RedBull Neymar Jr’s Five offers us an opportunity to compete with the best
Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five Mumbai leg champions UK United players Shravan Shetty and Riddic Carlo credited their club owner and mentor Ronnie D’souza behind their success.
Joga Bonito and Kalina Rangers have become a synonym among Mumbai football when it comes to 5-aside tournament. In the last three years, the two sides have represented India in various International Five a side tournaments. Amidst these heavyweights, this year another City club – Uncle’s Kitchen United (UK United), have defied all odds to win the Mumbai Qualifiers of Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five and are now just one tournament away from representing the country in Brazil for World finals.
In an exclusive interview with Footballcounter, UK United players Shravan Shetty and Riddic Carlo talk about the man behind their success, Five-a side football in India and finally the Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five tournament
Excerpts:
1.Around 100 teams participated in the Mumbai qualifiers, With 2 former National champions in Kalina Rangers and joga Bonito, how does it feel to win the qualifiers? And how excited are you guys for the National finals?
Shravan Shetty – We had a great journey so far and we wish to continue this journey in the national finals and we want to make our team owner, the ever supporting Ronnie D’Souza proud by winning the national finals. We are really happy that we are the city champions and we will be representing Mumbai. Previous champions of national finals have been from Mumbai (Kalina Rangers and Joga bonito) and we will give our best to continue the trend and be the next team from Mumbai to represent India.
Riddic Carlo – We have come a long way with all the hardships and failures. All thanks to Ronnie D’Souza to be an amazing mentor who has guided our team always and stood by us in all failures as well as victories. It’s an amazing feeling and a proud moment to be a part of the finals. And we are super excited to be in the finals for the first time. We shall leave no stone unturned to win the National finals as we are representing Mumbai.
2. What was the atmosphere within the team during the final? You faced a pretty young side in FC Cecilians, were you guys nervous?
Shravan Shetty – We were excited for the finals against FC Cecilians, we knew they are a remarkably young squad. They had reached finals by beating former champions Joga Bonito. We were a bit nervous but our team Owner Ronnie D’souza had our backs and kept us motivated. He only said one thing “To give it our best, it doesn’t matter what’s the result”.
3. How long have you been playing this game and what inspires you?
Shravan Shetty – I have been playing this game since a decade now. I have been working hard in all formats of football and have received a lot of trophies and recognition through football in Mumbai. My love for the game and the recognition that has comes along with it is something that inspires me.
Riddic Carlo – I was good, not the best but good enough to start and play almost every day. I was passionate about football since childhood and it’s been over a decade since I started playing football and what inspire me to play the game are the difficulties I have overcome and the achievements and recognition I have received over a period of years
4. What do you think of the 5-a-side football (Rink football) in India?
Shravan Shetty – Five a side culture is growing rapidly, previously all recognition was from 11 a side football however since last decade 5 a side football has picked up pace.
Riddic Carlo – There is a real boost in popularity of 5 a side football. Tournaments like Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five has giving us opportunities to play 5 a side football on a global level.
5. How different is it from 11 a side football?
Shravan Shetty – 5 a side requires high intensity and great physical fitness. Compared to Normal football, here the time duration is reduced which makes this game very quick.
6. Any messages for your fans in Mumbai?
Riddic Carlo – We Uncles Kitchen United as a team would like to thank all our fans for the astounding support and love received by all of you. We shall make sure everyone is proud of our team by putting in our all efforts and winning the tournament and representing India in Brazil.
7. What is your opinion of RedBull Neymar Jr. 5 as a league?
Shravan Shetty – Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five league is a growing community who are providing opportunity to the youth of Mumbai. It is giving us a platform to showcase our talent and witness various talents coming from different parts of the City.
Riddic Carlo – This league offers us an opportunity to compete with the best of the country and a road to reach the world stage.
For Red Bull Neymar Jrs Five Archives: Click here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Show off your Indian and European football knowledge with the football fantasy game from Playerzpot. Download the App with our special Footballcounter referral code, start playing and win cash daily.
Download app here: Link or click on the image below
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
“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…
Mumbai City FC Complete Signing of Slovakian Attacker Jakub Vojtuš
Mumbai, 21 March, 2024: Mumbai City FC are delighted to welcome our new signing, Slovakian attacker Jakub Vojtuš, who joins the squad for the remainder of the season. The attacker…
Afghanistan vs India: Blue Tigers aim for a giant leap towards far-reaching FIFA WCQ Round 3 dream
ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: The India Senior Men’s Team will be on the verge of writing a new chapter in the post-independence era of Indian Football history, when they resume their FIFA…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…