Exclusive Interview: Jaywant Pathak speaks about Mumbai U-14’s recent triumph at Inter-District

by Balbir Singh December 14, 2016

Jaywant Pathak, who alongside Firmin D’Souza coached and guided Mumbai Under-14’s to Maharashtra State Inter-District Sub-junior boys’ Football Championship triumph spoke with Footballcounter, in a recent interview. The 29-year-old, Pathak runs ‘Youth Soccer Academy‘ and cherishes the opportunity of coaching Mumbai Under-14 at state-level.

What do you make of the tournament?

It was a fantastic tournament and was a good learning experience for me. I am looking forward to be a part of many such tournaments; as it will give an opportunity to players to compete against other teams from different districts, and help them understand, how to cope with different kind of players and situations with respect to the game.

How was the mood in the camp and How did you get along with the players?

It was very positive right from the start. We were focused during our matches, and back at the hotel, we had a good time playing indoor fun games (Firmin added some cool games) and giving kids their space to get to know each other well. I was pretty comfortable with all the boys, going to their rooms to ensure they are getting everything they need and are comfortable at all the times.

Can you tell us, what was the experience like coaching at state-level at a personal and professional scale?

It indeed is an honour to represent the city that you love and born and brought up in. At the same time, it came with a responsibility and right from the time I got a call I decided that we have to win this one! The time was short but nonetheless, every opportunity comes with a challenge. Firmin and I were motivated to make it happen.  We would like to thank MDFA here for giving us the opportunity as it was our first tour it’s a very special experience.

What was the relationship with Firmin like? Can we expect a similar partnership in the future?

Both of us knew each other for some years now but had never worked together. Most of our opinions and decisions matched which helped us take quick decisions. If we differed on something we both gave it a try to see what’s the best that can work for the team and it worked, we went ahead with it. Since we shared a common room we used to keep talking about the best for the players and the team. Most certainly if we get an opportunity we would like to work collectively.

Was winning the title on the agenda?

Of course right from the start. It’s always special to win for us and the entire people of Mumbai.

How does it feel to have finally won it, having faced defeat last year in the final?

It’s a very special moment for me and Firmin as it was our first tour. I am very happy for all the boys. They have put in a lot of effort and hard work and have stuck to the game plan and strategy that we wanted them to execute especially during semi-finals and Finals (It’s not easy to stay focused in hot and humid conditions for 80 mins) but they did and everyone can see the result of the efforts of the entire team.

Jaywant Pathak told, “To conclude, I would like to thank MDFA once again, Shri Aditya Thackeray and all the parents who supported us throughout our campaign.”