Nestled on the banks of river Damodar, lies one of the biggest industrial hubs, Durgapur. Joseph Allen Stein and Benjamin Polk were American architects and designers who played a pivotal role in planning the city’s architecture back in 1955. Not only industrialization, but football has also evolved in the city of Durgapur.

Vivek Singh is not an unpopular name in the Indian Football. The 28-year-old attacker plays in the Calcutta Premier Division (CFL). His inspiration had been his elder brother, Gulab Singh who too used to play football. Vivek revealed to Athletic India, “Once my brother went to play a game, he was the best player in the tournament, and when he was announced the best player of the tournament, in that particular moment I decided to pursue football as my career.” He told his brother about this and did not hesitate to join a local coaching camp. Despite being born into an underprivileged family, Vivek’s father was adamant about English medium education. A common desire in most families.

Early Days

In the initia days, nobody in Vivek’s family thought that he would continue playing football professionally. He started with the Durgapur league and dreamt of playing for the Kolkata clubs. Subsequently, to pursue his dreams, he went to SAIL Football Academy (Bokaro) and later joined the Mohun Bagan Academy. He was dismissed from both academies due to disciplinary issues.

This was a major setback for Vivek. After being dismissed from academies, he found refuge in the world of ‘Khep Football’

The Khep Football Conundrum

Khep football is very unique and often life-saving to many footballers. Players around West Bengal play Khep football and earn more than ISL players in just a few games. This becomes a massive opportunity for the players to secure a good living standard. However, football pundits believe that the whole Khep football ecosystem harms the development of the young players. Frequent matches without proper rest, poor pitch conditions, and lack of proper rehabilitation after injuries affect the proper devlopment of the players who ply their trade there. The wage gap between the Tier 1 and other leagues is massive and here is where Khep football find its place. Local tournaments like these bridges this gap of pay disparity. However, most of the players tend to deviate from discipline and eventually, this leads to a premature end to their footballing career.

Determined to save his footbaling career, Vivek decided to move to Kolkata.  

Journey to the Epicenter

During the latter part of the last decade, he started off his journey from Durgapur to Kolkata. Under the mentorship of Johor Das, he played U17 IFA Shield for Mohun Bagan. After that, Vivek signed for Coal India and played under the mentorship of Raghu Nandy. Both Johor Das and Raghu Nandy are popular names in the Bengal football circuit.

After two successful years, Vivek got the opportunity to play for Sports Authority of India (SAI). Coach Sanjib Pal played a significant role in Vivek’s career during his time at SAI. Under his tutelage, he played in the Calcutta Football League.

Footballers have to sacrifice a lot to make a name and living, and Vivek was no different. He stayed at club tents when he played for Coal India and used to sleep on the floor. He even struggled for a proper diet. Vivek was delighted upon signing for SAI as SAI provided food and shelter to their players.

Sparks of Hope

Vivek Singh was playing around Kolkata but failed to make a move that would offer him a new challenge. During this time, he met Ranjan Bhattacharya, another renowned name in the Bengal football circuit. Coach Ranjan Bhattacharya wanted to make the best out of Vivek. He wanted discipline and rigorous training. Moreover, he convinced Vivek to stay away from Khep Football. Vivek also knew that no player in the last two to three decades had represented the Kolkata Clubs from Durgapur and if he makes it, it would be a triumph for his city as well. Soon Vivek started playing for George Telegraph in IFA Shield. Upon asking him about his journey at George, Vivek replied, “This time my footballing career took a turn”. Afterwards, he went to play Delhi League, and subsequently he got an offer from East Bengal. The goal against Mohammedan SC in the mini-derby is a memorable moment during his stint with Red and God brigade. He scored in I League 2 and in Kolkata Leagues but failed to get an opportunity that will help him to get a new challenge.

His ascent to the second division materialised when he signed for the Imphal-based club Neroca FC. However. the club failed to pay their salaries and faced huge financial problems. Moreover, they has to conduct their home matches in Kolkata due to communal riots in Manipur and eventually got relegated.

This season he has been involved in 3 goal contributions, coing off the bench. He wants to try out a new journey but sustenance is a factor if he considers playing professionally only. He will eventually end up playing Khep Football to support his joint family.

Why CFL is one of the toughest leagues among others?

Upon asking him about the CFL he revealed, “If 26 teams are playing in the current format you will notice, at least 20 teams are strong and are on a mission.” He also added about the substantial pressure of the league. Having represented East Bengal, he had the opportunity to play in front of packed stadiums. However, he made it clear that even without the crowd, the pressure is unmatched compared to the other leagues.

When Vivek was asked about this time he revealed “Either Calcutta football will take you to the top or you will be an average player.”

Five players from East Bengal were sent to the Bengal Team and four of them were not picked, while Vivek got the opportunity to represent the state. During this stint, Vivek got an offer from Mohammedan SC but failed to join them as East Bengal did not agree to release him. Finally, when he was released Mohammedan SC had completed their team, so they decided not to go for Vivek, and he had to move on to Khiddirpore SC. Afterwards, he got an offer from Neroca FC and joined them, but due to Neroca FC’s financial catastrophe, he couldn’t make the most out of it.

A Note for Newcomers

The only money the footballer makes is what comes from his athletic skills exhibited for a minimum number of years.  It is indeed a short time. Consequently, he wants to try a new challenge in I League which will offer him a new platform. He revealed, “when you are 19-22 and you fail to make it to the reserve squad, or I League you are falling back. You have to prepare yourself with new challenges at a young level so that you can get into the squad during your 24-25. The newcomers must remember playing CFL in their early twenties will provide an exposure to the best players of this state. Only then the opportunities will come through for that individual”.