FC Goa’s kit manager, Chandan Kundaikar, fondly recalls his debut nearly 15 years ago with Panjim-based Agassaim Youth Club in the Second Division League under Armando Colaco, where he scored a memorable goal. Although he only played for a single season while juggling his office job of registering players at the Goa Football Association (GFA), his football career never quite took off.

As a child, Kundaikar was passionate about all sports, especially football. Although he didn’t have the chance to win something big as he grew up, his enthusiasm for the game remained unwavering.

However, after six seasons with Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa as their kit manager, he has witnessed the team clinch three trophies. The club secured their first trophy in 2018, the Super Cup, the year he joined, and won their first ISL silverware, the League Shield, in Kundaikar’s second season. He also boasts a Durand Cup winner’s medal from the team’s victory in 2022.

(Kundaikar poses with FC Goa's players after winning the Super Cup in 2018)

“I couldn’t win much when I played football back then, but achieving this with FC Goa was a completely different feeling,” Kundaikar reflects.

Part of the system

Before joining FC Goa, Kundaikar managed player registrations at the GFA for a broad spectrum of players, from Under-8s to those in the Goa Pro League and second and third divisions. He had a 12-year tenure handling these registrations and was involved when FC Goa players were registered under the Federation after the club’s establishment in 2014.

In 2017, Kundaikar learned from Kartik Menda, former FC Goa team manager, about a vacancy for a kit manager at the club. Despite his extensive experience in football, the role was new to him and he embraced that, guided by Menda.

For the 38-year-old, the transition from an office role to a ground job has been seamless, and being part of his home club on the biggest stage of Indian football has kept him motivated.

“FC Goa is my heart and home. Being a Goan, working for my local club fills me with immense pride and still gives me goosebumps,” Kundaikar says.

One title, multiple roles 

As kit manager, Kundaikar’s responsibilities include ensuring the correct pressure in footballs, arranging kits for players, and providing equipment needed for training by the coaching staff. 

He embodies the belief that ‘Your title doesn't define you’. Off the pitch, he is always ready to assist with maintenance work, meet specific player needs, and lift the team’s spirits. Kundaikar often motivates players and brings smiles to their faces with his jokes when they are feeling down.

The FC Goa kit manager is also a father to a five-year-old son, who has become an avid supporter, cheering for the team both on TV and at matches. Although his role often takes him away from home, his commitment to his club is as strong as his dedication to his family.

“My family is the most important thing for me, but since joining FC Goa, the club has become my second family,” Kundaikar mentions.

 

 

Kundaikar has come a long way from managing player registrations for popular ISL players like Mandar Rao Dessai and Brandon Fernandes at the GFA to working alongside them at FC Goa, and they are now household names in the league. 

Despite six seasons with the Gaurs and witnessing the club win three trophies, Kundaikar still dreams of securing the ISL Cup. The club has faced heartbreak in recent campaigns after near-misses, but he remains hopeful and dedicated to seeing the team complete their trophy cabinet.

“I want to see the team win the Cup so that those who have lost faith in us will believe again. I just pray it happens soon,” Kundaikar concludes.