In conversation sans coffee with Oscar Alva
It was match day, and Mumbai FC had just tasted their first victory of the season, defeating Salgaocar 3-0 when we caught up with the the Mr. Oscar Alva, the coach of the Kenkre team.
Well, the young gaffer has a lot on his platter as he successfully handles the Under- 17, Under – 19 as well as the Elite division team and is preparing the club team for the forthcoming I- League 2nd division tournament.
So we spoke to him post match and his infectious smile put us at ease no coffee required to pick a conversation.. a Mumbai victory and all of us are up and running!
Mumbai won 3-0 today.. What are your thoughts on the game?
Yes, I think it was a very interesting match. Mumbai FC banked on all the chances that came their way. Salgaocar on the other hand, I felt were a bit defensive maybe because it’s an away match and they must have probably come in with the mentality to not concede many goals. Also, the pace of Salgaocar was slow as compared to their previous encounter.
The crowd turnout today was fantastic for Mumbai. How do you think the home crowd support impacts a team’s performance?
Well, the home crowd makes a great deal of difference. It’s very motivational as a coach to see a lot of people turn up for the matches and for the team and players as well, it boosts their morale to perform. It’s a bad thing for the opposition seeing so many numbers come up for such a big, high pressure match.
You were accompanied by quite a lot of your players for today’s game. What vision does Kenkre foresee in having its coaches and players watching Mumbai FC’s matches live at Cooperage?
All the players would like to be professionals some day so it gives them an insight as to what it takes to reach the highest levels of the game. As for the coaches, it gives us new ideas, when it comes to strategy, tactics and how the formations have worked out. On the whole it provides a good vision of the game, the pace at which it is played.
Kenkre will be playing in the I- League second division matches with 7 other team battling it out as well. What are your preparations for the same?
I- League will be a totally different experience; we’re looking to be well prepared for the same. We practice on a daily basis and right now its focusing more on setting out the tactics, strategies also we’re looking at many players whom we would like to include in the squad. Ultimately it all boils down to how we perform in the practice matches before the tournament starts.
As the coach of so many teams of the club.. how is the experience?
Well, as the head coach it’s a totally unique experience. Lots of decision making, motivation for the players, training which has to be planned in advanced as such. It’s an enriching experience on a personal level and shall carry it with me for the future.
We bid farewell on this positive note and wish the ever smiling and calm Oscar Alva all the very best in all of his succeeding endeavors.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…