and then the senior team. At the same time, I want to play for foreign clubs too,” says Pranav, who praised the Australian league and the professional training.
“Here, a league continues for almost six to seven months and the coaches are good at identifying talent. The league starts in March. Now, I am just doing gym work as I am coming off an injury. The football is physical here,” adds Pranav, who stays 10 minutes from the Adelaide Oval. But the gentleman’s sport and cricketers do not interest him.
“I am more keen to meet Mark Schwarzer, the Australian goalkeeper who is now with Leicester City in the English Premier League,” he says.
