As Mohammedan SC take on East Bengal FC for the first time in the Indian Super League, all eyes will be on Amarjit Singh Kiyam. Having previously played for East Bengal, he now leads Mohammedan’s midfield. The former India U-17 team captain, who also led his side in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, faced a major setback due to injury, which dashed his hopes to some extent. But the Manipuri midfielder has since recovered well and put his career back on track.
Tonight, as he takes the field, he will go up against one of his close friends, Jeakson Singh, with whom he has trained since childhood. Mohammedan’s performance in the last three games has been lacklustre, but Amarjit is determined to help his side get back on track and aim for a top-6 finish. In an exclusive conversation, Amarjit spoke candidly about his journey from humble beginnings, his time at Mohammedan, his relationship with head coach Andrey Chernyshov, and more. Here’s how the conversation unfolded:
Question: You’ve joined Mohammedan SC as they embark on their first-ever ISL season. What motivated you to take on this new challenge, and how does it feel to be part of a club with such a rich history?
Amarjit: I’m very grateful to be part of the Mohammedan SC family. This is one of the oldest clubs in India, and it’s starting a new chapter in the ISL. It’s a new chapter for me too—I want to help the team succeed and achieve my own individual goals here.
Question: Now that you’ve joined Mohammedan SC in their inaugural ISL season, what do you hope to achieve with the club?
Amarjit: We can’t say that we’re aiming straight for the top 6. Obviously, we’d love to reach the top 6 and even the finals, but we have to take it match by match and build from there.
Question: You come from a humble family background. How has your upbringing shaped your approach to football and life?
Amarjit: My background definitely motivates me to be a better person and a better footballer. Doing well in football allows me to set an example for younger players who may have come from similar backgrounds. It drives me to work even harder and aim to play at the highest level.
Question: Your brother, Umakanta Singh, inspired you to pursue football. How did his journey influence yours, and what lessons did he teach you?
Amarjit: I began playing football after seeing my brother’s journey. If he hadn’t played, I wouldn’t have either. He got the chance to play for India’s U-16 and U-17 teams and showed me the path. Right now, playing in the ISL is a dream come true, and my brother’s guidance has been invaluable.
Question: What was your partnership with Jeakson Singh like during the U-17 World Cup, and how has your relationship evolved over the years?
Amarjit: Jeakson and I have been training together since childhood—his father trained both of us. He’s like a brother to me, and we still meet up whenever we get a break. Playing alongside him again for the national team would be an incredible experience.
Question: Injuries are always tough, and you faced a significant setback with your hand injury. How did you cope with it mentally, and what kept you motivated during recovery?
Amarjit: I was only 18 when I got injured, and there were big questions about whether I’d make it to the ISL. That period was tough, but it also taught me a lot and helped me mature.
Question: Tell us about working with coach Andrey Chernyshov.
Amarjit: Coach Chernyshov has built a great team atmosphere—almost like a family. He’s supportive and always has solutions for any problem we face. He’s a straightforward leader who treats both Indian and foreign players equally. If something isn’t fair for Indian players, he makes sure management is aware of it.
Question: You’ve played in the Kolkata Derby for East Bengal before, but this time it’s in front of fans and against your former team. How excited are you?
Amarjit: Playing in a derby is always extra motivation. I have a lot of respect for East Bengal, and I know they’ll be a tough opponent. But this is our chance to turn our season around, and we’re ready to seize that opportunity.
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