“The aim is to qualify and gain promotion in the I-league”, says Kenkre FC Coach- Akhil Kothari
“We come from the region of Maharashtra, and we are trying to encourage maximum local talents. Even after the campaign ends, our efforts will continue at the same intensity to promote players from Maharashtra.”
Footballcounter went up and close with the young and dynamic coach of Kenkre FC, Mr Akhil Kothari. At the age of 25, Akhil is one of the youngest persons to coach a professional team and obtain an AFC ‘A’ Diploma in 2019. He began his coaching career at Kenkre FC by assisting Floyd Pinto in 2015.
Ahead of the upcoming Kenkre’s I league 2nd division Campaign, Coach Akhil Kotari talks about Kenkre’s comeback in the 2nd division after 3 years, their pre-season preparations amidst Covid-19 restrictions and future ambitions.
Excerpts-
1. What are your thoughts about your team this season, and tell us about the new project Kenkre has this year?
Coach: This opportunity has come to the club after three years with a lot of consistent efforts both on and off the pitch. The last time we participated in the competition was in 2017, and we did qualify for the final round and missed out on qualification for the I-league. We have always encouraged players from Maharashtra. This time around, we have been unable to conduct open trials in the districts of Maharashtra due to several covid restrictions. Our team comprises a mix of local talent and talents from across the country. Our efforts post the campaign will continue at the same intensity to promote players from Maharashtra.
2. The season is round the corner; how are preparations going?
Coach: I want to thank the club management for bringing us all together in such difficult times to prepare for the qualifiers. The preparations so far have been good as we are working hard every day and training well. In a short pre-season camp, we have adopted a progressive training approach to prepare the players to compete in the qualifiers. We will be playing practice games against ISL teams to prepare well for the campaign.
3. How is the squad doing? How were the trials held, and are there any plans for foreign players?
Coach: We come from the region of Maharashtra, and we are trying to encourage maximum local talents. We have spotted talents from the state and are working with them to prepare them well for the qualifiers. This time we have promoted a lot of players from our system. With regards to foreign players, they are currently undergoing trials. We should be able to finalise them soon.
4. You have worked with state junior teams and Iron born FC. How is Kenkre FC’s management different?
Coach: I have come through Kenkre FC’s ranks as a player and a coach and was previously associated with the club for nine years. I was the assistant coach for the 2nd Division I league, the club’s last time in the competition. Kenkre have always tried to encourage homegrown people and will support them in getting better, let it be the player or a coach. The club has a lot on focus on youths since its inception.
5. Is there any expectation from you to finish top or gain promotion? Has the management given you any targets for this season?
Coach: The aim is to qualify and gain promotion in the I-league, which has been the target for us from day 1. As a group, we are working well to try and achieve our set target and make it happen this time around. As a club, we have previously featured in the competition and have always tried to work our way up through merit. A team from Maharashtra competing in the I-league will encourage local players, coaches and technical staff to showcase themselves rather than moving away from the state to seek an opportunity.
6. What are your future expectations with the team for the season ahead?
Coach: The expectations are always positive and progressive as we are a private club where the stakes are high as survival is always a challenge; keeping that in mind, our desire is always to compete at the highest level in Indian football.
7. Will Covid-19 restrictions play a significant role in the season ahead?
Coach: Yes, with covid restriction in Mumbai, preparations have been challenging, and at the same time, the team has undergone a lot of medical check-ups. But with no excuses, we will give our 100 percent in the competition.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Why Kenkre’s I league 2nd division participation is crucial for Maharashtra football
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…
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…
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…
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…