I am ready for national leagues – Dhruwesh Nijap

One of the core members of ONGC’s strong defensive unit, a side that has conceded just 3 goals last season before the season’s abrupt end, Centre back Dhruwesh Nijap talks about his football career so far, his inspirations and his aim going forward.
The 24 year old has already been part of some of the top clubs in Mumbai. While Indian legend Sunil Chhetri is an inspiration for many, Dhruwesh took his early inspirations from local Cuff parade, Colaba players – Harshad Meher, Karim Shaikh.
Having started out with the then I league side – Mumbai FC’s age group teams, Dhruwesh began his professional career at Air India U19 side in MDFA Super Division. Later on, Dhruwesh went on to represent Dena Bank, UBI and finally ONGC.
Like many in Mumbai football, Dhruwesh’s connect with football began way back when he was in his school. Playing for Sai Ushadevi School in Colaba, Dhruwesh went on to represent them in the National School games. Talking about his son commitment to football, Dhruwesh’s father Anil Nijap, states “I am very proud of him, He was always interested in football. From school level itself, he has been self-motivated and has worked hard to improve himself. My dream for my son is to see him play in the national colours.”
Outside of school, Dhruwesh was a part of Mumbai FC U16 team before getting selected for Maharashtra U17 side. In last two seasons, Dhruwesh has been a regular member of the senior Maharashtra team that participated in Santosh trophy.
After representing Air India U19 – his first professional club under Coach Shyam Sawant, Dhruwesh switched to Dena Bank before playing two seasons with Union Bank of India. While at UBI, Dhruwesh played a crucial part in the team’s 3rd place finish in Elite division. Talking about his stint at UBI Dhruwesh recalls,”I was trained under Mr. Julie sir & Mr Ryan Sir at Union Bank. We were a good unit and had a successfully season with 3rd place finish in MDFA elite division.”
The centre back was soon picked up by ONGC and since 2018-19 seasons, he has been part of one of the strongest defensive unit in the city. It was with ONGC that Dhruwesh managed to carve out a name for himself. ONGC Coach Caetano Pinho hailed Dhruwesh consistency, “Dhruwesh is an elite player for us. Alongside Himanshu, Arif, Siddharth and others, Dhruwesh has been very consistent in his performance throughout the seasons. Very disciplined, dedicated & committed, he is a team player and a leader with a very eye on technical ability & tactical insights.”
Pinho, who represented ONGC a decade ago, believes Dhruwesh has a versatility factor and just needs the proper guidance. “Although Dhruwesh plays at the heart of the defence, If he is guided & coached well, he has the capability of playing as the full back & as well as a defensive midfielder.”
Dhruwesh alongside his defensive teammates at ONGC have been consistently in top form conceding just 10 goals in last 2 seasons. This season, a 6 game winning streak with absolute dominance in defence saw the ONGC rapidly climb the league table despite the late entry. However, the league had to be unfortunately abandoned midway due to Covid-19 pandemic.
“ONGC is the one of the best team in Mumbai. I have played lots of All India Tournament with ONGC. It’s a great place to get some good experience. It’s a one big family, where senior players are like family members – awesome & helpful. At ONGC, Players work hard & do serious practice on ground but at the same time we are encouraged to have fun.”
– Dhruwesh Nijap, on his experience at ONGC
Dhruwesh, who considers Sandesh Jhingan as a role model, believes he is ready for higher challenges as well. “I am ready for national leagues and my aim is to play for the best Indian clubs out there and eventually represent my National team.”
Echoing the defenders words is his Coach Pinho, who believes Dhruwesh has got what it takes to make it at the top level, “I think that he is ready to take on higher challenges in the national leagues in India. At higher level, he will be required to work even harder, be more disciplined on his nutrition, rest & recovery (sleep). As far as I know him, he has those capabilities.”
Also Read: ISL to happen behind closed doors, Goa one of the favourable regions
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Hekmat Singh stars with a double hat-trick as Customs beat ESIC 7-0
Defying his age, Hekmat produced a clinical display of finishing in front of goal as he pumped in half a dozen himself in Customs 7-0 rout out of ESIC On…
We want to win this league unbeaten: Steven Dias
Playing their first season in MFA Elite League, Ambernath Utd – Atlanta FC coached by former India International Steven Dias has been on a rampaging run so far having beaten every opponent they have faced.
Coach Education / Football News / Reliance Developmental League
Bosses at the helms: A look at top Indian coaches on top jobs – PART 2
In this part, we have listed down the Indian coaches who are leading their teams in the Reliance Foundation Development League. In the Reliance Foundation Development League, most Indian coaches…
Arif Shaikh’s brace leads 10 Man Ambernath Utd – Atlanta FC to another comfortable win
13 in 13! Despite being down to 10 men, Ambernath United – Atlanta FC managed to continue their winning streak as they beat DK Pharma 3-0 Continuing their rich vein…
Football News / I-league / Kenkre Football Club
Kenkre FC: A Story of Inexperience, Determination, and Colossal fighting spirit
From a disappointing start to getting so close to pulling off a miraculous survival, Kenkre’s first-ever Hero I League season can be termed as the story of the season. It…
Western Railway holds Mumbai Customs to a goalless draw
Despite some assertive football from Mumbai Customs, Western Railway showed brave character to hold the defending champions to a goalless draw in an Elite Division tie of the MFA at…
MSP Academy is holding trials for the upcoming MFA Youth League
MFA Super Division club Mumbai Soccer Prodigies will be conducting trials for their MFA Youth League campaign on 22nd May 2022 in Bandra, Mumbai. Founded in 2006, the Mumbai Soccer…
Football News / I-league / Kenkre Football Club
Ranjeet Pandre selected for the All-Stars squad for the game against the Indian national team
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on 11 May 2022 announced the roster for the preparatory match between the national team and the All-Stars team to be played later this…
Gokulam Kerala vs Mohammedan SC: Who needs what to win Hero I-League title
Sreenidi Deccan FC’s stunning 3-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala on Tuesday threw a spanner in the defending champions’ works to reclaim their Hero I-League crown as Mohammedan SC kept their…
Football News / I-league / Indian Women's League / Women Football
Gokulam Kerala women take inspiration from men’s victory in Hero I-League
Gokulam Kerala FC created history in Indian Football on Saturday, May 14, when they defeated Mohammedan SC 2-1 to win back-to-back Hero I-League titles for the first time in the…
MSP Academy is holding trials for the upcoming MFA Youth League
MFA Super Division club Mumbai Soccer Prodigies will be conducting trials for their MFA Youth League campaign on 22nd May 2022 in Bandra, Mumbai. Founded in 2006, the Mumbai Soccer…
Mumbai Football / Recommended / Trials
Football School of India to conduct Youth Trials
Mumbai-based Football School of India is going to conduct youth trials for its boys and girls squads. The trials will be conducted for players in the age group of under-13…
Bengaluru FC Elite Youth Football Trials
Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and are past champions of the I-League and ISL. The club has launched its Soccer…
D’Souza Football Academy to conduct Youth Trials
Mumbai-based D’Souza Football Academy is going to conduct football scholarship trials for its youth squads. The trials will be conducted for players in the age group of under-7 to under-15….
Oscar SSE to conduct trials for Youth I-League in U13, U15&U18 category in Mumbai
OSCAR SSE, an AIFF Accredited Academy invites all U13, U15 & U18 players from ALL SOCIO-ECONOMIC backgrounds for football trials to join our Elite teams to train round the year…
Elite Division / MDFA / Recommended / Trials
Air India to conduct senior team trials for MFA Elite League on Monday
Mumbai-based Air India FC is set to conduct trials for their Senior Team to play the MFA Elite (Corporate) Division. One of the top-tier clubs from Mumbai – Air India…
MDFA / Mumbai Football / Recommended / Trials
Air India to hold youth team trials on Monday
Mumbai-based Air India FC is set to conduct trials for their Youth Team for the MFA Super (Corporate) Division. One of the top-tier clubs from Mumbai – Air India will…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
Bhaichung Bhutia’s Residential Academy set to conduct trials in Mumbai
16th March, 2022: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) will conduct Residential Academy trials in Maharashtra for the academic year 2022-23. In the next few months, the trials will be organized…
Bombay Muslims Sports Club to conduct trials for its Elite Division Team
Mumbai-based Bombay Muslims Sports Club will conduct trials for its Elite Men’s team for the upcoming MFA Elite League. Bombay Muslims have been a regular outfit in Mumbai Football top…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Elite Division club Salsette FC to hold trials
Thane-based Salsette FC will be conducting football Trials this Saturday for their upcoming MFA Elite Division 2021-22 Campaign. Salsette FC had been playing in Super Division back in the 2016-17…