Archived image unavailable     Football Mumbai Season Review     MFL Super Division 2008 - 09   Report by Shailesh Karkera Mumbai FC U-19 Coach Khalid Jamil has come a long way ever since hanging up his boots for the Mumbai FC senior team and eventually taking charge of the U-19 team and guiding them to championship victory in his rookie season in team management. Khalid’s on-field experience helped his youngsters immensely in their championship campaign. The coach was always actively involved in every game – marching down the sideline, screaming instructions and organising play. The very fact that that the Mumbai FC management is considering him to take over the senior team in the 2009-10 i-League season is downright remarkable. The team were hot on the heels of the unbeaten Mahindra United all through the eleven games of the regular season, finishing with nine victories enroute to a second place finish. What followed in the post-season playoffs was an astounding turn around in events as Mumbai FC went on a five game winning streak –including the title deciding 2-1 victory against United – which ensured that the boys in orange were crowned champions of the MFL Super Division. Striker Sam Cruz – named the best player of the MFL Super Division – had an outstanding season with fifteen goals with an impressive average of a goal per game. His excellent work ethic coupled with a predatory instinct inside the penalty area constantly caused problems for the opposition defenders. Strike partner and team captain Manuel D’Souza had an impressive season, scoring vital goals along the way including the all important winner against United. Moving on to the unsung heros of the team – the midfield pair of John Coutinho and Rolfred Pereira who proved to be absolutely indispensable all season. The two did most of the spadework in the middle and effortlessly switched between attacking and defensive responsibilities. Mahindra United U-19 Spectators flocked to the St. Xavier’s ground to watch United go on amazing run of eleven wins in as many games. By their third game, the team had become an absolute fan favourite and was raking in crowds comparable to those at the Cooperage for i-League ties. What made this team so devastatingly efficient? Well, for starters, Coach Santosh Kashyap happens to be one of the few in the country to have an AFC Pro Coaching license. The ex-India forward had instilled an ideal mix of discipline and creativity amongst his players. The team did not just WIN games – they outclassed the opposition with an exhibition of beautiful football with convincing score-lines at full time. Donning United’s #7 jersey, medio Royston D’Souza was an instrumental figure in the team’s attacking setup. Possessing a lethal left foot and excellent ball control, Royston is a naturally gifted player with loads of potential. The playmaker’s excellent vision and ball distribution provided the foundation for countless defense-splitting through balls all season long. In Varin Mehta, United possessed one of the top marksmen in the league. A dominating presence in the final third of the pitch, the striker was always one step ahead of the opposition thanks to his quick feet, a powerful shot and an ablity to create goals out of thin air. His two goals against Companeroes – the first, an on-the-turn volley from 20 yards out, followed in the second half by an astonishing bicycle kick off a corner – were genuine contenders for ‘Goal of the Season’. Continued on page 2, Page 3