Spotlight On Indian Professional Footballer: Pritam Kotal

• November 07,2024
• -
• Bruce Williams

Spotlight On Indian Professional Footballer: Pritam Kotal

When you display a perfect understanding of your craft, they will inevitably realize your potential for success. As a professional footballer, this player has had to make significant changes that have been known to end the careers of other players. However, this talented defender understands more than most the importance and relevance of versatility in football. Because of this, he was able to come out stronger and better despite the challenges he had to endure. As one of the tops picks for Antonio Habas’ ATK Mohun Bagan team, this distinguished player shows his worth every time he touches the ball.

How It All Began

Born on the 8th of September, 1993, in Uttarpara, West Bengal, India, Pritam Kotal had his first encounter with football at the tender age of 4. His uncle was a big fan of the game and was quick to introduce his nephew to the basics, and thus began the tale of this legendary player. A combination of picking up the game at a very impressionable age and undeniable talent ensured that he gained recognition much quicker than most. It wasn’t long before he started playing for Chirag United. At this point, he was still playing the position of a defensive midfielder.

Not long after he became a prominent fixture for Chirag United, he caught the eye of another team. He was subsequently invited to play for the Bengal youth team, an invitation that he graciously accepted. Following an excellent performance for Wari in 2009, he was deemed worthy of a spot on the national team and got the international call to represent the U19 division. The challenge to play at such a high level was a great one, but the rising talent rose to every demand effortlessly, refining his skill and proving himself deserving of the position that he was in.

After passing trials with flying colors, he was one of the few that was chosen to travel on an exposure trip to China, further cementing his place as a rising talent in professional football. These accomplishments proved critical to him receiving the call to represent India in the 2012 U19 Championship qualifiers and the U23 side.

Transition To Full Defense

The first club that Kotal would play for professionally was Wari. Although he didn’t spend so much time here, comparatively speaking, every time he is on the field, it was in the defensive midfielder position. Also, when he was initially called up to play in the U-19 division for the country, this was the position that the then coach, Gautam Ghosh, played him in. While there isn’t any doubt that he delivered some very decent results here, Colm Toal, the coach who took over after Gautam Ghosh, saw the young player’s hidden potential to play total defense.

Switching a player from a position he has grown into somewhere that he has little experience in can be challenging, especially when preparing for a significant competition. But Pritam Kotal took it all in stride and today greatly admires Colm Toal for helping him find the best use for his talents.

Influence In ATK Mohun Bagan Squad

Having played in ATK Fc in their 2015-16 title-winning campaign, he rejoined the team again in the 2018-2019 season, playing a significant role in ensuring no ripple in the team’s net. Upon signing a two-year contract with the new club ATK Mohun Bagan, there is no doubt that the team’s defensive capabilities are at an all-time high.