Nishchal Chandan, a 25-year-old defender from Chandigarh, has been a trustable stalwart for the Churchill Brothers for a couple of seasons now. He sat down with IFTWC for an exclusive interview and shared his ventures into the footballing fraternity, his journey, and valuable insights.
A valiant defender and formidable tackler, always willing to put his body on the line, this player has consistently delivered standout performances in the I-League across multiple clubs. Earning the trust of numerous coaches, he has become a mainstay in the starting XI for Goan side Churchill Brothers FC. His leadership, combined with his vocal presence on the pitch, sets him apart from his peers.
Nishchal began by reflecting on the early stages of his footballing journey;
“I don’t know since what age, but I did really start playing football from a very young age, often playing in my school and friends in the Park. I had represented my state in various nationals at state level growing up. However my first breakthrough was in November 2014 when I appeared for Minerva’s U-18 trials and got into that setup.”
His love and admiration for his academy and youth club, Minerva, still persists;
“I was associated with Minerva for more than half a decade and my time with the club was nothing less than extraordinarily special as it completely shaped me into what I am as a professional today. Although I never got my chance to play in the big leagues and big games at the club but Ranjit Sir was always there to push me in the trainings and always having me around to join the then first team trainings and matches when I was still part of their U-18 setup, which surely did a world of good to my confidence,” Nishchal added.
Nishchal recalled the pivotal moments of his journey, from the first time he wore the captain’s armband to scoring his debut goal with Sudeva. He spoke of the path that followed, marking each milestone with pride and determination, as he forged his legacy in the world of football.
“I finally got to make my I-league debut there which was long awaited“
“I had a short but a very fruitful stay at Sudeva Delhi FC. I finally got to make my I-league debut there which was long awaited. Personally, for me I think the tougher the conditions and situations are, they can get the best out of me. My time with Minerva and Sudeva helped me a lot to cope up with the demands of the game at the level. The proof of it comes with the fact when a team as big as Churchill Brothers bring up an opportunity to join them and who aims nothing short of going for the title,”
Nishchal had a brief yet memorable stint with ISL side Jamshedpur FC, where he gained invaluable experience under the guidance of coach Khalid Jamil. He shared the backstory of his time at the club, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and growth he experienced while working under Jamil’s leadership. The experience, though short, left a lasting impact on his footballing journey, shaping his understanding of the game and enhancing his development as a player.
“To play in the top division is the aim of any footballer and the same goes for me as well. There were no second thoughts when an opportunity came up with Jamshedpur FC. I was with them for around 2 months and it was a fantastic experience and learning, sharing the pitch & dressing room with some far more experienced players. Even Khalid Sir was always there for guiding me and helping me adjust in the new environment. The move back to Churchill was never planned but however after having a word with the management at the club, we both felt it was important for me to get more game time as I was not part of immediate plans of the club, hence i decided to move. But overall the experience was wonderful.”
The 6-foot-3-inch defender has been part of multiple I-League sides, and his short stint with the ISL gave him a unique critical perspective on the differences between the two leagues and what differentiates them. He opened up about his side of the story :
“The difference is surely there mainly because of the budget constraints“
“Personally for me, the difference is surely there mainly because of the budget constraints which is the biggest difference maker between the two leagues. However, I-league is no less in competitiveness and surely if not more but is physically challenging and provides the pathway to the players to ISL by giving them the platform to showcase themselves and their potential.”
Nishchal is well known for his towering presence on the field and defensive solidity, courtesy of his physicality. He shared his own version of his gameplay as:
“For me, ever since my school days and professionally at my time at Minerva, I have always been the vocal one on the field. I like to lead from the front without any fear of anything that may come my way. And the same personality I have carried over everywhere.”
“My ultimate dream is to don the blue jersey of the National team and also to help in my best capacity to take it back to the glory it deserves.”
Churchill Brothers has been doing an exceptional job so far in the league standings, fighting for the top spot with expected and unexpected competition from Habas-led Inter Kashi, Dempo SC, Namdhari, and others. Nishchal was extremely confident in sharing his insights on the fighting spirit of the team and his admiration for his gaffer.
“Obviously, the system and the plan always remains the same for Churchill brothers that is to go for the title. Hence, it was the reason apart from the fact that I have huge respect for the club for its history and knowing that a family runs it and to come back here for another season. We indeed have a very good team and have played a very good brand of football under the guidance of our coach Mr. Dimitrios. The league is very challenging with a lot of competitive sides but I believe if we follow our plans and continue to work hard we will be able to reach our target and goals we have set for ourselves.”
Churchill Brothers has put up a strong and formidable squad this season, proving they are indeed aiming for the ultimate title, and the defender felt the same:
“It is indeed one of the best squads i have seen or worked with”
“We have a pretty good mix of foreigners and Indians in the team. It’s a pool filled with youth and experience starting from the locals (Goans) to foreigners. It is indeed one of the best squads i have seen or worked with. The experience with all of them has been good as we share a very good bond and relationship outside the field that helps us replicate that on the field.”
As a player who has known the club for some time, he insists on bringing back the glory Churchill Brothers possessed in the past and urges the fans to back the club :
“I can only request fans to support us in huge numbers as we work towards getting the club back to its glory days as it once used to when it dominated in the Indian football circuit.”
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