Small details have a big impact, says Mumbai City FC’s Rahul Bheke
Rahul Bheke shares his thoughts on the Islanders’ undefeated season, staying fit and the impact of Des Buckingham on the squad dynamic
Mumbai, 11th January 2023: Mumbai-born defender and of the most experienced Indian footballers, Rahul Bheke is a leader, both on and off the pitch. He has been instrumental in Mumbai City FC’s successful season.
The Islanders, as they are fondly known, currently sit at the top of the table for the ISL 2022-23 season, where they have enjoyed an undefeated campaign so far, with 33 points in 13 games. In their most recent clash, they secured an authoritative home victory against third-placed Kerala Blasters, winning 4-0 at home.
Representing his hometown of Mumbai, Rahul etched his name in the record books last year in 2022, when he scored the winning header against Iraq’s Air Force Club, to become the first Indian to score a goal at the AFC Champions League and helped Mumbai become the first Indian club ever to win an AFC Champions League game.
This season, Bheke has played and led the squad in all thirteen games for the Islanders and he boasts impressive numbers. He has made 20 interceptions, 26 blocks, 37 tackles and 28 clearances and consequently, has been an integral component of the Mumbai City defence, who have only conceded 13 goals this season, less than any other ISL side besides Hyderabad.
Speaking on Mumbai’s immaculate form this season he said, “The players are demanding a lot from each other, continuous improvement is the expectation. Not only on the pitch but in training as well. We have been working hard on sticking to our game style through the 90 minutes. Our performances have been getting us results so it is important for us to stay disciplined and maintain the intensity.”
Mumbai City have been thriving under head coach Des Buckingham with a solid concoction of youth and experience. Bheke, one of the leaders of the Mumbai City camp, opined, “We have a lot of quality young players and I don’t think they can find a better set up than Mumbai City FC. This includes the Indian players, the foreign players and the coaching staff. They have the right people around them and they have been taking advantage of that.”
As a captain and mentor in the team, Bheke consistently reiterates the same advice to young players, “It’s important for young players to keep learning, regardless of whether they are getting game time or not, they have to give their best in every training session. This is the only way to keep improving.”
Being a born and raised Mumbaikar himself, Bheke feels a special connection to the team. “It’s a proud moment for me, every time I step onto the pitch and even more so when play a home game, it feels like family at Mumbai City.” He added that the return of fans to the stadium has made this season feel even more special. “It was really difficult for us last year, during the bio-bubble. No fans in the stands is like going to a party without music. It’s great to have them back and it is very motivating to be playing in sold out stadiums. I hope the fans keep coming and that we continue to grow with them. That’s what the team wants and that is what the league wants.”
As a crucial component of the Mumbai City squad, it is vital that Rahul Bheke is as fit as he can be. He works incessantly to ensure that he is available for all games. “I pay close attention to my daily routine and managing my workload, whether it is on the field or at the gym. I also ensure that I am getting the right kind of nutrition and constantly getting enough sleep. These factors really help me stay fit physically and mentally.”
Finally, Bheke attributed Mumbai’s success to the leadership and acumen of Des Buckingham, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the club. “He has massively impacted the playing style of the team as a whole and even individual players. I’m glad that the continuity will be there and I’m sure the fans, the team, the staff, each and everyone wants the clubs to grow and I’m sure he will do that. He has helped us tremendously, to grow as players and to be better teammates. The small details that he focuses on have a big impact. The way we played in the AFC Champions League, the Durand Cup, and the way we are playing this season is because of the work that he has done with us over the last 15 months. The coach has set clear targets for us, both as a team and individually, and we have been consistently hitting those benchmarks. This is the reason we have been getting the results we desire.”
Rahul Bheke and Mumbai City will come up against another tough challenge next in the ISL as the Islanders travel to Kolkata to take on ATK Mohun Bagan on January 14 at the VYBK.
Also Read: Hero I-League Recap: Sreenidi Deccan on top, 5 points separate the top five
Also Read: Unbeaten run ends for Mumbai Knights as The Oranje FC earns 2-0 win
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
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…