Thane Pioneers clinch TFA 1st Division title, gets promoted to TFA Elite Division

by Chittu Shetty January 22, 2025

Thane Pioneers clinch the TFA Men’s Open First Division title for season 2024-2025; gets promoted to the TFA Elite Division.

In their third season in the TFA First Division, Thane Pioneers emerged as champions by winning 8 out of 9 league games. This remarkable feat was accomplished on a shoestring budget, with the team relying on a portion of their academy profits for funding.

Operating without the backing of a business house, the Pioneers faced challenges unheard of in professional football. The team lacked a dedicated training ground, meaning the players competed in matches without a single practice session together. They also couldn’t afford kits, forcing players to return jerseys after every match. Despite these hardships, the players demonstrated unparalleled passion for the sport, funding their own expenses and enduring long, overnight travels to participate in games.

Victories against strong opponents such as BNFC Mumbaikars, Joshua Football Academy, and Thane Soccer Prodigies proved pivotal in their championship run.

Sponsored by eFinserve, a wealth management firm with offices in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, serving clients both domestically and internationally, Thane Pioneers have proven that success is not solely determined by resources but by the heart and grit of a team

Joint captain Trigun Dange reflected on the journey, crediting the team and coaching staff for their success. “Ryan, our coach, has been our motivation throughout the league. His guidance and vision made this possible. There were matches where we had only 11 players, no substitutes, and no practice sessions, yet we emerged victorious. Traveling overnight and showing up for games speaks volumes about the passion and clear mindset of this team. This was only possible because of our incredible players and coaches Ryan and Archis. We are ready for the next challenge and will give our best efforts.”

Coach Ryan Roy Shah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unity and commitment of his players. “I put this success down to my wonderful group of players who gave 100% in every game and formed a brotherly bond. Their dedication and love for the sport are unparalleled.”

Preparing for the Elite Division

As they prepare for the Elite Division, Coach Ryan acknowledged the need for significant changes to meet the higher standards of competition. “The Elite Division demands a higher level of preparation. I will retain most of my top performers but will have to release some players who underperformed or had limited availability. We plan to recruit 10-12 top-standard transfers to strengthen our squad.”

He also highlighted the financial hurdles the team faces. “We desperately need financial support to pay travel allowances, provide personal kits, refreshments, hire a training ground, and cover the expensive entry fee. These are essentials for survival in the Elite Division.”

Standout Performers and Complete Squad

The team’s standout performers, including goalkeeper Siddhant Chavan, defenders Ayub Mohamed and Saud Hakim, midfielders Trigun Dange and Jayesh Umardand, and striker Videep Gupta, earned praise for their consistency and skill.

The full squad for the season was as follows:

Goalkeepers: Siddhant Chavan, Aaron Gumgaonkar, Hrishikesh Pillai
Defenders: Dhanraj Prabhu, Ayub Mohamed, Saud Hakim, Bhairab Tudu, Piyush Kadu, Krish Kamani, Ashish Anand, Arpit Maheshwari
Midfielders: Archit Gupta, Jayesh Umardand, Trigun Dange, Nikhil Jadhav, Mohamed Surur, Tejas Kanthale, Rahul Pawar, Muzammil Ahmed Khan
Wingers: Khushahal Singh, Shubhkant Behera, Acharaj Bhardwaj, Mohd Sohail, Ashish Koli
Striker: Videep Gupta

Coach: Ryan Roy Shah Manager: Archis Bhagwat

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