Interview with Gouramangi Singh (India/Prayag United)

Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh is at 26 years of age now one of the senior players in the Indian national team. I have had the opportunity over the last decade follow his growth and development, not only as a footballer but also as a human being. This summer the Manipuri left Churchill Brothers after five mostly successful seasons and has joined high spending Prayag United of Kolkata. I caught-up with him to speak about Team India, his new club and the new Euro2012 champions.


Starting off with something interesting. Your India team mate Sunil Chhetri has been signed by Sporting Clube de Portugal. What does this mean for Indian football? Your thoughts on Sunil's signing?

I read about it yesterday morning. It's big news for Indian football, my best wishes are with him as always. Good luck brother! I'm sure you will make us proud.

We should appreciate that a club of Sporting Lisbon's stature intends an association with our country by signing Sunil in their Reserve team. Though I hope their intention is not just exploring the Indian market but more than that something which would help us to develop football in general in the country.


We have a new national coach in Wim Koevermans from the Netherlands. What are your hopes about Team India in the coming season under the new coach?

I always hope high and the best for the Indian team. And I hope with the appointment of our new coach Mr. Wim Koevermans who had played and comes from working in a higher level football nation, his experience will be very much help to the country. And I hope too that he gets all the necessary support and co-operation from every section of our football fraternity and we achieve success under him.


You have after five years left Churchill Brother SC to join Prayag United SC. Why the move from Goa to Kolkata? Why now?

I had a five great years in Churchill Brothers, lots of memories which I will cherish all throughout my life. Thanks to Churchill Alemao's family for always counting on me.

You asked me why now and why to Prayag United and Kolkata? From the football point of view five years ago a group of young lads was at a platform beginning the journey together under Mr. Karim Bencherifa as their coach. By the end of the fifth year the last two individual from the core of the group left was me and Arindam. When time came for me to decide about my future I realised that either I continue with Churchill Brothers or I look to move somewhere else it's anyway going to be similar, a new beginning for me. I listen to my heart and choose to move to a new place, a new club, a new challenge. When Prayag United approached me with their plans and ambition for the coming season, I like it and I informed to my then coach Mr. Subhas Bhowmick and the Management. I'm glad that they understood and respected my decision to move. The interesting part of being in Prayag United is there is no way in comparison in terms of history, success, trophy won, fan base, etc with the other two most successful club in Kolkata and in the country. Hope that can be an inspiration for Prayag United, tomorrow if we can win a small cup or trophy that's going to be so valuable and huge for us. It's a big challenge but hope we can do it as a team.


Prayag United look like the team to beat, then besides you they have signed Subrata Pal, Ranty Martins Soleye, World Cupper Carlos Hernandez and a host of other players. Added pressure on you all to win trophies for the club?

Prayag United was a formidable side even last year, they did considerably well. They had managed to knockout several big guns in the I-League. They weren't far behind and not much differences in terms of points.

As you have mentioned for the coming season I think they did pretty well in the transfer market bringing in few establish names in the Indian football and several talented youngsters. So obviously they look pretty much a good side maybe not the best but who atleast are ready to give a fight with the other big names in the I-League. There is nothing like added pressure on us but I'm sure we are going to fight and give our best shot to win as many matches as we can. Just hoping for the best that we combine and gel well as a good team.


You went in May to England for a coaching course. At 26 you are still young, but are you already thinking about the future?

Well, if I'm not mistaken this summer is the longest break we have got in the last five years as there is no assignment with the national team. As one among millions I too also believe in learning never ends or there is any age barrier.

I had informed our FPAI general manager Anuj Kichlu several months ago to update me if anything comes up this summer where I can participate which is related and something to do with football, so the coaching course come along the way at the right time and I'm lucky and glad to be part of the week-long course not necessarily I've to become a coach in the future but I picked up some more information from there about the game and I'm happy.


Spain won the Euro2012 on Sunday night with a 4-0 demolition of Italy. Your thoughts on the old-and-new champions?

Names of each member in the squad will be going down in the history books, that's already a priceless achievement. They truly deserved it. They were the undisputed best team in recent time on this planet.

I've no doubt they will be still the team to beat in Brazil 2014. It will be no surprise if they make even more history in Brazil. Good luck!!!