Mohun Bagan Super Giant goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, added another feather to his cap by clinching the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Golden Glove, a fitting tribute to a season where he stood tall, quite literally, between the sticks.

Since joining MBSG in 2022, Kaith has been the first name on the teamsheet and this season, he proved once again why he’s one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the country. His performances played a crucial role in helping MBSG secure a historic league double, the ISL Shield and ISL Cup, for the first time in the club’s history.

Agile, alert, and vocal, Kaith’s command of the box was unmatched. His quick reflexes, sharp anticipation, and calmness under pressure made the difference in key moments. The 28-year-old has now been part of two ISL Cup wins and back-to-back Shield wins, anchoring a golden era for the Mariners.

But this season, he didn’t just shine, he set records. Kaith became the first goalkeeper in ISL history to record 50 clean sheets, overtaking stalwarts like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Amrinder Singh to become the first Indian to reach the landmark.

His 15 clean sheets this season are also the most by any goalkeeper in a single ISL campaign. During one stretch, from January 21 to February 23, Kaith and MBSG went on a record-setting run of six consecutive clean sheets, a league first.

While MBSG’s attacking prowess that saw them score 52 goals in the league phase grabbed the headlines, Kaith’s brilliance ensured they were just as solid at the back, conceding a league-low 19 goals in the regular season.

Here’s a look back at a remarkable season for MBSG’s goalkeeper, whose presence in goal proved invaluable to the club’s historic success.

Finding rhythm after a tough start

Kaith’s campaign began with a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC in Kolkata, followed by a tricky spell where MBSG conceded in games against NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC. But the experienced shot-stopper soon found his rhythm.

A run of three consecutive clean sheets set the tone for the season, and even after a brief dip where they conceded five goals across three matches, Kaith bounced back with seven shutouts in MBSG’s final nine league games.

In the playoffs, he was immense once again. Kaith kept another clean sheet in the crucial home leg against Jamshedpur FC, helping the Mariners overturn the deficit and reach their third straight ISL Cup final.

In the summit clash against Bengaluru FC, Kaith saved his best for last, pulling off key saves and commanding his box with authority to seal a memorable double for MBSG.

Incredible numbers

Kaith ended the season with 26 appearances and 2370 minutes on the pitch. His 15 clean sheets came with a 79% save percentage and he averaged two saves per match, making 75 saves across the season, along with 17 punches, 12 catches, and 32 clearances. His all-around game was complemented by solid distribution, making 221 successful passes, a 63% accuracy rate.

Perhaps most impressively, he faced 229 shots across the campaign and conceded just 19 goals - the lowest by any team in the ISL this season.

In a season where attacking stars grabbed headlines, it was Kaith's calm dominance at the back that proved just as decisive. His heroics between the sticks weren’t just award-worthy; they were history-making. As MBSG celebrate a landmark league double, Kaith stands tall as the silent guardian who made it all possible.