DESHI BHAKTAWER
PRE-ISL
Bhaktawer was born in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom but has spent the major part of his life in South Africa. Deshi played as a goalkeeper and spent his entire career in the South Africa. He played a major part of his career for Arcadia Shepherds before a late stint with Orlando Pirates, and worked as a coach and TV analyst after retirement.
ISL
It is reported that it was chief coach, Habas, who had personally asked for the appointment of Bhaktawer, having worked in South Africa when he managed
Mamelodi Sundowns and Wits University. This was when he noticed Bhaktawer's good work with SuperSport United FC where he served as a goalkeeping consultant. Bhaktawe was appointed Atletico Kolkata's goalkeeping coach August 1, 2014.
Regarding the ISL Deshi expressed that it was a fantastic chance for him. He also noted the importance of money, and that a number of foreign players hardly would've chosen to play in India if it weren't for the paycheck.
Right after his appointment Bhaktawer headed to Kolkata to finalize the official formalities and then flew straight to Spain to participate in the team's pre-season fixtures in Madrid.
Atletico de Kolkata won the first edition of Indian Super League and Deshi was praised for his work to find the perfect balance between local keeper Subhasish Chowdhury and foreign Apoula Edel.
QUOTES & INTERVIEWS
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October 10, 2014 - "I think some of the players are obviously getting big money here. I don't think the professionals would get out and spend their time here if they weren't getting paid very well...(click for more)" [PRIMEDIA BROADCASTING]
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November 28, 2014 - "Every single game you play, doesn’t matter who the other team is, you want to win the game. You don’t go to lose or to draw." [ISL OFFICIAL]
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December 6, 2014 - "The league has been such an intense one. Every day the scenario changes...(click for more)" [ISL OFFICIAL]
