Family’s role most important in my journey, says Mumbai Kenkre’s Azfar Noorani

Mumbai Kenkre FC midfielder Azfar Noorani has played an important role for his side so far in the Hero I-League 2022-23 season, scoring three goals and registering two assists.
The 23-year-old midfielder, capable of playing in central midfield or on either wing, is delighted with his start to the season.
“Thanks to Allah, I have always given my 100 percent effort when I am on the field. I know this is just the beginning, and I have a long way to go. I am indebted to my parents, my family, and my head coach Mr Akhil Kothari, who has shown so much trust in me. The entire club management have always been extremely supportive as well,” the youngster said
Hailing from Mumbai, Azza, as he is fondly referred to, followed his elder brother to the football field as a 7-year-old and termed his family’s support as the most crucial factor in his journey.
“I always loved playing all kinds of sports from the beginning, but I took a special liking towards football because of my elder brother. He used to play for our school’s team, and I always wanted to emulate him. I was about seven years old when I started, and I remember being awestruck when he showed me how to control the ball and do tricks. Him and my dad have been my first coaches,” he recalled.
He continued, “By the grace of God, we are a very close-knit family. They have always been very supportive in everything I do and are the most important factor for my success. They have never given up on me, and whenever I make any mistakes, they always remain calm and correct me. They are my real heroes.”

Noorani’s ambition of becoming a professional player took shape when he was in school, and his biggest dream is to share the dressing room and pitch wearing the Blue Tigers jersey with skipper Sunil Chhetri.
“I always like to be the best at what I do. So when I started playing for my school, I always wanted to be a professional player. My biggest dream is to play for my country, and I am ready to keep working hard to make it come true.”
“My footballing role model is the one and only Sunil Chhetri-sir. He is my inspiration, and I love the way he plays and handles the game. I always dream of playing with him together for the country,” he shared.
A key pillar in Noorani’s journey has been the club Mumbai Kenkre FC itself, whom he represented in their Hero I-League Qualifiers in 2021, and the midfielder expressed his joy of being able to play in front of his home fans.
He said, “The journey with Mumbai Kenkre has been really beautiful. The club has always supported me and given me the confidence to perform at the I-League level. It feels wonderful to represent your city on such a big platform. I feel alive when I play in front of our home fans.”
The club is currently placed ninth on the league table but will be looking to move upwards after coming from behind to defeat a strong Real Kashmir side at home in their last match just before the winter break. “I just want my club’s name to feature in the top three. We are all working very hard to achieve this. The team is looking good now, and we are working together to reach our collective target,” Noorani concluded.
– Credits Hero I-League
Also Read: Rinaldo Fernandes scores hat-trick as The Orange FC crushes Rudra FC
Also Read: Ambernath United Atlanta FC maintains perfect record with 2-1 win over Millat FC
Football News / Indian Super League
Reebok Returns to Football with John Abraham’s NorthEast United FC
Kicking off a powerful new chapter in Indian football, Reebok, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, has announced a strategic partnership with NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC). Owned…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF charts roadmap for Indian women’s national team after historic Asian Cup qualification
The All India Football Federation President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, on Friday, July 11, 2025, convened a meeting with Deputy Secretary General, Mr M. Satyanarayan, Technical Director, Mr. Syed Sabir Pasha,…
Durand Cup returns to Imphal with a grand trophy tour
Imphal welcomed the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies with a grand trophy tour as Asia’s oldest football tournament returned to Manipur’s capital after a two-year hiatus. The three trophies of the…
India U20 women’s coach Joakim Alexandersson names 24-member travelling squad for Uzbekistan friendlies
The Indian U20 women’s team will play two friendly matches in Tashkent against Uzbekistan U20 women on July 13 and 16, 2025, as part of their preparations for the AFC…
India U20 / Indian Football Team
Friendly Result: India hold Uzbekistan to a 1-1 draw
The India U20 women’s national team drew 1-1 against Uzbekistan in the first of two friendly matches at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, on Monday, July 14, 2025. Mexribon Egamberdiyeva…
Hero Futsal Club Championship / National Futsal Championship
AIFF Futsal Club Championship 2024-25 to kick off on August 3 in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand
The AIFF Futsal Club Championship 2024-25 will be held from August 3 to 18, 2025, at the Shri Manoj Sarkar Stadium – Shivalik Hall in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. Seventeen clubs will…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Punjab FC announces the signing of defender Bijoy Varghese
Punjab FC has announced the signing of defender Bijoy Varghese for the upcoming season from I-League side Inter Kashi. The 25-year-old centre back has signed a contract until 2028 with…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…