Arjuna awardee, great servant of Indian football, Peter Thangaraj passed away at the age of 73 on November 24 at Bokaro, Orissa. He is survided by his wife, son, and a daughter.
Thangaraj was ailing for quite some time. In his long illustrious career, he represented India in the 1956 and 1060 Olympics. Also, represented India in the three Asian Games, Tokyo in 1958, Jakarta in 1962, and Bangkok in 1966. He was the key member of the gold winning football team of the 1962 Asian Games.
Thangaraj came into notice when he played for the Services team. Later, donned colors of Md.Sporting, Mohun Bagan, and East Bengal at Kolkata. He played for Railways for more than a decade.
He represented the all Asian Star team and honored with the goal keeper of the millennium by East Bengal club.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
HAL defeats Pune FC
It was a day to remember for the football fans of Bangalore. City giants HAL, defeated Pune FC, and entered the final rounds of the Federation Cup 2008. It was a combined effort of tight defence, operating midfield, and sharp attack to overcome the challenge of Pune FC.
HAL got the better of their opponent in every department the game. They dominated the proceeding right from the beginning. Veteran war horse, RC Prakash scored the most important goal in the 38th minute of the match. Local lad, RC Prakash, who is back to Bangalore after playing eight seasons for different clubs in Kolkata and Goa, started his career for ITI.
The combination of captain, Xavier Vijay Kumar and RC Prakash really played well and entertained the crowd. Pune FC tried hard to come back to the game with some goods work from hard working Kamal Thapa. Mid fielder, Asim Hassan tried some lovely long rangers, which missed the goal by a whisker.
Teams
HAL: 30-Amar Deb; 8- Xavier Vijay Kumar (90'+4', 15-Satish Jr), 6-Satish Kumar; 14-Rajendra Prasad; 9-Dada Nabeel; 18-Goutam Debnath; 17-RC Prakash (75', 7-Karthigayan); 2-Sumit Thapa; 4-Naveen Babu; 26-Joseph Femi Adeola; 10-Fredrik Okwagbe
Pune FC: 1-Balaji Narsimhan; 2-Othallo Tabia; 3-Caitano Costa; 4-Kamal Thapa; 6-S Venkatesh; 7-M Sudeesh (61', 18-Crispin Chettri) 8-Asim Hassan; 10-Jeje Lalpekhlwa; 15-Lalrojama (59' 9-Santa Kumar); 27-Chika Wali; 28-Gobin Sewaram (79' Sandesh Gadkari)
Yellow card: 85' Kamal Thapa
Referee: G Thambiraj
Assistant referee: Nazir Ahmad, Kamil
HAL got the better of their opponent in every department the game. They dominated the proceeding right from the beginning. Veteran war horse, RC Prakash scored the most important goal in the 38th minute of the match. Local lad, RC Prakash, who is back to Bangalore after playing eight seasons for different clubs in Kolkata and Goa, started his career for ITI.
The combination of captain, Xavier Vijay Kumar and RC Prakash really played well and entertained the crowd. Pune FC tried hard to come back to the game with some goods work from hard working Kamal Thapa. Mid fielder, Asim Hassan tried some lovely long rangers, which missed the goal by a whisker.
Teams
HAL: 30-Amar Deb; 8- Xavier Vijay Kumar (90'+4', 15-Satish Jr), 6-Satish Kumar; 14-Rajendra Prasad; 9-Dada Nabeel; 18-Goutam Debnath; 17-RC Prakash (75', 7-Karthigayan); 2-Sumit Thapa; 4-Naveen Babu; 26-Joseph Femi Adeola; 10-Fredrik Okwagbe
Pune FC: 1-Balaji Narsimhan; 2-Othallo Tabia; 3-Caitano Costa; 4-Kamal Thapa; 6-S Venkatesh; 7-M Sudeesh (61', 18-Crispin Chettri) 8-Asim Hassan; 10-Jeje Lalpekhlwa; 15-Lalrojama (59' 9-Santa Kumar); 27-Chika Wali; 28-Gobin Sewaram (79' Sandesh Gadkari)
Yellow card: 85' Kamal Thapa
Referee: G Thambiraj
Assistant referee: Nazir Ahmad, Kamil
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Du Talks
Out of the plethora of foreign football players playing in India, Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, popularly known as Du has been one of the few who has carved a niche among the football lovers in the country. His commitment towards the game is highly regarded he is a very popular figure amongst his colleagues.
Du is presently in Bangalore and representing Salgaonkar in the Federation Cup qualifiers. Bumped onto him for an informal chat and our discussion wend on for an hour.
Q: So, Du how has been the journey so far in India?
Du: It has been good. Around four years ago, in this city I started my football in India. Played for HAL for 3-months. Later joined Mohun Bagan, played for more than two seasons, got injured, was out o action for a year, returned to Brazil, got recuperated, played few exhibition matches there to be match fit, and finally returned this season in India, and joined Salgaokar, Goa.
Q: Now the obvious question, you have played in both Kolkata and Goa, places where football is the most popular sports. What difference do you see?
Du: I knew this was coming (laughs). The most striking difference is pressure, which is enormous in Kolkata. When you play there, the officials, the supporters, everybody wants to win. When you go outside to play the exhibition matches, the officials would come and tell, “We must win this match”. Winning is good alright, and everybody wants to win. But, while doing this you are constant pressure for every moment and makes you very difficult to perform consistently.If you look at the present East Bengal team, they have so many national footballers in their rooster. Yet, they are not performing well, it is all because of pressure. We have to understand that we can't win each and every matches, there are good and bad days at the office. During bad times, you have to stay behind the players. I have nothing against the officials, they have always been good to me. It is high time that the Kolkata club officials/supporters change their mindset.
In Goa, though the people love and follow football, they don't come to the ground to cheer their team. We play in empty gallery for most of the matches. Exactly opposite in Kolkata, forget derby matches, even when a big team plays against a small team, the fans come in numbers.
Q: How is the Goa local league?
Du: Better, local club matches are competitive. There is not much difference between the I-League teams and the other teams. This Sesa team, who is also playing here in the Fed Cup qualifiers defeated many I-league teams in the local league.(Goa Football Association) GFA is professional. They delayed the local league from the middle to the end of the monsoon so that we get better grounds. Also, ground conditions are much better in Goa.
Q: You have played under several coaches in India, whom do you consider the best?
Du: It has to be Subhas Bhowmik, he is like a father figure! You will find him very strict at the ground, but when he is out of the pitch, he is just like any other friend. Joking, making fun, mixing freely with the players.Also, I cannot forget veteran Amol Dutta, he saved Mohun Bagan from difficult times.Other day I was reading a book written by a famous coach. He says about few basic thing that a coach is only successful when his players and the team is successful. And in order to achieve that coach must feel for the players and vice-versa. There should be no egoism here.
Q: Another aspect of you is your commitment towards the game. I can't forget the incident in the I-League 06 (that time NFL) away match against Salgaonkar, when you received marching orders but you stayed close to the field, you were not ready to head towards the players arena.
Du: Ohh, don't talk about the match, I wanted to go again to the field (laughs). I guess every Brazilians are committed towards the game and feels for the team. When you go inside, that's your life, you have to give your best shot.I am a professional footballer, I left my country, friends, relatives for the sake of money, I have to be committed towards my game.
Q: Who are the best Indian footballers to you?
Du: Forward: Sunil Chettri Midfielder: N P Pradeep Defender: Mahesh Gawli, though he is somewhat struggling due to injury. Also the other defender from Dempo is good. Goalkeeper: It was Subrata Pal sometime back, now I have to search for it! (laughs)
Q: What is up next?
Du: I like to take everything game-by-game. Presently, We need to play well in the Federation Cup and qualify for the main rounds.Hopefully, we will also play well and qualify for the 1st division I-League next year.I am with a 2-years contract with my present club, I would like to oblige that.Also, I am interested to go back to Kolkata should I get a good offer. Though there are many cons playing there, there are also many pros (laughs). I loved the fan following there, Whenever you go, people would recognize you, ask for autographs, take pictures, etc. That's an amazing experience, I will cherish for life! There's nothing like that in Goa, I've almost lost the touch for giving autographs here (laughs)!
Q: Du, thanks for talking to Indianfootball.com, wish you very best for your future endeavors!
Du: My pleasure and take care!
Du is presently in Bangalore and representing Salgaonkar in the Federation Cup qualifiers. Bumped onto him for an informal chat and our discussion wend on for an hour.
Q: So, Du how has been the journey so far in India?
Du: It has been good. Around four years ago, in this city I started my football in India. Played for HAL for 3-months. Later joined Mohun Bagan, played for more than two seasons, got injured, was out o action for a year, returned to Brazil, got recuperated, played few exhibition matches there to be match fit, and finally returned this season in India, and joined Salgaokar, Goa.
Q: Now the obvious question, you have played in both Kolkata and Goa, places where football is the most popular sports. What difference do you see?
Du: I knew this was coming (laughs). The most striking difference is pressure, which is enormous in Kolkata. When you play there, the officials, the supporters, everybody wants to win. When you go outside to play the exhibition matches, the officials would come and tell, “We must win this match”. Winning is good alright, and everybody wants to win. But, while doing this you are constant pressure for every moment and makes you very difficult to perform consistently.If you look at the present East Bengal team, they have so many national footballers in their rooster. Yet, they are not performing well, it is all because of pressure. We have to understand that we can't win each and every matches, there are good and bad days at the office. During bad times, you have to stay behind the players. I have nothing against the officials, they have always been good to me. It is high time that the Kolkata club officials/supporters change their mindset.
In Goa, though the people love and follow football, they don't come to the ground to cheer their team. We play in empty gallery for most of the matches. Exactly opposite in Kolkata, forget derby matches, even when a big team plays against a small team, the fans come in numbers.
Q: How is the Goa local league?
Du: Better, local club matches are competitive. There is not much difference between the I-League teams and the other teams. This Sesa team, who is also playing here in the Fed Cup qualifiers defeated many I-league teams in the local league.(Goa Football Association) GFA is professional. They delayed the local league from the middle to the end of the monsoon so that we get better grounds. Also, ground conditions are much better in Goa.
Q: You have played under several coaches in India, whom do you consider the best?
Du: It has to be Subhas Bhowmik, he is like a father figure! You will find him very strict at the ground, but when he is out of the pitch, he is just like any other friend. Joking, making fun, mixing freely with the players.Also, I cannot forget veteran Amol Dutta, he saved Mohun Bagan from difficult times.Other day I was reading a book written by a famous coach. He says about few basic thing that a coach is only successful when his players and the team is successful. And in order to achieve that coach must feel for the players and vice-versa. There should be no egoism here.
Q: Another aspect of you is your commitment towards the game. I can't forget the incident in the I-League 06 (that time NFL) away match against Salgaonkar, when you received marching orders but you stayed close to the field, you were not ready to head towards the players arena.
Du: Ohh, don't talk about the match, I wanted to go again to the field (laughs). I guess every Brazilians are committed towards the game and feels for the team. When you go inside, that's your life, you have to give your best shot.I am a professional footballer, I left my country, friends, relatives for the sake of money, I have to be committed towards my game.
Q: Who are the best Indian footballers to you?
Du: Forward: Sunil Chettri Midfielder: N P Pradeep Defender: Mahesh Gawli, though he is somewhat struggling due to injury. Also the other defender from Dempo is good. Goalkeeper: It was Subrata Pal sometime back, now I have to search for it! (laughs)
Q: What is up next?
Du: I like to take everything game-by-game. Presently, We need to play well in the Federation Cup and qualify for the main rounds.Hopefully, we will also play well and qualify for the 1st division I-League next year.I am with a 2-years contract with my present club, I would like to oblige that.Also, I am interested to go back to Kolkata should I get a good offer. Though there are many cons playing there, there are also many pros (laughs). I loved the fan following there, Whenever you go, people would recognize you, ask for autographs, take pictures, etc. That's an amazing experience, I will cherish for life! There's nothing like that in Goa, I've almost lost the touch for giving autographs here (laughs)!
Q: Du, thanks for talking to Indianfootball.com, wish you very best for your future endeavors!
Du: My pleasure and take care!
Salgaonkar through to the next round
Salgaonkar overcame the challenge of BEML and entered the final ofpreliminary round. Enjoying the home support, the local outfit BEMLstarted well by taking a lead with Prakash's goal. Salgaonkar cameback strongly after conceding the goal. The equalizer, an outcome ofexcellent one touch football by the center-half and the forwards,fooled BEML's defence, and finally Bijen Singh netted the ball to thegoal.
BEML exerted pressure at the begining of the of the second half.Winger Gopi mand some excellent moves with many goal-mouth centers.Jotin Singh's powerful shot was saved by keeper Moraes in the 55thminutes. Coach Bhowmik made a clever move, by replacing tired Bungo Singh with Anthoy. The winner for Salgaonkar came in the 59th minute,Bijen Singh's powerful center addressed to Antony, and striker IvenD'Silva made no mistake to place Antony's cross to the goal. IvenD'Silva later displayed some amazing touches and missed a sitter in84th minute.
Team
Salgaonkar: 31-Moares; 28-Du; 8-Agnelo Colaso; 18-Denzil Franco;17-Biju Kumar; 7-Bungo Singh (57', 9-Anthony); 30-Francis (84',14-Jerosu); 16-Bijen Singh; 10-Iven Da'Silva (90+2', 11-Anil Kumar);27-Beevan Demello; 32-Cajetn F
BEML: 22-Rajan; 2-Ricky Joy; 3-Shivamani; 4-Obinna Winners; 9-Prakash;7-Gopi; 6-Md. Dadakhalandar; 8-Sanath Kumar; 10-Jotin Singh (66'15-Govinda); 11-Samuel Jackson; 17-Deepak (78', 13-Wilfred);
Yellow cards:
Salgaonkar: Francis, Bijen Singh
BEML: Obinna Winners, Gopi, Jotin Singh, Wilfred
Refree: Thambiraj
Assistant Refree: Amjad Khan, Nazir Ahmad
BEML exerted pressure at the begining of the of the second half.Winger Gopi mand some excellent moves with many goal-mouth centers.Jotin Singh's powerful shot was saved by keeper Moraes in the 55thminutes. Coach Bhowmik made a clever move, by replacing tired Bungo Singh with Anthoy. The winner for Salgaonkar came in the 59th minute,Bijen Singh's powerful center addressed to Antony, and striker IvenD'Silva made no mistake to place Antony's cross to the goal. IvenD'Silva later displayed some amazing touches and missed a sitter in84th minute.
Team
Salgaonkar: 31-Moares; 28-Du; 8-Agnelo Colaso; 18-Denzil Franco;17-Biju Kumar; 7-Bungo Singh (57', 9-Anthony); 30-Francis (84',14-Jerosu); 16-Bijen Singh; 10-Iven Da'Silva (90+2', 11-Anil Kumar);27-Beevan Demello; 32-Cajetn F
BEML: 22-Rajan; 2-Ricky Joy; 3-Shivamani; 4-Obinna Winners; 9-Prakash;7-Gopi; 6-Md. Dadakhalandar; 8-Sanath Kumar; 10-Jotin Singh (66'15-Govinda); 11-Samuel Jackson; 17-Deepak (78', 13-Wilfred);
Yellow cards:
Salgaonkar: Francis, Bijen Singh
BEML: Obinna Winners, Gopi, Jotin Singh, Wilfred
Refree: Thambiraj
Assistant Refree: Amjad Khan, Nazir Ahmad
BEML beats Indian Bank, through to the next round
A spirited display of attacking football in the second half ensured local outfit, BEML to go through to the semi final of the Federation Cup 2008 group A qualifier.
The first half proved to be a dull affair with both the teams tried to gain lead by taking futile long rangers. However, the last minute of the first half, almost proved fatal for Indian Bank when a valiant move from BEML import, Samuel Jackson, who passed the ball to Ramana Kumar, and Ramana's shot only found the woodwork.
The second half belonged to BEML as they displayed attacking football right from the start. Orchestrated by Samuel Jackson, BEML made repeated attempts to the goalmouth but failed to convert one. It was only in the 65th minute, when the opportunistic Md. Dadakhalandar scored the opener. Two minutes later, another goal from Gopi sealed the game for BEML. Bankmen tried hard to come back into the game in the dying moments, but in vain.
BEML will meet Salgaocar Sports Club on Saturday, November 22
Teams:
BEML, Bangalore: 22-Rajan; 2-Ricky Joy (81', 15-Govinda); 3-Shivamani; 4-Obinna Winners; 9-Prakash; 7-Gopi (87', 12-Wilfred); 6-Md. Khalandar; 8-Sanath Kumar; 14-Tiken Singh; 10-Jotin Singh; 11-Samuel Jackson
Indian Bank, Chennai: 30-Udayshankar; 2-Prathiban; 21-Ignatius Sanga Satish; 19-Hemanta Singh; 16-Bengkok Nameirakpam; 8-Gunasekhar; 5-Manikandan (70', 14-Rocky Philem); 9-David (89', 24-Kartikayan); 6-Nirmal Kumar (80', 3-Rajasekhar); 10-Elamueragan; 7-Fredy
Refree: Amjad Khan
Assistants refree: Md. Kamil, Nazir Ahmad
The first half proved to be a dull affair with both the teams tried to gain lead by taking futile long rangers. However, the last minute of the first half, almost proved fatal for Indian Bank when a valiant move from BEML import, Samuel Jackson, who passed the ball to Ramana Kumar, and Ramana's shot only found the woodwork.
The second half belonged to BEML as they displayed attacking football right from the start. Orchestrated by Samuel Jackson, BEML made repeated attempts to the goalmouth but failed to convert one. It was only in the 65th minute, when the opportunistic Md. Dadakhalandar scored the opener. Two minutes later, another goal from Gopi sealed the game for BEML. Bankmen tried hard to come back into the game in the dying moments, but in vain.
BEML will meet Salgaocar Sports Club on Saturday, November 22
Teams:
BEML, Bangalore: 22-Rajan; 2-Ricky Joy (81', 15-Govinda); 3-Shivamani; 4-Obinna Winners; 9-Prakash; 7-Gopi (87', 12-Wilfred); 6-Md. Khalandar; 8-Sanath Kumar; 14-Tiken Singh; 10-Jotin Singh; 11-Samuel Jackson
Indian Bank, Chennai: 30-Udayshankar; 2-Prathiban; 21-Ignatius Sanga Satish; 19-Hemanta Singh; 16-Bengkok Nameirakpam; 8-Gunasekhar; 5-Manikandan (70', 14-Rocky Philem); 9-David (89', 24-Kartikayan); 6-Nirmal Kumar (80', 3-Rajasekhar); 10-Elamueragan; 7-Fredy
Refree: Amjad Khan
Assistants refree: Md. Kamil, Nazir Ahmad
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Football action returns to Bangalore
There is some good news for the football lovers in Bangalore. After making news for all sorts of wrong reasons, the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) league is going all set to start in December.
But before that the soccer fans would witness some national-level football action when the top clubs lock horns for the 30th Federation Cup qualifier. Bangalore Football Stadium will host the qualifying matches for Group A and B from November 20 to 28.
Issuing a press release on Tuesday, the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) general secretary, Krishna Narayana stated that the state association is apparently trying hard to kick-start the football activity.
The release further stated that the office of the newly constituted BDFA committee met the KSFA officials to discuss the BDFA league including Super, A, B, and C divisions scheduled to commence from December.
Meanwhile, Krishna Narayana also said that the new committee headed by M P Swamy will meet shortly and KSFA has assured full support.
KSFA announced that football activities in the state would kick-start with the inter-district football tournament to be held in Mangalore from Nov. 13-18.
But before that the soccer fans would witness some national-level football action when the top clubs lock horns for the 30th Federation Cup qualifier. Bangalore Football Stadium will host the qualifying matches for Group A and B from November 20 to 28.
Issuing a press release on Tuesday, the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) general secretary, Krishna Narayana stated that the state association is apparently trying hard to kick-start the football activity.
The release further stated that the office of the newly constituted BDFA committee met the KSFA officials to discuss the BDFA league including Super, A, B, and C divisions scheduled to commence from December.
Meanwhile, Krishna Narayana also said that the new committee headed by M P Swamy will meet shortly and KSFA has assured full support.
KSFA announced that football activities in the state would kick-start with the inter-district football tournament to be held in Mangalore from Nov. 13-18.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Cheers to Chhang!
Must be the first week of May when we were traveling to Sikkim. Enroute to Yungtham, we stayed over at Lachung. It was around 7-ish in the evening, pitch dark, came out of the hotel for a stroll.
Quite amazed to see how a shack-like shop could stock foreign liquors. Out of curiosity, peeped inside the shop, saw a middle-aged cop happily sipping-in a drink from a bamboo glass.
I knew what to do... Ordered one for myself and started talking to the cop, employed in Indo-Bhutan police. Later, the lady owner and her husband joined the conversation. Came to know that the drink, named Chhang or Thumba, is a local-brewed millet beer, and traditionally served in bamboo glass with a wooden straw.
Took few pictures on my cell-phone camera, but alas, lost my it while returning from Tukla.
It was an amazing experience to see, taste, and feel the unofficial state drink of Sikkim.
Photo courtesy: Anindita Sarbadhikary
Hello world, I’m WFH!
I am whistling, opps working from home (WFH)! My wish of composing a mail with the similar subject line is soon going to be a reality.
A small one-liner, not-so-important mail means a lot to me. Sounds funny, huh! Lest I get emotional, you need to read this story…
It all started more than a year ago, when the bumpy roads of Pune affected my lower back. Orthopedic surgeon got scared after knowing the fact that I drive 10 miles daily to work and consulted me to go for an MRI scan.
Next is what? Stuck in acute pain, I applied for WFH option. Looking at the response from the HR department, I felt I’ve seriously done something wrong.
Like a true government organization (hey, did you hear BrinhanMumbai Municipal Corporation - BMC) WFH option starts from a certain band, and poor me, I didn’t fall under that category.
However, the HR department did advise me to take necessary medical test and get it certified by the company-appointed doctor, and the doctor has the final say. Spend 6K for an MRI scan and the scan report suggested that I should refrain from driving such a long distance.
However, the MRI report didn’t satisfy the doctor to give me a go. Rather, he resorted to a holistic approach and started explaining me all the possible means and methods of getting rid of this pain. It took no time to understand he’s parroting management’s view, perhaps in a different way.
So my wish to WFH dashed into the yard, and I continued commuting to work with pain. Hopes revived when my director who came from US to Pune for a business trip and promised to take this matter to the authorities. However, that didn’t yield any different result.
Cut to June 2008, new job, new location. My employer, Big Blue, values a lot when it comes to wasting time on beating long city traffic, and encourages WFH.
Now, broadband connection is up and running (BSNL, thanks), can get connected to the office networks, and all set to sent the mail.
Hello world...
A small one-liner, not-so-important mail means a lot to me. Sounds funny, huh! Lest I get emotional, you need to read this story…
It all started more than a year ago, when the bumpy roads of Pune affected my lower back. Orthopedic surgeon got scared after knowing the fact that I drive 10 miles daily to work and consulted me to go for an MRI scan.
Next is what? Stuck in acute pain, I applied for WFH option. Looking at the response from the HR department, I felt I’ve seriously done something wrong.
Like a true government organization (hey, did you hear BrinhanMumbai Municipal Corporation - BMC) WFH option starts from a certain band, and poor me, I didn’t fall under that category.
However, the HR department did advise me to take necessary medical test and get it certified by the company-appointed doctor, and the doctor has the final say. Spend 6K for an MRI scan and the scan report suggested that I should refrain from driving such a long distance.
However, the MRI report didn’t satisfy the doctor to give me a go. Rather, he resorted to a holistic approach and started explaining me all the possible means and methods of getting rid of this pain. It took no time to understand he’s parroting management’s view, perhaps in a different way.
So my wish to WFH dashed into the yard, and I continued commuting to work with pain. Hopes revived when my director who came from US to Pune for a business trip and promised to take this matter to the authorities. However, that didn’t yield any different result.
Cut to June 2008, new job, new location. My employer, Big Blue, values a lot when it comes to wasting time on beating long city traffic, and encourages WFH.
Now, broadband connection is up and running (BSNL, thanks), can get connected to the office networks, and all set to sent the mail.
Hello world...
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tête-à-tête Paresh Shivalkar
Paresh Shivalkar must have been a true pathbreaker! At the age of 18 he realized that he can make a career as a football player, what next? Looking for greener pastures, he packed his bags, and left for Mumbai because that-time-Pune had very little to offer him as a football player.
Now things are changing, academies are floated, corporates are venturing into the football arena. After a long season, Paresh’s back in his home town, Pune. He’s seen regularly at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Educational Campus ground, Katraj where the II Division I-League, Pune phase is going on (March 26 thru April 13, 2008). While covering the ongoing tournament, Paresh was kind enough to share his thoughts with me - his experience, pain, and off-course gain he got while playing the game of football.
Starting days
Till 12th strandard, I never took the game seriously. Playing football at that time was like those regular-mundane extra-curricular activities, where you just play it like any other games. Started playing for Sky Hawks at the local league, this was my first introduction to serious football. In Sky Hawks, I played under the tutelage of Vivek sir (Vivek Nagul is now the assistant coach of Pune Football Club). He envisioned the potential in me, encouraged me to take the sports seriously.
Formative years
I was selected for the under-19 and -21 national trials, however, couldn’t make it to the final squad. It is very difficult to get noticed if you hail from cities like Pune. But, I never got disheartened, took it in my stride, and concentrated on my game. I was fortunate to have Vivek sir behind me, but again he was new and had limitations.
I moved to Mumbai, and signed a second division team, Gulf Oil. While playing for Gulf Oil in the Mumbai Division Football League (MDFA), I got noticed by Air India coach, Bimal Ghosh, he was pretty impressed, and eventually signed for Air India for the next two seasons. In the 2005 season, I joined Curchil Brothers. Next season, I returned to Air India for good, I was offered a job and captaincy, and stuck for another season.
Current status
The 2008 season, I will be donning Mahindra United colors. I always wanted to play for Mahindra United, they are a very professional unit.
Also, I had offers from all the top clubs, including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. I do have plans to venture out of Maharastra. I know football is a big time craze in Kolkata, want to try my luck out there, provided I get a good package.
Football in Pune
Out here there is lack of professionalism. Football is not taken seriously, parents don’t want their children to take up football. However, now things are changing for good! Perhaps looking at me, many parents would advice their kids to take football as a career (chuckles).
Future plans
Continue the good work. My ambition is to represent the Indian national team at an international level. I narrowly missed it at the junior level, but I dream to play for India. Hopefully, my stint with Mahindra should give me a platform to showcase my talent.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Chirag United fails to collect full points against ONGC
Chirag United dominated most of the proceedings but failed to score goal against ONGC in their first match of their II Division I-League campaign.
In the first half, attacking from left to right and playing with the wind, Chirag made some serious moves that tested ONGC's defense. Theodore Sunday's goalmouth attempt at the 25th minute which went wide and a swerving left-footer at the 35th minute saved by the ONGC custodian was the highlight of the first half. In the last five minute, ONGC was truly at the receiving end, when Chirag forced two free kicks and a corner, however, they failed to convert the set-pieces.
In the second half, Chirag added more sharpness in their attack by introducing talented Sankar Oraon. As a cohesive unit, Chirag made many smart attacks but failed to convert any of them, and at the 75th minute Ejike missed an open net. The last four minutes of the injury time definitely belonged to ONGC, when they scared Chirag with Jatin Bisht's dangerously curling corner which beat custodian Arindam Ghosh, however, an alert Kinshuk Debnath proved saviour by clearing on the line.
Chirag United's coach, Anjan Nath said that the open sitters missed by his wards deprived them with a win. ONGC's coach Irinio Vaz, commented that the ground conditions took them some time to settle down, he is concered about the teams weak defence, but promised a better performance in the next match.
Chirag United: 1-Arindam Ghosh, 2-Louis Ebami, 4-Kingshuk Debnath, 5-Dhanrajan, 6-Ejike Chika Chime, 7-Denson Devdas, 11-Lalamjawala (Shankar Oraon), 15-Dulal Biswas, 17-Gouranga Biswas, 24-Theodore Sunday (captain), 27-Lalmalswama ONGC: 30-Bilifang Narzary, 4-Krishna Shirodkar, 5-NC John, 9-C N Henry (19-Dhanesh), 10-Nurudeen, 12-Rongmoi (18-Lalmaun Puia), 14-Kaushik Bose, 22-Amandeep Singh, 23-Kabijit Khotel, 25-Jatin Singh Bist (Captain), 28-Naresh Unused subs - Chirag United: 12-Subhas Singha Roy, 14-Shibram Dey, 16-Arnab Mondal, 20-Barun Oraon, 22-Mojaffar Rahman, 29-Achinta Saha
ONGC: 1-Rajat GhoshDastidar, 6-Debkumar Sashmal, 7-Rakshak Naik, 11-Sanjeeva Rumpi, 16-Gour Naskar Yellow card(s): ONGC - C N Henry, RangMoi
Referee: Pratap Singh
Assistant Referees: Md. Kamil, S K Gupta
4th official: S Sajeesh Kumar
Pune FC starts the II Division I-League campaign with a winning note
Pune FC survived few scary moments in the second half from HAL, but at the end of the day bagged the most valuable 3-points by beating HAL by 2-1. In a usual fashion, Pune FC pressurized opponents defense right from the beginning and meant business. First goal for Pune FC came in the 3rd minute due to a defensive lapse from HAL, later national star Bungo Singh scored the second goal from an excellent cross in 13th minute.
Pune FC dominated first 30-minute of the game with excellent ball possession, however, later in the first half they ran out of steam and gave HAL a chance to come back in the game, Fredrick Okwagbe reduced the margin in the 34th minute.
In the second half, the first 20 minutes was dominated by HAL, where they failed to score the equalizer from many chances. Later PuneFC came back to the game, but failed to increase the margin.
Earlier, All India Football Federation (AIFF) ONGC II Division I-League, phase I (Pune) was inaugurated by the Mayor of Pune, Rajlaxmi Bhosale at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Educational Campus ground, Katraj.
Speaking to the IndianFootball.com, PuneFC coach Bernard McNally said, "Folks turned naïve at times and that almost slipped the match from our grip. Few lads lack experience at this stage, but again there is a steep learning curve for them, and should give them the needed confidence. However, I am glad that we started in a winning note and that would boost our confidence when we meet Vasco, in the next game." Vasco has proved a thorn in the flesh for Pune FC as Vasco defeated Pune FC in last two encounters.
Pune in the Indian football map
Pune in the Indian football map - An interview with Bernard McNally, chief coach, Pune Football Club
- By Subhajyoti Banerjee
The year 2008 must have been a good start for the football scene in Pune. Firstly, the announcement of Pune Football Club (PuneFC), secondly, the team participating in the 2nd division I-League, and finally, Pune being one of the venue for the second division I-League.
It’s not that this sport is very unpopular in Pune. Soccer is played round the year in Pune, there are quite a number of tournaments, Pune District Football Association (PDFA) conducts division league, and also have few academies. So what is it that's going wrong and preventing Pune to prosper in the Indian football scene?
The emergence of PuneFC is what the doctor ordered. Promoted by the Ashok Piramal Group, PuneFC has massive plans for the improvement of football in Pune. www.IndianFootball.com (Subhajyoti) visited their practice session at the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) ground, Khadki and talked with the coach, Irishman Bernard McNally and his assistant Vivek Nagul.
Subhajyoti: Hello coach, thanks for giving time to Subhajyoti. It gives me immense joy to talk to someone who has played with great Pat Jennings in the FIFA World Cup.
Bernard McNally (BM): Yeah, he is a legend!
Subhajyoti: As you start working on a project, you must have some short term and long term goals. What is the short term goal for PuneFC?
BM: Well to be honest, my primary focus is to qualify for the first division of the ONGC I-League.
Subhajyoti: And what about the long term goal?
BM: It's too premature to ask someone who is just few weeks old in PuneFC. I would like Vivek and team management to answer this question. But what I heard from them is that nurturing football talents from Pune and building a football stadium are the two areas that PuneFC is focused.
Subhajyoti: Tell us something about your football life?
BM: I have played for Shrewsbury Town for almost a decade, then moved to West Bromwich and played professional football till 95. Later, joined Hednesford Town and Telford United.
Subhajyoti: How is the team responding to your coaching?
BM: The team is shaping up and responding well. We had a very fruitful tour to Bangalore, played with teams like Hindustan Aeronautics Football Club (HASC), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and Army XI. Team played excellent football against Army XI. Hopefully, team should perform similarly in the upcoming tourneys.
Second division I-League fixture is out; coach is informed that PuneFC is placed with HASC, ONGC, State Bank of Travancore (SBT), Vasco, and Chirag United.
BM: To be frank, I am not aware of the composition of our opponents. I have to depend on my assistant coach and support staff for the inputs.
Subhajyoti: You have three teams (HASC, SBT, and Vasco) in your group who have experience of playing in the first division.
BM: So, we are placed in a tough group, huh!
Subhajyoti: You team is staying together, how much stress do you give this aspect in the game of football?
BM: Staying together actually works; it is a team building exercise, raises team spirit and bonding. However, all my players are still single, so I am lucky that way! But in 3-4 years time, lads will be married and they will have their families. At that point of time you can’t actually force them to stay together (grins).
Subhajyoti: How is the team shaping up?
BM: The team is very spirited! The lads have gelled together excellently and performing like a cohesive unit. The team is a mixed lot, we have few locals, a few from far north-east, and you can say a mini India. We have two talented players from Nigeria. Local lads look up to them for certain skills and they are also well-built.
I see the Indians are not naturally well-built, physical ability is an important aspect in modern football. However, I have seen few teams from Goa with well-built footballers.
I like to play very attacking football; it’s all about entertaining the crowd!
Saying that I am well aware of the plus and minuses of the team. I don’t want to promise something that I am not aware.
Subhajyoti: You have joined PuneFC for a short stint, provided PuneFC performs well in the second division I-League, do you look forward for a longer association with PuneFC?
BM: Very simple, I need to produce results! A good performance and I will stick with PuneFC.
Subhajyoti: Any comments on the facilities provided to the team?
BM: We have a long way to go as far as facility is concerned. But again, we have to get along with it. The ground is quite hard.
Need to see what develops, watch your space, and hopefully it should work that way we want it.
Subhajyoti: Have you interacted with any other club coaches in India?
BM: Yes, I did meet Karim Bencherifa, coach of Curchill Brothers. His team has consistently done well in the I-League.
Subhajyoti: One final question, Cyd Gray’s injury has forced him out of action, will you miss him?
BM: Cyd’s injury is very unfortunate and has upset my scheme of things. However, injuries are very natural in football. You can’t actually dwell on that, he will be missed, but we have to move on.
Subhajyoti: Thanks coach, it was nice talking to you, and all the very best for the I-League assignment!
MB: Thanks!
At this point of time, assistant coach Vivek Nagul comes in. Vivek hails from Pune and has been a top football player during his days. He is associated with PuneFC since inception. He is the best person to answer the long term plans for PuneFC.
Subhajyoti: Hi Vivek!
VN: Hello!
Subhajyoti: Okay, the obvious question, what are the long term plans for PuneFC?
VN: To nurture footballers from Pune. It is very pleasing to know that the Ashok Piramal Group, has chosen Pune as a base. As the group is based out of Mumbai, Mumbai could have been the obvious choice. But the opportunity is bestowed to Pune, now, it is my duty to respond to the confidence shown by the management.
We would like to build the team through Football in the Community (FITC) program. Traditionally, football is played in few pockets in Pune, Camp, Deccan, Khadki, and Ghorpadi to name a few. We want to spread it across to the entire Pune and its neighboring areas.
Off-late, Pune has produced a national-level player in Paresh Shivalkar, I have seen his career shaping up while playing in Sky Hawks, also, I have mentored him. Pune needs ten more players like Paresh.
We want to generate interest among the parents. Typically, you don’t find parents encouraging kids to take up football as a profession. We want to break the myth. Now, there is enough money in Indian football. A top player earns much more than an IIM graduate!
Football needs to be started at the grass root level, because during this the stage you can develop the technical nuances, and later on you can concentrate on the other aspect of the game.
Our motto is to catch them young. As you know the club is in its nascent stage. In a very short notice period, we participated in the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) qualifying round and performed well. So we have very high hopes about our under-19 and under-15 team.
Subhajyoti: Thanks Vivek! Great to know that PuneFC is doing a lot in developing football in Pune.
VN: Thanks!
- By Subhajyoti Banerjee
The year 2008 must have been a good start for the football scene in Pune. Firstly, the announcement of Pune Football Club (PuneFC), secondly, the team participating in the 2nd division I-League, and finally, Pune being one of the venue for the second division I-League.
It’s not that this sport is very unpopular in Pune. Soccer is played round the year in Pune, there are quite a number of tournaments, Pune District Football Association (PDFA) conducts division league, and also have few academies. So what is it that's going wrong and preventing Pune to prosper in the Indian football scene?
The emergence of PuneFC is what the doctor ordered. Promoted by the Ashok Piramal Group, PuneFC has massive plans for the improvement of football in Pune. www.IndianFootball.com (Subhajyoti) visited their practice session at the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) ground, Khadki and talked with the coach, Irishman Bernard McNally and his assistant Vivek Nagul.
Subhajyoti: Hello coach, thanks for giving time to Subhajyoti. It gives me immense joy to talk to someone who has played with great Pat Jennings in the FIFA World Cup.
Bernard McNally (BM): Yeah, he is a legend!
Subhajyoti: As you start working on a project, you must have some short term and long term goals. What is the short term goal for PuneFC?
BM: Well to be honest, my primary focus is to qualify for the first division of the ONGC I-League.
Subhajyoti: And what about the long term goal?
BM: It's too premature to ask someone who is just few weeks old in PuneFC. I would like Vivek and team management to answer this question. But what I heard from them is that nurturing football talents from Pune and building a football stadium are the two areas that PuneFC is focused.
Subhajyoti: Tell us something about your football life?
BM: I have played for Shrewsbury Town for almost a decade, then moved to West Bromwich and played professional football till 95. Later, joined Hednesford Town and Telford United.
Subhajyoti: How is the team responding to your coaching?
BM: The team is shaping up and responding well. We had a very fruitful tour to Bangalore, played with teams like Hindustan Aeronautics Football Club (HASC), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and Army XI. Team played excellent football against Army XI. Hopefully, team should perform similarly in the upcoming tourneys.
Second division I-League fixture is out; coach is informed that PuneFC is placed with HASC, ONGC, State Bank of Travancore (SBT), Vasco, and Chirag United.
BM: To be frank, I am not aware of the composition of our opponents. I have to depend on my assistant coach and support staff for the inputs.
Subhajyoti: You have three teams (HASC, SBT, and Vasco) in your group who have experience of playing in the first division.
BM: So, we are placed in a tough group, huh!
Subhajyoti: You team is staying together, how much stress do you give this aspect in the game of football?
BM: Staying together actually works; it is a team building exercise, raises team spirit and bonding. However, all my players are still single, so I am lucky that way! But in 3-4 years time, lads will be married and they will have their families. At that point of time you can’t actually force them to stay together (grins).
Subhajyoti: How is the team shaping up?
BM: The team is very spirited! The lads have gelled together excellently and performing like a cohesive unit. The team is a mixed lot, we have few locals, a few from far north-east, and you can say a mini India. We have two talented players from Nigeria. Local lads look up to them for certain skills and they are also well-built.
I see the Indians are not naturally well-built, physical ability is an important aspect in modern football. However, I have seen few teams from Goa with well-built footballers.
I like to play very attacking football; it’s all about entertaining the crowd!
Saying that I am well aware of the plus and minuses of the team. I don’t want to promise something that I am not aware.
Subhajyoti: You have joined PuneFC for a short stint, provided PuneFC performs well in the second division I-League, do you look forward for a longer association with PuneFC?
BM: Very simple, I need to produce results! A good performance and I will stick with PuneFC.
Subhajyoti: Any comments on the facilities provided to the team?
BM: We have a long way to go as far as facility is concerned. But again, we have to get along with it. The ground is quite hard.
Need to see what develops, watch your space, and hopefully it should work that way we want it.
Subhajyoti: Have you interacted with any other club coaches in India?
BM: Yes, I did meet Karim Bencherifa, coach of Curchill Brothers. His team has consistently done well in the I-League.
Subhajyoti: One final question, Cyd Gray’s injury has forced him out of action, will you miss him?
BM: Cyd’s injury is very unfortunate and has upset my scheme of things. However, injuries are very natural in football. You can’t actually dwell on that, he will be missed, but we have to move on.
Subhajyoti: Thanks coach, it was nice talking to you, and all the very best for the I-League assignment!
MB: Thanks!
At this point of time, assistant coach Vivek Nagul comes in. Vivek hails from Pune and has been a top football player during his days. He is associated with PuneFC since inception. He is the best person to answer the long term plans for PuneFC.
Subhajyoti: Hi Vivek!
VN: Hello!
Subhajyoti: Okay, the obvious question, what are the long term plans for PuneFC?
VN: To nurture footballers from Pune. It is very pleasing to know that the Ashok Piramal Group, has chosen Pune as a base. As the group is based out of Mumbai, Mumbai could have been the obvious choice. But the opportunity is bestowed to Pune, now, it is my duty to respond to the confidence shown by the management.
We would like to build the team through Football in the Community (FITC) program. Traditionally, football is played in few pockets in Pune, Camp, Deccan, Khadki, and Ghorpadi to name a few. We want to spread it across to the entire Pune and its neighboring areas.
Off-late, Pune has produced a national-level player in Paresh Shivalkar, I have seen his career shaping up while playing in Sky Hawks, also, I have mentored him. Pune needs ten more players like Paresh.
We want to generate interest among the parents. Typically, you don’t find parents encouraging kids to take up football as a profession. We want to break the myth. Now, there is enough money in Indian football. A top player earns much more than an IIM graduate!
Football needs to be started at the grass root level, because during this the stage you can develop the technical nuances, and later on you can concentrate on the other aspect of the game.
Our motto is to catch them young. As you know the club is in its nascent stage. In a very short notice period, we participated in the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) qualifying round and performed well. So we have very high hopes about our under-19 and under-15 team.
Subhajyoti: Thanks Vivek! Great to know that PuneFC is doing a lot in developing football in Pune.
VN: Thanks!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Du likely to return to India
The next season of Indian football is definitely bringing good news! Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, popularly know as Du is all set to return to India. I was fortunate to get Du online. Du said that he misses India and Indian soccer. He has few offers in hand, from India and from another country. Like a tactful defender, Du averted the obvious question of his club for the next season. Du is coming to India in June to end all speculations.
Du has played four seasons in India. He started of his India campaign by donning the colors of Hindustan Aeronautic Sports Club (HASC) in the year 2003, next year he moved to MohunBagan and stayed there for another 3 years. He was the mainstay of the MohunBagan defense and was the integral part of the team. By displaying sheer commitment and dedication, he carved a niche among the soccer frenzy fans in Kolkata.
However, an injury during the 2006-07 Federation Cup semi-finals against Mahindra United forced Du out of action. But now he is fit as ever, all raring to go, and in his own words, “I just want to fight like I used to and want to make a big name in Indian soccer”.
Du has played four seasons in India. He started of his India campaign by donning the colors of Hindustan Aeronautic Sports Club (HASC) in the year 2003, next year he moved to MohunBagan and stayed there for another 3 years. He was the mainstay of the MohunBagan defense and was the integral part of the team. By displaying sheer commitment and dedication, he carved a niche among the soccer frenzy fans in Kolkata.
However, an injury during the 2006-07 Federation Cup semi-finals against Mahindra United forced Du out of action. But now he is fit as ever, all raring to go, and in his own words, “I just want to fight like I used to and want to make a big name in Indian soccer”.
Du likely to return to India
The next season of Indian football is definitely bringing good news! Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, popularly know as Du is all set to return to India. I was fortunate to get Du online. Du said that he misses India and Indian soccer. He has few offers in hand, from India and from another country. Like a tactful defender, Du averted the obvious question of his club for the next season. Du is coming to India in June to end all speculations.
Du has played four seasons in India. He started of his India campaign by donning the colors of Hindustan Aeronautic Sports Club (HASC) in the year 2003, next year he moved to MohunBagan and stayed there for another 3 years. He was the mainstay of the MohunBagan defense and was the integral part of the team. By displaying sheer commitment and dedication, he carved a niche among the soccer frenzy fans in Kolkata.
However, an injury during the 2006-07 Federation Cup semi-finals against Mahindra United forced Du out of action. But now he is fit as ever, all raring to go, and in his own words, “I just want to fight like I used to and want to make a big name in Indian soccer”.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Poor Symmo!
Hold on, this is true. After hearing the rumor, I can come up with only one expression, “Poor Symmo!”
So what's the rumor?
So what's the rumor?
Bhajji said, “Teri Maa Ki ...”. And Symmo heard Maa[N]Ki.
Now, did Bhajji sound nasal? Well, that's a million dollar question? I've never read/heard anywhere that he's a great Himesh fan.
But one thing I am sure about is that Symmo is a Bollywood buff! On the day before the incident, he watched a movie with Brett Lee, Dil Dosti etc, took a leaf out of the movie, and saved his mate from Bhajjis racial slur.
The purpose of a nice-juicy gaali went completely haywire and Symmo heard Maa[N]Ki. Now, someone should tell Symmo that Maa[N]Ki is not an abuse, absolutely not. In fact we all respect Maa[N]Ki, opps monkey. In India, we have a monkey god, we have temples, and we do worship him. Should Bhajji called Symmo a monkey, then he was referring to the monkey god, great Symmo-monkey-god.
Everything went wrong, damn!
** I would expect ICC to act smart, set them straight, and as a bonding activity, both should go together and watch a Bollywood movie.
I suggest Return of Hanuman.
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