In conversation sans coffee (version 2.0)- With Akhil Kothari
So on the penultimate day of the 5th edition of the Kenkre Champion’s League, our main man Kaushal Shukla got the opportunity to interview another young Kenkre gaffer, Akhil Kothari.
He was a man at loggerheads with himself on the final day of the tournament as both the Under-17 teams coached by him K- Blues and K- Greens battled it out for the top of the table finish with the K- Greens eventually clinching the championship in a thriller two game series affair on account of goal difference.
So the tournament comes to an end today with a double win… How was the journey, what were the challenges?
We started with the selection of these teams in October, and most of these boys are in the 10th grade or Junior College, so the main challenge is to motivate them to come for practice because you really can’t force them. Once past that, we sat and planned a system on how to train them. These teams then apart from playing in the Kenkre Champions’s League also played a private tournament and are in the running for qualification in the MDFA 1st Division. So yeah, it’s been pretty good.
Now, you coach both the K- Blues and the K- Greens. What were your words to them today as they were indirectly pitted against each other for the final trophy?
I had a combined team meeting before the matches, I just told them that there has to be no rivalry factor involved for you are competing against your own team mates. They were working on a goal difference of +9 and the Greens scored 10 goals to secure the first place. The essential thing is to just motivate and encourage these kids from the grass roots, under- 17 level to do better, because then only will they progress and perform at the under- 19 and senior level in the future.
So, when they faced each other earlier in the tournament.. what did you do, it was basically YOUR team against YOUR team?
It was difficult! (a sense of relief enveloped across his face!) I was just standing at the centre and I instructed both the teams to concentrate on their own game and play according to the planned system. The mantra was to play tough and not rough football. They did that effectively, and the match ended in a draw.
On the tournament as a whole, what do you infer about its scope especially when it comes to all the small kids who participate?
A bright future lies ahead, I was watching a few kids earlier on and told my colleagues about the same. This is the basic level and the place to spot young talent because these are the guys you can watch out for, and when they make the cut in the youth teams, it enables us to know the growth in their performance from their earlier days. It’s a great opportunity at a young age if you bank on it.
With this we wished Akhil all the best for his MDFA stint and also hope to see him back next year coaching the Under- 17 fellows in the Kenkre Champions League probably yet again with his team facing his team!
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
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…