Coach Salim Pathan confident of a stronger Kenkre FC challenge in the 2nd Division League
Kenkre FC recorded back to back win in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) Elite Division League beating tough opponents in Western Railways and KSA in their last two games as they prepare for their 2nd Division League opener against LoneStar Kashmir at Cooperage on Monday, 16th November 2015.
Unlike last season, the 2nd Division League will be played in a home-away format and the teams have been divided into two groups namely the Western and the Eastern Conference, with three teams set to qualify from each conference for the final round.
Kenkre FC finished seventh in the eight-team league last season, but under new the new management of Head Coach Salim Pathan, Kenkre FC is looking to mount a stronger challenge this time out and Pathan believes his team are shaping up well for the 2nd Division League. Salim Pathan, an AFC ‘B’ License holder and formerly a coach at Hindustan FC, spoke to Football Counter after his side’s 2-1 win over Western Railways in the MDFA Elite Division about how his team is shaping up ahead of the 2nd Division League, new signings and super striker Yao Bernard.
Analysing Kenkre FC’s 2-1 win over Western Railways on Monday, Salim Pathan felt his team had room for improvement despite a solid performance against one of the better teams in Mumbai. “I feel we played well, but certainly we can do better. In the last two games, we dropped too deep in the last few minutes and gave our opponents a chance of getting back in the game. We must learn to keep our intensity for the full ninety minutes,” said the Kenkre FC Head Coach as he dissected his side’s win on Monday afternoon.
But Salim Pathan, who was the former Maharashtra junior team assistant coach felt it was down to some of the inexperienced players who are learning the trade. “I aren’t too surprised with it as we have some really young players who don’t know when to pass the ball or when to hold on to it. They will learn slowly and with some experienced players yet to come into the team, I’m sure that problem will be solved,” Pathan added.
However Coach Pathan is looking to have the services of new defensive signing Carr and former Mahindra United midfielder Loukik Jadhav in Kenkre’s midfield when they take on LoneStar Kashmir in their 2nd Division League opener. “We are looking to add 2-3 more players to this side. We have signed a new foreign defender Carr, who isn’t yet fit, but I expect him to return for our first match in the 2nd Division League. We also have Loukik Jadhav, who is a very experienced midfielder and I am banking on these players to add the experience to our team that will make us a strong outfit,” Pathan said.
Kenkre FC will have a great chance to build a foundation for themselves in the early stages of the 2nd Division League, with the Mumbai based outfit set to play their first five games in Mumbai, one of which being an away game to PIFA Colaba in Bhiwandi.
Considering the current form of the two Mumbai based sides, Kenkre FC look the city’s best bet in the competition. However Kenkre FC will be looking to at least make it to the second round in the 2nd Division League, a task if achieved will mark as a sign of progress for the club.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…