Like millions, Kamal Das came to Mumbai from Jharkhand 12 years ago in search of greener pastures. He came here with nothing but baggage of expectations from his family. Now Das earns a stable livelihood, is married and works for one of the most prestigious football clubs in India. “It is the city of dreams. It gives you anything you want,” says Das.
Das’s dreams lasted for 12 years. Now he is experiencing nightmares. Mahindra United’s decision to disband has left him shaken. A masseur and kit-man, Das will effectively be rendered jobless after Mahindra play their final match against JCT at the Cooperage on Thursday.
Das joined Mahindra United in 1998 after a brief stint with Bengal Mumbai Football Club. “I don’t know what I will do now,” he says, his voice choking. “Whatever I have today is because of Mahindra. They have been very kind to me.”
The 33-year-old is perhaps one of the most famous persons not only in the club but also the colony where the players and the staff are put up in the suburb of Kandivli. And for some players, he has been a father figure. “He was more than just a ball boy or a kit-man. He looked after the players who stay in the colony and made sure they got best arrangements,” says India and Mahindra winger Steven Dias.
“Sometimes, he even went to the airport to pick up the foreign players. No one knew better how to take care of players than him,” Dias’s teammate K Ajayan chips in.
While it will be relatively easy for the players and coaches to find another club, Das is worried about his future. “Every club has their own masseur and kitman so it is not easy to get a job elsewhere. And I cannot afford to change the city,” he says.
Though he feels ignored by the management, Das remains optimistic of Mahindra continuing to employ him with some other department. “I have tried speaking to the Mahindra officials. It’s such a big organisation with thousands of employees. They can surely afford to employ one more. Though I can just hope and pray,” he adds.
