The under 19 team have taken things up a notch in their division keeping 10 clean sheets out of 14 and scoring 40 goals in as many matches with an average of 2.8 goals per match. This record has made them the best defensive and offensive team in the league.

 

Flawless performance

 

After finishing the league stage, they have notched up 3 wins out of 3 in the super six phase. The defensive unit and keeper Neeraj have made sure there have been no leaks by keeping it tight at the back and pressing the opposition in their own half. They beat Compenaeros 1-0 (Nihal), PDP Waves 4-0 (John Coutinho2, Sam Cruz, Manuel) and Air India 1-0 (John Coutinho).

 

Spotted in the biggest national tournament

 

The youngsters are all talented individuals spotted in Junior Champs Football Championship. The youth teams’ manager, Jitesh Mehta, highlights the crucial role played by the youth team coach and his staff in grooming aspirants into professional football players. “Coach Khalid Jamil and Assistant coach Bhaskar Maity teach the boys how to read the game in various situations. They are made to understand the tactical and psychological aspect of the game and the discipline required to be a professional. All this apart from developing individual skills”, says Jitesh Mehta about how fruitful this youth program is turning out to be.

 

Stars in the making

 

The team members enjoy local popularity and recognition. Their style of attack combining movement and speed has attracted a lot of attention and praise from the local football fraternity. Their notable performances have reflected on Khalid Jamil who has become the most sought after coach among junior players in the city all seeking his instruction. And the former India international has earned it. Catapulting his wards to the top in the final phase of the super division, MFC U19 now stand a good chance of being crowned champions and qualifying for the MFL elite division where they will join the Mumbai FC senior reserve team.