For Marat Tareck, football has been a passport to the world. Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, before moving to Russia as a toddler, the striker has now found a new home in Indian football, where the historic Durand Cup has become the latest chapter in his remarkable career.

His football journey began in Vladivostok, Russia, where a local coach spotted his talent at the age of six while he was playing near his home. Recognising his potential, the coach convinced his grandfather to enrol him in a football academy, setting Tareck on a path that would eventually take him across continents.

Now representing Samaleswari Sporting in his second season in India, the towering forward has developed a deep appreciation for the country’s oldest football tournament.

“I did not expect the atmosphere that we have experienced,” Tareck recalls while reflecting on his first Durand Cup campaign with Real Kashmir FC. “We played in Imphal, and even though the fans were cheering for the opposite team, TRAU FC, it was incredible. The stadium was literally shaking. It is just a great honour to be part of one of the most prestigious football competitions in Asia.”

Tareck has enjoyed memorable moments in the competition. During last season’s campaign with Real Kashmir, he scored against TRAU FC after controlling a lofted pass before calmly finishing to help his side secure a 2-1 victory. He followed it up with another goal and an assist against NEROCA FC in a 3-1 win, further underlining his importance in attack.

The striker has carried that form into the current edition with Samaleswari Sporting. In his side’s emphatic 4-1 win over Baghpat FC, he opened the scoring by reacting quickest to convert a rebound, showcasing the instincts that have made him a reliable goalscorer.

Standing at 1.94 metres, Tareck has become one of the standout foreign players in the competition. Equally comfortable playing as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder or on the wings, he believes the Durand Cup offers a valuable platform for players from around the world.

“A lot of people in Europe, and everywhere in the world, underestimate Indian football,” Tareck explains. “The Durand Cup is a huge opportunity. It is, in my opinion, a pearl of Indian football. I hope it continues to grow and attract even more attention around the world because it truly deserves it.”

Despite arriving in India with limited knowledge beyond Bollywood, Tareck has embraced everything the country has to offer. From travelling through the scenic landscapes of Manipur and Kashmir to experiencing Kolkata’s football culture, his understanding of India has evolved well beyond what he had imagined.

Indian cuisine has also won him over.

“Without thinking, if I go somewhere, just give me Chicken Biryani and I will enjoy it,” he says with a laugh, adding that traditional Indian milk tea has become another favourite.

Tareck has also been impressed by the standard of Indian players. Recalling a recent defeat to Indian Army FT, he highlighted the team’s organisation and the quality shown by one of their midfielders.

“You guys have a lot of talents. The Army teams are really nice, really organized. We learned our lesson that you can never underestimate them,” he notes.

The striker recently experienced the famous Kolkata football rivalry from the stands at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, taking in the atmosphere surrounding the East Bengal-Mohun Bagan clash. While his long-term ambition is to play in the Indian Super League, his immediate focus remains on helping Samaleswari Sporting succeed in the Durand Cup.

For Tareck, football continues to bridge cultures despite differences in language, food and lifestyle.

“The cultures are very different, but football unites the world,” Tareck reflects. “It doesn’t matter where you are, you have that desire to win and do the best for your team. We love football in Russia, and you love football in India. I think that is the biggest similarity of all.”

As his Indian football journey continues, Marat Tareck hopes to make an even bigger impact while serving as another example of how the Durand Cup brings together talent and cultures from across the globe.