Aylmer Gonsalves – The Mechanical Engineer rewriting Mumbai Super League history

by Chittu Shetty December 27, 2023

Juggling between Corporate Job and his love for Football, Aylmer Gonsalves – a mechanical engineer and Mumbai Super League’s current top scorer, has been engineering success both on and off the field with Om Saidham FC

In the bustling realm of Mumbai football, one name has emerged as the beacon of goal-scoring brilliance — Aylmer Gonsalves. The talismanic striker for Om Saidham FC has set the Mumbai Super League ablaze with his extraordinary goal-scoring feat, tallying an astounding 23 goals and contributing 6 assists in just 7 games.

Aylmer, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Don Bosco Institute of Engineering (Class of 2022), currently serves as a Service Engineer at Dyson India. His journey, however, didn’t begin with him leading the line. In his early days, he stood tall between the posts as a goalkeeper. The transition to the striker’s role occurred last season with Desperadoes FC, where he not only embraced the new position but excelled, bagging 16 goals and earning the coveted Best Striker Award.

This season, adorned in the colors of Om Saidham FC, Aylmer has carried forward his goal-scoring prowess. When asked about his remarkable start in the Mumbai Super League, he humbly attributed his success to the collective effort, saying, “It’s a decent season for me in terms of scoring; the goal tally could have been better, but most importantly, these goal contributions are helping the team to progress, and that’s what matters to me.”

In a sport that champions teamwork, Aylmer emphasized the collaborative nature of football. He acknowledged the pivotal role his teammates play in his goal-scoring exploits, stating, “All the goals that I’ve scored are because of my teammates so I would like to thank them. But most importantly, as a team, our main focus is to win the game and earn 3 points. Our team has exceptional players who always contribute to achieving our target.”

Behind the scenes, Aylmer’s dedication to his craft shines through in his training routine. Whether it’s practicing team planning and fitness on Saturdays or honing his finishing skills on the local ground or beach, Aylmer’s commitment is evident. He stressed the importance of staying hydrated before games to ensure peak performance.

Having not started the opening game of the season for Om Saidham against Mumbai Ultras, Aylmer reminisced about the first goal against Bombay Gymkhana when asked about his favorite goal of the season. He revealed that it held special significance as it marked a turning point in gaining the confidence of his coach and teammates.

Aylmer’s football journey, marked by a switch from goalkeeper to striker, showcases his adaptability and determination. From school days at St Stanislaus High School to stints as a goalkeeper in MFA’s lower divisions, Aylmer’s breakthrough season as a striker with Desperadoes FC laid the foundation for his current success.

Challenges are an inherent part of any player’s journey, and Aylmer is no exception. Juggling corporate responsibilities with a passion for football poses its difficulties, but Aylmer believes it’s a worthwhile sacrifice. Learning from teammates and coaches is another aspect of his approach to continuous improvement.

As Om Saidham FC currently sits in the 4th position, Aylmer outlined the team’s aspirations for the rest of the season, saying, “We still have 3 games in hand, and if we win all, we can directly qualify. So we have to be at our best to grasp all 9 points in the remaining 3 games and not keep worrying about other teams in our group.”

In a closing message to the fans and supporters of Om Saidham FC, Aylmer expressed confidence in the team, saying, “Have trust in this team, and we won’t let you down.”

Aylmer Gonsalves, with his goal-scoring prowess and team-first mentality, is not just chasing individual milestones but is an integral part of Om Saidham FC’s quest for glory in the Mumbai Super League. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on this striker who has truly come into his own, turning every goal into a statement of intent.

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