Having grown up in an affluent business family, Abhimanyu Chopra doesn’t shy away from his background and is well aware of how lucky he is to get the chance to play and pursue the game. “Talking about my childhood, I was lucky enough to grow up in a supportive family which helped me get involved in football and make it my profession. I started playing football at the age of 12 and my love for football only grew.”

Crediting his parents for their continuous support in the game, Abhimanyu states, “My parents have been my source of inspiration throughout my journey. They are the reason behind my success.”

A versatile defender, who can play in any position at the back, Abhimanyu spent the majority of his teenage years playing in the local leagues of Mumbai. His first foray into the game came with his batch mates on the school ground. It is then he decided to join Aristocrats FC – a team made by a bunch of friends to play in the MFA 3^rd Division. Thereafter Abhimanyu moved to Barcode FC and later moved to PIFA Colaba and Mumbai FC in the following years.

His rise in the Mumbai Club circuit also included a stint in Portugal where he played for four months at Castello Forte football club playing in AF Lisboa 2° Divisão – the sixth tier of Portuguese football. Speaking about his experience, Chopra shared “It was an amazing experience. The difference was in the quality of training, the environment, and the dedication to playing the high-quality game with good strategy and skill. The player’s attitude towards the game was also quite different. The hard work and consistency requirement was significantly higher there”

By 2019, Abhimanyu had managed to come back and look for opportunities on Indian shores to join the FC Pune City setup. However, the Hero Indian Super League club would then go defunct the same year hurting a lot of football fans and players. The setback pushed Abhimanyu to rethink his options. With the global Pandemic affecting football across the globe, Abhimanyu decided to pursue his higher education.

However, his first love would continue to be football and it wasn’t long before he decided to get back to football. Abhimanyu, who idolizes Indian football Legend I M Vijayan has started preparing to get back into the game. “My target is always to be the best on the field. I started my training 3-to 4 months before the season to bring my physique and strength to the top level. With the season starting soon, I am working on my technicalities and also training to develop a tactical aspect of my game.”

At the peak of his age, Abhimanyu wants to be part of the best in the game, “I am looking forward to signing a club soon. I am currently in talks with a few ISL and I-League clubs.” says Abhimanyu before signing off.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: MFA Corporate Elite League: Bank of Baroda beat Air India 6-1

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After impressing everyone in the MDFA, Mumbaikar Azza Noorani displayed his skills in the I-League Qualifiers 2021 when he played for Kenkre FC, a team from his home city.

Azza started playing for Kenkre after he gave trials for them in September. “In September, they began their trials, where all the coaches were experienced and gave personal attention to every prospective player. The trials lasted for two weeks. It was a great experience also because I got selected,” said Azza.

With the Covid-19 restrictions in Mumbai, Kenkre’s team was assembled only a month before the qualifiers. The team was led by India’s youngest ‘A’ licensed coach Mr Akhil Kothari. Azza has played under many experienced and well-known coaches before Kenkre’s stint. On that, he said, “He is young, but he is dynamic and fearless. It was a pleasure to play under him, and I personally enjoyed it a lot.”

Azza became a vital cog in Kenkre’s squad this season, where he started all 7 games and performed exceptionally in every one of them. He also scored a fantastic goal against ARA FC, where Kenkre won by 2-1. “I have worked hard to play for Kenkre, and I think I performed well because I gave it my all. It was a proud moment for me that I got to start every match.”

Kenkre missed out on the title after they drew the must-win decider game against Rajasthan United, who went on to lift the trophy and qualify for the I-League. “It’s unfortunate that we missed out on this great opportunity. but I guess we will definitely come back much stronger and better.”

The Mumbaikar started his career with Carmelites SC, a local club from Mumbai that played in different Bandra leagues. After that, Azza never looked back, and he went on to play for Mumbai City FC juniors, then PIFA Colaba, where he had his first exposure to the top tier of Mumbai football. After his stint with PIFA, he was picked up by KSA, who represented in the MDFA elite division. Then finally, he was a part of Air India in 2019, which lifted the MDFA Nadkarni Trophy.

Speaking about Mumbai football, Azza said, “We have a huge number of talent in Mumbai, who all need a platform to showcase it. I think Kenkre is doing a great job to help the local players, which can make a big difference for all the Mumbaikars. I wish we could have got that I-league spot, and then the story would have been different altogether, but it’s ok, there’s a lot to come in future.”

Azza dreams of playing for the national side one day, which is his and his parents biggest dream. To conclude, Azza thanked all the team members, staff, coach of Kenkre FC for the recent eventful campaign and also his family and friends who have supported him until date.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

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Excerpts

How are you feeling after this switch from DSouza FA to Neroca FC?

It’s like a dream come true, I have worked so hard to reach here, and it feels good to get results finally. Playing at this level can be arduous, hence the focus is to take one step at a time.

 Run us through your initial days in football and the journey so far?

I have loved the sport since childhood. My journey was never a smooth sail, but persistence made it count. I’ve worked hard and tried to dream big always. I think that is the reason I received an opportunity. My family played a pivotal role in my journey, and so did my friends. (laughs)

Learnings from last season with Dsouza FA?

Last season was incredible for me. I scored many goals and won many games!

DFA helped me build the basics. Thanks to the coaches, teammates and staff. I have shared unforgettable memories with this club, which can be cherished for a lifetime. Special thanks to my constant motivator Clayton Dsouza sir.

 Future plans and ambitions?

I plan to perform and give my everything to Neroca FC and their fans. I hope we will get back on track and win the I-League. My ultimate dream is to represent India. 

Madan also had a brief stint in Spain. He represented Elite Union Academy in Europe’s biggest youth tournament, the MIC cup in Spain. He has also been to Spain before at 16 to play for Malaga City FC in Torrox Cup 2017-18.

Enlisting himself in the elite club, the 20-year-old left-winger looks forward to a bright season in the I-League with added zeal and commitment!

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: “The Istanbul opportunity is like a dream come true”, says UK United captain Shravan Shetty

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The Official 7’s was a tournament where you play 7v7 games. The tournament legs were played in Mumbai and Delhi, where the teams played league matches first, followed by knockouts. The top two teams from both the cities then get a chance to play the finale’s in Delhi, and UK United were the runners up in the Mumbai leg.

UK United faced arguably the best team in the league in the finale, the Goal Hunters. “We had a very tough opponent in the finals, named Goal Hunters, as they were very experienced and balanced with some good I-league players and also an ISL player. But this didn’t hamper our focus and dream to play in Istanbul, we were confident, and ultimately we got the result”, said team captain Shravan Shetty.

The final game was a very tight match where both the teams scored three goals till the end of the second half, and then in penalties, UK United won by 3-1. “I’m speechless, and I can’t describe this feeling. We have played and won a lot of tournaments over the years, but this one was extraordinary! We lost the Mumbai leg finals to Time Avenue, but we didn’t lose hope. We went to Delhi at our own expense and showed everyone what we are capable of,” said the UK United’s (Uncle’s Kitchen United) team owner Mr Ronnie Dsouza.

Mr Dsouza established this team 12 years ago, just became of his love for the sport. He also runs a restaurant in Mumbai named Uncle’s Kitchen since 1987. Talking about his team, he said, “I’m very lucky to have these bunch of players who are extremely talented, mannered and humble. I always believe that this team can win every tournament because the efforts they put in is tremendous! But winning or losing is just a part of the game; what matters personally is efforts.”

After winning the tournament, UK United gets a chance to go to Istanbul and play a league and friendlies with Turkish teams, a dream come true for the players and their owners. “International exposure is going to be a tremendous morale booster for the lads. It’s a dream come true for all of us to win this and go to Istanbul. We look forward to playing many more international tournaments if we get some good sponsors.”

The entire team, Mr Dsouza and the staff are excited about their upcoming tour to Istanbul and wish to continue their amazing winning streak!

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Amidst rumour of interest from Japan, Apuia signs for Mumbai City FC

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As Footballcounter continues to highlight the young talents from Mumbai, today we take a look into the life of Kenkre FC youngster Aniket Panchal. Although just 18 years old, Aniket’s pursuit of learning football has made him take some journey, one of which has seen the Mumbai lad spend 3 years of his youth football career in Bengaluru.

Having brought up in Colaba – one of the few football loving localities of Mumbai, Aniket would often watch matches of teams playing in local MDFA divisions. “My football journey traces back to when I was a kid, watching my local senior players playing in MDFA league at the St Xavier’s Parel ground.” Aniket adds.

Aniket soon started playing football in school but for a long time found it difficult to break in to the school team. This was when his school team coach took him to PIFA Colaba football club. At PIFA, Aniket spent 2 years learning the basics of football and representing the team in ‘Youth League’. After clearing the selection round of Bangalore based Ozone Football Academy, Aniket would shift to Bengaluru for the next three years of his life.

Having experienced the football leagues of both Mumbai and Bengaluru, the youngster feels the level of intensity in latter is higher than that of Mumbai leagues. “In Mumbai, there is a good competition, I would say. But in Bangalore, the intensity is at different level. I found the intensity there rather high, as compared to Mumbai” states Aniket.

Aniket Panchal in action during Kenkre FC vs Iron Born Elite Division encounter. Pic Credit – YouTurf

Aniket’s parents have been very supportive of his game. His father, Ravinder Panchal, who Aniket calls his first ever coach, wants his son to go all the way be an inspiration for Mumbai Footballers. “Aniket is a good player and he has the determination to work hard and get the job done. He has always wanted to represent the Indian National team and I hope in the future he can fulfill his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He can be an inspiration for many from the city of Mumbai.”

For more such articles on unknown talented footballers of Mumbai – visit here

Aniket’s impressive performance in Youth I League with Ozone caught the national selector’s eye as he was soon called into the U16 national camp for AFC U16 Championship. “I spent 3 very important years of my career with the Ozone football academy in Bangalore. I got called for the AFC U16 championship camp in Goa but unfortunately due to an injury I couldn’t make it in the team”, recalled Aniket.

“The national camp has been a good experience. I did feel bad in the beginning, but then I realized that life is all about the ups and downs and after that, I started working hard on every aspects of my life as a football player”, added Aniket on the experience and after missing out on final squad list.

The defensive midfielder, who strongly believes in team-work, feels this Covid-19 break as become a blessing in disguise for him as it has given him an opportunity to work on his Physical fitness and mental goals.

While football has resumed in most part of the world, India is still in lock-down having been heavily affected by the pandemic. Aniket Panchal is doing his level best to remain in his best shape and prepare for what could be a less flexible and short 2020-21 football season in India.

Picture Credit – YouTurf

Also Read: For a year or maybe half-a-year, there will be limitations on the spectators inside the stadias – Kushal Das

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The 24 year old has already been part of some of the top clubs in Mumbai. While Indian legend Sunil Chhetri is an inspiration for many, Dhruwesh took his early inspirations from local Cuff parade, Colaba players – Harshad Meher, Karim Shaikh.

Having started out with the then I league side – Mumbai FC’s age group teams, Dhruwesh began his professional career at Air India U19 side in MDFA Super Division. Later on, Dhruwesh went on to represent Dena Bank, UBI and finally ONGC.

Like many in Mumbai football, Dhruwesh’s connect with football began way back when he was in his school. Playing for Sai Ushadevi School in Colaba, Dhruwesh went on to represent them in the National School games. Talking about his son commitment to football, Dhruwesh’s father Anil Nijap, states “I am very proud of him, He was always interested in football. From school level itself, he has been self-motivated and has worked hard to improve himself. My dream for my son is to see him play in the national colours.”

Outside of school, Dhruwesh was a part of Mumbai FC U16 team before getting selected for Maharashtra U17 side. In last two seasons, Dhruwesh has been a regular member of the senior Maharashtra team that participated in Santosh trophy.

After representing Air India U19 – his first professional club under Coach Shyam Sawant, Dhruwesh switched to Dena Bank before playing two seasons with Union Bank of India. While at UBI, Dhruwesh played a crucial part in the team’s 3^rd place finish in Elite division. Talking about his stint at UBI Dhruwesh recalls,”I was trained under Mr. Julie sir & Mr Ryan Sir at Union Bank.  We were a good unit and had a successfully season with 3rd place finish in MDFA elite division.”

The centre back was soon picked up by ONGC and since 2018-19 seasons, he has been part of one of the strongest defensive unit in the city. It was with ONGC that Dhruwesh managed to carve out a name for himself. ONGC Coach Caetano Pinho hailed Dhruwesh consistency, “Dhruwesh is an elite player for us. Alongside Himanshu, Arif, Siddharth and others, Dhruwesh has been very consistent in his performance throughout the seasons. Very disciplined, dedicated & committed, he is a team player and a leader with a very eye on technical ability & tactical insights.”

Pinho, who represented ONGC a decade ago, believes Dhruwesh has a versatility factor and just needs the proper guidance. “Although Dhruwesh plays at the heart of the defence, If he is guided & coached well, he has the capability of playing as the full back & as well as a defensive midfielder.”

Dhruwesh alongside his defensive teammates at ONGC have been consistently in top form conceding just 10 goals in last 2 seasons. This season, a 6 game winning streak with absolute dominance in defence saw the ONGC rapidly climb the league table despite the late entry. However, the league had to be unfortunately abandoned midway due to Covid-19 pandemic.

“ONGC is the one of the best team in Mumbai.  I have played lots of All India Tournament with ONGC. It’s a great place to get some good experience. It’s a one big family, where senior players are like family members – awesome & helpful.  At ONGC, Players work hard & do serious practice on ground but at the same time we are encouraged to have fun.”

– Dhruwesh Nijap, on his experience at ONGC

Dhruwesh, who considers Sandesh Jhingan as a role model, believes he is ready for higher challenges as well. “I am ready for national leagues and my aim is to play for the best Indian clubs out there and eventually represent my National team.”

Echoing the defenders words is his Coach Pinho, who believes Dhruwesh has got what it takes to make it at the top level, “I think that he is ready to take on higher challenges in the national leagues in India. At higher level, he will be required to work even harder, be more disciplined on his nutrition, rest & recovery (sleep). As far as I know him, he has those capabilities.”

Also Read: ISL to happen behind closed doors, Goa one of the favourable regions

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At 21, Yash has already established himself as one of the top young defenders in the city with plenty of laurels already to his name in Mumbai including the nomination for the best defender award for MDFA Elite Division 2018-19 season. The young centre back, while playing for Air India previously, had won the Best defender title in 2017 when the club lifted MDFA Super Division. He further followed it with two runners-up finish with his club in the next two seasons of Elite Division (Mumbai’s top flight football).

Growing up, sports were embedded in young Yash as he played numerous sports for his school team, including Cricket and Long distance running. After his coach’s suggestion to try out football, Yash tried out as goalkeeper initially but switched to striker’s role and soon was hooked with the game.

Yash joined his first academy at Football school of India (FSI), where he met numerous national level players and it inspired Yash to take up the sport professionally. In 2017, Yash joined Air India U19 side and played in the MDFA Super Division (2^nd tier of Mumbai Football). With solid defensive performance, Air India went onto win the title that year with Yash himself winning the ‘Best defender’ award for that season. Impressed by his performances, senior team coaches of Air India – Godfrey Pereira and Anthony Fernandes promoted Yash to main team roaster to play in Elite Division.

Talking about his time at Air India, Yash stated, “I didn’t get much game time during my first year in senior team. I was the youngest player & there were much experienced players in the team. But still I didn’t lose my determination. During my second year, our team played a practice match against Real Kashmir in the pre season where I did well and my coaches soon gave me starts.” Thereafter Yash played almost all the matches of MDFA Elite division that season & even went on to bag a nomination for the best defender award.

It came as no surprise that city based ISL outfit Mumbai City FC immediately went for the versatile defender for their reserve squad in 2^nd Division I-League and MDFA Elite Div. Yash soon found his space into the squad as he went on to start for his team from the word go.

Talking about what he saw in Yash, Coach Mohan Das (Mumbai City FC Reserves) said, “When I was scouting for our Mumbai city FC reserve team, I saw positive attitude in Yash. He was playing as right centre defender for them, winning maximum balls & not shooting directly in certain situations. He was also tackling and in transition from defending to attacking quite well. He used to try build up from the back which shows player’s game reading ability.”

Coach Mohan continued to heap praise on Yash, further adding, “He is technically good with ball. He is also very hardworking and getting better in his tactical awareness and physical strength. He is always ready to work hard, learn and take new challenges. In addition he wants to win every game. He is versatile and can play in multiple positions. I hope to see him at top level soon”

The Islanders reserve side had a dream start to the season, however midway through the season the club was involved in an unnecessary controversy. A violent altercation broke out between few of the club’s player and Match officials, post Mumbai City’s game against KSA in MDFA Elite division encounter. The resulting inquiry saw club getting banned from playing any more league games for rest of the season with 10 other players getting longer bans too.

Talking about that incident, Yash adds, “I was very disappointed about the incident and the team as well, as it was not a professional behaviour. We as a team decided not to let such an incident happen again and the team management helped us a lot to move on.”

Talking about the recent Covid 19 pandemic and how he is dealing with dealing with it, Yash continues, “Even though I cannot train in the regular way, I still try to maintain my fitness at home. Our Mumbai city coaches and players get together on zoom meetings and our coaches suggest us with new exercises regularly which really help us to maintain our physique. Sometimes they try to keep it entertaining during lock-down by hosting fun quizzes, which is great.”

Like every footballer, Yash dream is to ultimately get into the national team. For that to happen, Yash has set goals for himself, “I have set my goals step by step. First I am looking forward to play I-league or even better ISL (Indian Super League) as it is best platform to showcase our talent and what we have got.”

Having left the disappointment of last season behind, Yash eagerly waits for the new football season to begin. “I want to give my best as there is no other way I can get into the national team. For that the only mantra that I am following is hard work without a day off. I want to make full use of this lock-down and come out stronger and fitter than before.”

Also Read: I have learned from my mistake – Rahul Das

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