MFA Elections: Aaditya Thackeray retains President’s post; Steven Dias elected as Technical committee head

by Chittu Shetty March 11, 2022

Maharashtra Minister of Tourism Aditya Thackeray has been re-elected as MFA President for another term while former Indian player Steven Dias makes maiden entry and will head the Technical committee.

After being elected Thackeray tweeted, “It is my honour to have been elected as President of the Mumbai District Football Association once again, and I’m grateful to all the clubs, voters and stakeholders to have reposed their faith in us and to have made the election of the entire panel, unopposed.”

During Thackeray’s 9-year term, Mumbai has seen some notable growth in infrastructure. Thackeray, who got into the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) in 2013, has been credited with converting the Andheri Sports Complex, better known as Mumbai Football Arena now, into a world-class football-specific facility with bucket seats, floodlights, an exceptional football surface, and everything else needed for an international venue.

Thackeray also helped bring International football back to the city after a span of almost 6 decades when in 2016 Mumbai hosted the India vs Puerto Rico Match. The ground has also further hosted a Tri-nation tournament and a couple of international friendlies.

Mumbai also boasts of another football ground in Bandra, named after legendary Indian and Mumbai footballer Neville D’Souza and the MFA league matches are played on this ground, apart from the existing Cooperage stadium in Mumbai.

“As we move ahead, with a renewed sense of purpose, we will strive to build a culture of excellence. The MFA will engage with stakeholders and nurture talent, passion and the spirit of the game of football!” Thackeray tweeted further.

Steven Dias Makes his Maiden entry into MFA

Meanwhile, Former India International Steven Dias has made his entry into football administration as he joins MFA’s Technical and Selection Committee.

Steven has represented India over 50 international matches during his career. On the club front, he was represented Air India, Mahindra United, winning the NFL and Federation Cup in 2005, and has also represented teams like Churchil Brothers, Delhi Dynamos and Mumbai FC. His inclusion will be a big boost for MFA Administration.

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Sudhakar Rane and long-serving member Udyan Banerjee were elected as Hon. Gen. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer respectively.

“We have a lot of plans outlined for the upcoming season onwards. From women’s football, Youth Premier League (YPL) to introducing beach football and futsals, expect lots of changes in Mumbai Football scene, ” stated Sudhakar Rane.

Suzanne Chowdhary retained her post as Vice-President for a second term. Nassir Hussain and Adv. Ryan Menezes was also elected as the other two Vice-Presidents of the association.

Elected members:

President: Aaditya Thackeray.

Vice-Presidents: Suzanne Chowdhry, Nassir Hussain, Ryan Menezes.

Hon. Gen. Secretary: Sudhakar Rane.

Hon. Treasurer: Udayan Banerjee.

Assistant Secretaries: Salvador D’Souza, Farhan Butt, Ajit Sawant.

Women’s Committee:

Anjali Shah – Chairman

YPL – Yuva President League:

Shodana Shetty – Chairman

Krishna Pawale – Convener

Appeal’s Committee: