Before their all-important match against star-studded Delhi FC in the final phase of I-League qualifiers on Tuesday at Kalyani Stadium, Ruhul Kuddus Purkait, one of the most consistent footballers of United Sports this season, firmly revealed that he is not at all looking at the opposition team's 'so-called' stars. Delhi FC has a couple of experienced footballers like Balwant Singh and Gurtez Singh.

Ruhul said, "This is our do-or-die match. I am concentrating on my game, not looking at the names they have. As a side-back, I have taken a resolution that I will not let any of the opposition players supersede me through my flank and I must help my attackers by overlapping and sending crosses if the opportunity comes." 

Ruhul admitted that in his last eight years' stint with United Sports, this has been the most precious moment. "This is the opportunity that can help us to reach the elite I-League. We must have to capitalize."

The 23-year-old defender hails from a village in South 24 Parganas, named Purushottompur. Sometimes he feels sad brooding over his father who still keeps himself busy in paddy cultivation despite going through chronic illness. Kuddus commented, "Mother nowadays goes to the field also with my father, helping him in cultivation as my father has become physically unfit and suffering from chronic diseases in recent times. I also helped my father in paddy cultivation whenever I went home on holidays. If I get a formidable offer from any big blub in the near future then I can ask parents to stop farming."

The defender however gave credit to his father for taking him to the paddy field in his early days. Kuddus remembered, "Working in the paddy field and cultivation of guavas developed two things. These were physical strength, especially the leg-strength, and endurance. Now as a professional footballer, I realize how working with my father in the paddy field amidst the scorching heat benefitted me."

Ruhul had to struggle a lot to establish himself as a professional footballer. His father managed to run the family somehow. After honing the basics of the game under the guidance of Tapanjyoti Mitra, Ruhul joined United Sports, scouted by the then-coach Debraj Chakrabarty. 

He continued, "If Nabab Bhattacharya had not stood beside me, I would not have survived as a footballer. Whenever he has guessed I am going through any crisis, even any financial crisis, he has come forward and stood beside me. I had to undergo an ACL operation, and Bhattacharya bore all the expenses. There several footballers in United Sports like me who are looked after by Nabab sir." 

When asked how he motivates himself before the team's any crucial match, Ruhul stated, "I do not need to motivate myself separately. Steve Herbots explains the strategy, and our duty on the field in such a friendly and inspiring manner that we become motivated always after his pre-match speeches."