Mumbai FC’s fans are the best in the country: Chika Wali
With just three goals leaked in the last six games and Mumbai FC having racked up twelve points from these games to propel themselves to the sixth place in the Hero I-League, things are on the up for the Mumbai outfit.
After the horrific first three games, there has been a renaissance with the rearguard leading from the front. It was a clean sheet against Sporting Club de Goa setting Mumbai FC on their way to three wins on the spin and a hard fought draw against the Champions followed by a spirited draw with Pune FC with ten men.
At the very heart of this defense Mumbai FC’s new signing Chika Wali has proved to be a rock thwarting opposition attacks and posing a real threat to the opponent’s goal from set pieces.
Having played every minute of Mumbai FC’s season so far, Chika Wali has settled well into the life at the sole club in the city of dreams. Chika has acknowledged his team mates for the help and support during his initial days at the club.
“I am happy with the start of my career at Mumbai FC. I enjoy the life and the city. My team mates have helped a lot to settle here and now I am really enjoying playing with them”.
Chika felt his side endured a tough start to the season but they put in plenty of efforts to get it right. “It was tough early on but then we worked on our errors. We saw footages and learn where we were going wrong. Apart from that we always believed that we had the quality and kept on working hard and now things are getting better for us”.
Chika Wali and Justine Stephen have forged a great partnership at the heart of the Mumbai FC defence and have started all eight games for the Mumbai outfit. Chika has great things to say about his center back partner with whom he shared a good rapport even before his Mumbai days.
“Justine is a very good player. I have known him since we were at Prayag United and we share a good rapport with each other. That has helped us a lot over here and we are looking to put in better performances together”.
Pune FC was the place where it all began for Chika Wali and went on to spend four years at the Balewadi Stadium. Chika is grateful to the Pune Club for helping him grow as a player
“In football you often change clubs, and there is always a chance to come up against your former team. But I am a professional and Mumbai FC is my family now and I did whatever possible to help them get a draw. I have great respect for Pune FC with whom I started my career in India and I had a good time there, but now I am with Mumbai and that is all what I am thinking about”.
The crowds have been pouring in at Cooperage this season and that has had a great positive impact on Mumbai FC’s performances. Chika Wali has hailed the supporters and called them the best in the country.
“The fans have been amazing. They have come out in large numbers for every game we have played. You have fans of big clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal who have been there for a while, but I can comfortably say that we have the best fans in the country”.
Chika Wali was so much thrilled with the support of the fans that he has called for new stands to be constructed and has urged the supporters to fill in every seat.
“I would like every seat to be filled. I would also love if there are more stands, so that more people could come and watch us play”.
Chika Wali is well and truly a Mumbaikar now and has struck a chord with the Cooperage faithful. The powerful Nigerian stopper who also sports a nice smile is here to stay for a while, which is not good news for those hoping to breach fortress Cooperage.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
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…