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Katebe is one of four African and six British Real Kashmir players who are now trapped in a hotel in the region’s main city, Srinagar, after last month’s pandemic abruptly ended the Indian soccer I-League.
Foreign imports, including Scottish coach David Robertson’s son Mason, have helped make Real Kashmir a force after becoming the first Himalayan region club to play in the I-League.
“It is the first time that I have had to face such a situation,” said Katebe, a 28-year-old Zambian international.
“I am in contact with my wife and my parents. Connectivity is low here, so it is difficult to communicate but I speak to them on the phone.”
“I am not afraid because I believe in God and I have faith that everything will be fine. There is a gym in the hotel, which he frequents, and I am also on my PlayStation a lot.”
Nigerian Loveday Okechukwu, Ivory Coast players Armand Bazie and Gnohere Krizo, British players, Coach Robertson and his wife and son also live at the hotel.
Robertson is eager to get home in Scotland to be with his sick mother who is receiving chemotherapy for cancer.
“We are hoping to get a Punjab flight next week. So we will cross our fingers. Hopefully we will get to Aberdeen safely,” said Robertson.
“I have been in constant contact with my mother and father even though internet connectivity is not too good here.
“Calls and video calls are very difficult, so most of the time it is just by voice. There is frustration.”
Kashmir has been at the center of the dispute between India and Pakistan and both claim the entire Himalayan region.
Last August, the central government of India stripped Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status and imposed a communications blackout until January that virtually cut it off from the outside world.
“It has been difficult. The internet and power outages are bad. I have gotten used to it and this season was good.” Robertson said.
But then came the government’s proclamation with the aim of reinforcing its control.
“We were unable to return to Kashmir and when we returned we were unable to call home for two weeks,” said Robertson.
“There are 10 of us here at the hotel. And day by day we don’t even talk about football anymore,” he added.
“So it just shows that even though soccer is a big part of my life, when these things happen, it doesn’t really leave anything behind.”
Through thick and thin, Real Kashmir was a title contender in its first I-League season, but finished third.
The current season has been abandoned with Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan leaders declared champions.
Real Kashmir co-owner Sandeep Chattoo, who also settled at the hotel, said the players are holding together despite the panic.
“I simply could not have left them here. Being left behind has helped and our efforts have ensured that at least the UK citizens are likely to leave next week,” Chattoo said.
“Unfortunately, African players have to stay longer, but here they are safe and comfortable.”
