AT a glance, one will not be able to tell Rakesh Goundar is deaf and mute but on closer look you will realise that the waterboy is a gem for the Ba soccer team.
Rakesh is an assistant with the Ba soccer team, in charge of all equipment for the team and provides the boys water during training sessions and games.
Working as a volunteer with the team, Rakesh is a welder by profession with 4R Electrical -- sponsors of Ba soccer.
Rakesh caught my interest when I saw him communicating with a bystander in sign language -- sharing a joke. It took me a while to grasp what he was saying but then I realised he was deaf and mute.
Ba soccer player Josaia Bukalidi said Rakesh has been with the team as their waterboy since 2003.
"He is good with his hands and massages anyone injured or has a strained muscle.
"He looks after small things the team needs and he goes where the team goes, even overseas," said Bukalidi.
"You will see him every afternoon at training sessions, every league match that Ba plays and every tournament matches that we have."
Rakesh lives with his brother and mother at Yalalevu in Ba.
Bulakindi said Rakesh was dedicated to the team and supports them in many ways.
"The players communicate with him in sign or hand motion language," he said.
A pleasant personality, Rakesh likes to meet new people and isn't shy to strike up a conversation with a stranger.