Colaco targets ‘much more’ with Kenkre FC as Hero I-League journey reaches climax
Kenkre FC are on the verge of completing one of the greatest turnarounds ever seen in Indian football as they find themselves potentially a win away from Hero I-League survival. Having acquired just two points in their first 12 games, the Mumbai-based club have won 3 and drawn 1 of their last 4 to take the fight until their last match.
Midfielder Siddharth Colaco has been part of this rollercoaster ride throughout the season, making 13 appearances and even captaining the side on a number of occasions.
“To be honest, I did accept it will be a tough season for us. But we had nothing to lose here. We’ll give our best till the end like we have been doing and we’ll look forward to a strong finish,” he said.
After being born in Goa, Colaco’s family moved to Mumbai when he was still a toddler and football entered his life during his school days. He went from strength to strength and after representing his college team, the option to go pro emerged.
“My friend suggested a trial at Kenkre FC and that was the first time I met my boss (head coach Akhil Kothari) who was scouting the players. After the match, he called and told me that the selected players will get a chance to play in the Hero I-League 2nd Division. I had no idea at the time that a club from Mumbai was even playing at this level. So, the next day I received the call that I had been selected,” recalled Colaco.
Playing in midfield at a high level is no mean feat and even more so for the 25-year-old who stands at 5’7”, but like his idol Climax Lawrence, he is a workhorse.
“Due to my height, I used to play many positions in the midfield and attack. My idol at the time was Climax sir who used to be play regularly for the national team and box to box style of play inspired me a lot,” said Colaco.
Kenkre FC thought that their chance to compete in the Hero I-League 2021-22 had disappeared after losing to Rajasthan United in the final of the Qualifiers so when a second chance appeared out of the blue, Colaco couldn’t believe it.
“I was at the Santosh Trophy qualifiers in Rajasthan and it was my birthday. Suddenly, we got we received a message saying that Kenkre will be playing in the Hero I-League. I felt like leaving everything right then and there and immediately going back to my team,” he laughed.
And when the time did come, the midfielder was ready for the challenge, having absorbed all the information and advice given to him by those who had been there and done it.
“Our former seniors from Mumbai like Rahul Bheke and Nikhil Poojary helped us by telling us what it was like to play at that level and what you need to focus on. Even Lester (Fernandez), who I’m lucky to have as my roommate here, supported me on and off the pitch after every game,” said Colaco.
“It was always my dream to play for Kenkre FC at this level and I believe we can achieve much more and we are aiming to do just that,” he concluded.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Skipper Lobato inspires TRAU to victory over Aizawl, and Hero I-League survival
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
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,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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…