My ultimate aim is to win the I-League next season: Rahul Bheke
I-League football returned to Cooperage and Mumbai after five long years, and so did the Mumbai FC supporters who all but helped Khalid Jamil’s men turn Cooperage into a fortress. Not being the most free flowing side, Mumbai FC had their own way of playing football and Rahul Bheke, the highly versatile defender was a vital cog in the Mum bai FC machine.
Apart from being mostly solid at the back, Rahul Bheke earned a name for himself with his long throws, many of which ended in the back of the opposition net, thanks to aerial prowess the men in yellow possessed.
But come June, Rahul Bheke decided to head for greener pastures, as he signed for Kolkata giants Kingfisher East Bengal in late June. We caught up with the man on the move as he spoke in length about his future with East Bengal, the Mumbai FC fans, Khalid Jamil, the Indian National team and obviously his long throws. Here is the full interview of Rahul Bheke.
1. You have sealed your move to East Bengal. How does it feel?
Rahul: I feel ecstatic. I always dreamt of playing for a club like East Bengal and I am really proud that I will be living my dream soon.
2. Being a Mumbaikar, how difficult was it for you to contemplate a move away from the city?
Rahul: It was very difficult as I have been attached to the city and so many people here. But I have to chase my dreams and knowing my goals, I had to sacrifice something to achieve something.
3. What was the thought behind the move?
Rahul: I have always wanted to grow myself as a player. When East Bengal came in, I thought they offered me something new and it was a challenge which I decided to accept.
4. Do you think playing for a club like East Bengal, enhance your chances for playing for the national team?
Rahul: Yes I feel if I could perform consistently for East Bengal, I could catch the eye of the coach. With so many players playing for the national side at East Bengal, it will only help me get there.
5. The pressure of playing for a Kolkata side is quite high. How do you plan to cope with it?
Rahul: The pressure is always there but my plan is to give my hundred percent every time I go out on the pitch. Plus, I am going to play with so many accomplished players and that I’m sure will get the best out of me and thereby deal with the pressure in the best possible way.
6. I have to ask you about the long throw. How have to developed the skill? And how does having that quality impact your thought process as a player?
Rahul: I have been taking long throws since my school days. But when I was playing for Air India that I developed the skill after being impressed by Uttam Singh who used to take those long throws. Since then I have worked on the skill and its a great addition to my game. With it I can contribute in attack as well as the long throws have created plenty of scoring opportunities.
7. After being associated with Mumbai FC for two years, what message you want to give to the fans who turned up in large numbers every time you played at Cooperage last season?
Rahul: I would like to thank all the fans for their support. I thought they were fantastic this season and it helped us a lot during the matches. With Mumbai FC being the only I-League club from the city, I wish the number of supporters just go on increasing every year.
8. How much of an impact has Khalid Jamil had on your career?
Rahul: Khalid Jamil is always known for giving opportunities to younger players. I am thankful to him for giving me the chance to play for Mumbai FC and for the trust he had in me during my playing days under him. he is a great coach.
9. Now as an East Bengal player what are your goals for next season?
Rahul: As an East Bengal player, my aim is to give my best for my club, but the ultimate aim is to win the I-League with East Bengal next season.
Rahul Bheke will certainly add the much needed solidarity to the East Bengal rearguard, which was found wanting at times this season. With the likes of Ranti and Dudu firing all cylinders up front, the signing of Rahul Bheke could just be the missing piece in the puzzle which could see East Bengal wrestle the title away from their arch rivals Mohun Bagan next season.
“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…