Saurabh Bhanwala exclusive: my Parents and my Coaches are my ‘Driving Force’

Saurabh Bhanwala, the 6 feet tall defender, hails from the Indian Capital. He has represented Delhi as a youth footballer and now plying his trade with RoundGlass Punjab FC in the Hero I-League. Earlier this week, we sat down for a chat with the young center-back.

Growing up in Delhi with his father’s constant encouragement to play sports from a very young age has helped him to understand the importance of playing sports as part of a healthy life. Saurabh spent a lot of time at school and in his neighborhood playing a variety of sports such as basketball, football, and swimming. At the age of six, a young Saurabh fell in love with the beautiful game.

Recalling his journey, Saurabh said, “I was six years old when I first played football and really enjoyed the feeling of being on the pitch. After a few years, I represented my school team in various tournaments including the prestigious Subroto Cup. My first club was Hindustan FC in Delhi and since then, it has been a fulfilling journey in professional football, and I look forward to moving forward as a player with RoundGlass Punjab FC.”

The drive to improve and keep getting better motivates Saurabh. He idolizes American swimmer Michael Phelps and admits that The most decorated Olympian has been his inspiration for the longest time.

Saurabh, who believes in pre-match rituals, says, “there is a pre-match ritual that I always follow on matchdays, that is putting my right shoe on first.”

When asked about the difference between playing for a local club and RoundGlass Punjab FC, Saurabh said, “playing for RoundGlass Punjab FC in the I-League has been phenomenal. The atmosphere in the team is totally different as compared to a local club. The expectations are much higher and there is healthy competition in the squad. The Club has a clear ambition and long-term goals. The fact that the club seeks to inspire children to play sports as part of the club’s mission to provide holistic wellness and experience the joy of playing, resonates very strongly with me.

In football, Saurabh considers former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia as his idol. Saurabh is a huge admirer of the Ecuadorian’s hard work, his darting forward runs, and his excellent crossing abilities. In Indian football, Saurabh is a fan of his club teammate Sumeet Passi and also a fan of his character both on and off the pitch. Saurabh acknowledged Passi as “an inspiration to many”.

In the end, Saurabh signed off the interview by being grateful to his parents and coaches, addressing them as his ‘driving force’. He said, “My father instilled the value of hard work and discipline in me from a very young age. Some of the life lessons imparted to me by my mother have been instrumental in shaping the person and the player I am today.”

“From my school coach Sandeep Dhole to my current head coach at RoundGlass Punjab FC, Ashley Westwood – I am grateful to all of my coaches for their significant contribution to my career. They are the reason I have reached this level and their guidance has been invaluable”, he added, concluding the interview.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Stellar second-half show helps Bengaluru rally past Jamshedpur

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

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…

Share

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…

Share

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….

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share