Back with Chennaiyin, Aman says time right to get into senior squad

The Guwahati-based youngster, who joined the club in December 2017, turned out for Chennaiyin’s Under-18 and ‘B’ teams before a loan spell at AIFF development side Indian Arrows in I-League 2019-20. After plying his trade in the second tier of Indian football for a year, Aman is set for a debut season with the CFC senior team in ISL 2020-21.

Having steadily climbed up the ladder over the last three years, the teenager is optimistic about launching himself at the top level. “Last season, I had an I-League stint at Arrows, where I got a taste of senior football. However, I have never been in a team with senior Indian players and foreigners. So, it is going to be a new experience. But, I feel this is the right time for me to get into the CFC senior squad,” Aman told DT Next.

Since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL), Chennaiyin has been a talent factory, unleashing young guns like Anirudh Thapa and Jerry Lalrinzuala at the biggest stage. As Aman finds himself in a squad that has 12 domestic players under the age of 25, the blue-eyed boy certainly doesn’t feel out of place.

“I have known Thapa and Jerry for a long time now. They were people I looked up to, when I first got into the AIFF Elite Academy. Both have worked so hard and deserve to be where they are today. Credit goes to the CFC coaching staff and management for providing them a platform to showcase their potential. I intend to follow the same path. I am motivated and excited to start my new journey,” explained Aman, a member of the India team which finished first at the SAFF Under-18 Championship in 2019.

Those who run and follow twice ISL winner Chennaiyin look at Aman as a ‘long-term investment’ for the club. Asked if he is under pressure to live up to that tag, the frontman replied: “There is responsibility on my shoulders. The club has trusted me and I have never felt away from home. Whenever I play for CFC, I don’t feel any pressure. Rather, I am proud to be a part of the Chennaiyin kudumbam.”

Aman expressed his gratitude to CFC Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Amoy Ghoshal and youth team coaches for making him the player he is now. “Amoy convinced me to join CFC. He explained to me how everything works at the club and has been a pillar of support. Sabir Pasha – first team assistant coach and head of youth development – was my first coach at the club. Under his tutelage, I improved a lot as a player and learnt more about this beautiful game. I have learnt many lessons in the last few years. I am trying to implement all of them.”