For Sairuat Kima, the journey through Indian football has been one of patience, competition and constant learning. The Mizoram-born defender has progressed through the domestic system, earned an opportunity in the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC and was part of an ISL-winning squad.

Now representing Kannur Warriors in the Super League Kerala, Kima is looking to make the most of another opportunity. In an interview, the defender spoke about his first impressions of Kerala, his Bengaluru FC experience, his India ambitions and why he believes players must learn to enjoy the grind.

And as the SLK season starts, MyKhel caught up with the Kannur Warriors player for an exclusive conversation.

‘Every day was like a battle’ at Bengaluru FC

Kima joined Bengaluru FC at a relatively young age and found himself surrounded by experienced players. Being part of an ISL-winning squad gave him an insight into the standards required at the highest level of Indian football.

“It was my second club in ISL and I was really young. It was a learning process for me to share the dressing room with senior players,” Kima said.

He highlighted the competition for places as one of his biggest takeaways.

“The standard that I had to keep up in every training, the standard that they have had… even to be on the squad, you have to fight for it. Every day was like a battle for me.”

From Mizoram to Kannur

Football was always a part of Kima’s life while growing up in Mizoram.

“The first thing I knew as a kid growing up in Mizoram was football,” he said. As he grew older, he realised that football could become a profession and began working towards that goal.

His path took him through Dintar FC and Chanmari, followed by an opportunity at the I-League U19 level and subsequently at DSK.

Kima has also evolved tactically throughout his career. Having played in different roles earlier, he explained that a centre-back has to constantly adapt to the requirements of different coaches.

“Every position has fundamental rules. Apart from that, every coach wants some new things or rules that they want to implement,” he said. “Every season, with different coaches, we try to adjust our game style to a coach.”

India dream still alive

Kima has represented India at the U-23 level and remains hopeful of earning another opportunity to wear the national colours.

“To wear an Indian jersey is an honour for everyone, every kid, I think,” he said.

At the same time, he acknowledged the difficulty of breaking into the senior national team.

“To be there, to play in the Indian team, the level is really high. So, I see it as a challenge, but also a reality check. Right now, I need to be playing on a higher level,” Kima said.

He admitted that the dream remains, even if he recognises the work required to get there.

“I still have a really small glimpse of a dream and hope,” he said.

Why Kannur Warriors?

Kima believes joining Kannur Warriors provides him with a valuable professional environment and competitive experience.

“I do feel that to go in a really professional setup here and to be able to experience this kind of a platform and this kind of a level of competition here is good, even if it’s for three months,” he said.

He also praised the professionalism of the club and the opportunity to work with a good coach and management.

Looking beyond the Super League Kerala season, Kima said he could consider opportunities in other competitions, including the I-League or I-League 2, depending on what comes his way.

Kannur Warriors enter the season as the defending champions, but Kima does not believe that necessarily creates additional pressure.

“Personally, I don’t feel like there’s a pressure, but I feel like there’s a standard we want to achieve every day,” he said.

He added that every season presents a different challenge and that the team needs to improve on what was achieved previously.

The existing Kannur players have also helped the newcomers settle into the squad, Kima said, adding that they “make us feel at home” and have welcomed the new arrivals well.

Reflecting on his career, Kima described it as a “rollercoaster” and said his perspective on football has changed with age.

“When I was younger, I tried to perfect everything. But, as I’m getting older, I realised that football is not the only thing that is too important in your life,” he said.

Football remains his livelihood, but Kima believes players should also appreciate the journey.

“It is your bread and butter. But, if you enjoy the ride, if you enjoy the grind, if you enjoy the work, eventually, with consistency, you will do better and get better and better.”