Panaji: Ishan Pandita feels “it’s a good time” to be at FC Goa.Pandita, 27, has been at Goa before; his debut season in Indian football was here, and even though his appearances were restricted to substitute, late in the game, his four goals in just 131 minutes helped attract attention.He then moved to Jamshedpur FC, where he won the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield under Owen Coyle. Then, Kerala Blasters happened in what turned out to be a forgettable chapter, thanks largely to the injuries that kept him out for long spells.Now, he’s back in familiar territory.“To be honest, it’s fantastic (to be back), and I am not saying it just like that,” said Pandita. “It’s a very nice change room. There are good vibes, good energy, good bunch of boys and staff. It’s a good environment and just a good time to be at FC Goa.”Personally, the timing could not have been better. He is now injury free, enjoys the trust of coach Manolo Marquez and, in the absence of foreigners, has been the starting choice for his preferred centre forward’s role in the last three matches. It’s unlikely there will be a change for Monday’s away clash against Punjab FC.“Things did not go according to plan (for the last few years), that happens sometimes in football and life. Now, I am back in a place I am familiar, with a coach who I wanted to work with for a long time. I’ve been speaking with him since I came to India. It’s a good chance for me to develop, learn, and grow as a player,” said Pandita.The centre forward who trained in Spain before his return to India as a professional footballer is counting heavily on this season to remind everyone of his talent in front of goal. With just two foreigners available for Goa this season, and no recognised centre forward for the first time, Pandita feels opportunities won’t be in short supply.“This season is more important, with everything that I have been through so far and everything that has happened with me over the last two, three years. This is an important season, a good chance to get minutes, to grow, develop, and show what I can do.“I am happy with my performances (so far this season) in some areas, but there’s no denying I am a striker and it’s aways nice to score. But then football is a team sport. If I can keep doing the work that is demanded of me, to help the team, and in our style of play, that’s good. I am playing after a long time. Game by game, I will get more confident, more consistent,” said Pandita.Indian football’s perennial problem has been goals, or the lack of it, from domestic players. For the national team, the question has always been: after Sunil Chhetri, who? Pandita broke into the national team during Igor Stimac’s tenure but could not hold on to his spot. Now, with opportunities available, he feels Indian forwards must make it count.“The way ISL and the teams are set up, the foreigners are always in the striker position or behind the striker. So it’s going to be difficult for us. But it’s also a challenge that we have to accept. Nothing comes easy. We must fight and prove that we can deliver in that position,” said Pandita.
