Teen footballer Daniyal makes history with Durand Cup hat-trick

Bengaluru

On July 27, Makakmayum Daniyal became the youngest player in the history of the Durand Cup to score a hat-trick. In a thrilling clash against the Indian Air Force Football Team, the 18-year-old netted all three goals for his side in a match that ended 3-3. Speaking to News Trail, Daniyal said he was overjoyed when he learned about his record-breaking feat.  “I was very, very happy. It was great,” he said with a smile.

Recalling his goals, he explained, “The first one came from an assist by my friend Muzzafar.  The second was direct from a goal kick – the goalkeeper kicked it long, and I scored. I loved both those goals, but the third was my favourite.  We had a throw-in, the opponent’s defender misplayed the ball, it came to me, and I shot it.”
The youngster models himself on Cristiano Ronaldo, striving to mirror the Portuguese star’s flair and work ethic. 

A confident dribbler with a powerful shot, Daniyal admitted that heading remains his biggest challenge.  “Dribbling and everything else were okay for me, but I found heading the hardest to master. I have to work like Ronaldo. Only when you work hard will your talent shine,” he said. A native of Manipur, Daniyal began playing football in his hometown but initially faced resistance from his family. 

“At first, my family didn’t allow me to play football.  A few years later, I was selected by a club in Haryana, but my family told me, ‘Don’t go there.’  I wanted to go, so after two to three hours of convincing, my father finally said, ‘Okay, go try.’ Since then, they have supported me,” he recalled. After his stint in Haryana, Daniyal joined Chennaiyin FC, where he played for the Under-17 team. After a couple of seasons, he was promoted to their reserve team. It was then that Bengaluru-based South United FC came calling, and he has been playing for their senior squad ever since.

“I wanted to play in the Durand Cup, and now we’re focusing on the Super Division,” he said. With his recent performance gaining nationwide attention, Daniyal knows other clubs may soon come knocking. While he is content at South United FC, his future remains open. “I don’t know yet, maybe I’ll stay here. It’s good – the players, facilities, coaches, everything is good,” he added. South United FC kicked off their Karnataka Super Division campaign with a win over Students Union Football Club, where Daniyal scored twice – once in the opening minute and again in stoppage time.