Dayatari Khatua has been more than just a part of Mohammedan SC; he has been their silent, unwavering guardian, watching over the club’s field like a devoted custodian of history.

Born in Odisha, Khatua’s journey with Mohammedan SC began in 1972, and since then, his life has been deeply intertwined with the fortunes of the club.

From the first time he set foot on the pitch, it was clear that his role would be much more than that of a groundsman. Through every victory, heartbreak, and rebuilding phase, he has remained a constant figure, silently working behind the scenes while the club weathered its stormy battles.

"I came here in 1972. My family was in a very bad situation. My four brothers and my sister were also in a very bad situation,” Khatua told indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview.

"My brother brought me here. He worked here at Mohammedan SC for a year, and then he took me here,” he added.

Khatua reflects on how his job has changed over the years. What once required manual effort and traditional methods has now been transformed by the use of modern machines, making his work more efficient and different from when he first started.

"I was working on the soil, cutting grass, planting grass. Now, the work has changed a lot with new machines coming in,” Khatua shared.

From the golden era of Mohammedan SC’s dominance to the challenging days, and now, the club’s resurgence in the Indian Super League (ISL), Khatua has seen it all.

“The club has grown significantly, and the situation has improved greatly under the new management,” he said.

Khatua is one such figure that is not only recognised within the club, but by opposition players and coaches too.

He has had the privilege of working closely with some of the best players to ever represent the Black and White Brigade, including legends like Jamshid Nassiri, Chima Okorie, and Majid Bishkar.

He fondly recalls how these players treated him with respect and warmth, a bond that continues to this day. Even when Bishkar visited Kolkata in 2019, they make it a point to ask about the longtime staff members, including Khatua.

“All the foreign players who came did not do anything bad to us. They are all good human beings”

“When Majid Bishkar came, he recognised me immediately. We sat together and talked for five minutes,” Khatua recalled.

Khatua's son, Om Prakash Khatua, has followed in his father’s footsteps, building his journey with Mohammedan SC. Having gained valuable experience in New Delhi, he arrived at the Kolkata club eager to contribute to the institution, just like his father.

Now, at 30, he holds the position of kit manager, a role he has confidently managed for the past four years.

“He worked in New Delhi before coming here. He arrived here and familiarised himself with the area, learning the best routes,” stated Khatua.

His son's journey shows the family's strong commitment, deepening their connection to the club as he continues his father's legacy by dedicating himself to Mohammedan SC.