Mumbai FC announce team composition and unveil team colours

MUMBAI FC, the only club from Mumbai competing in the AIFF I-League football championship, has always strived to be amongst the best in the country. Keeping that in mind, Mumbai FC Head Coach, Khalid Jamil, Manager, Henry Picardo and Deputy Vice-President, Atul Badgamia along with the other managerial support staff have spared no effort in selectively, hand-picking some of the top quality Indian and foreign players, while also successfully retaining the services of several players who proved their worth with the club last season, to build a solid, stable outfit for the 2015-2016 I-League season.

Coach Jamil mentioned that he is happy with the team and that all the players are in good shape and well prepared for the challenges ahead.

“I am totally satisfied with the composition of the team. This is the first time that I took my time to chose and pick my players. Whichever players I wanted in the team I managed to get. All the players have been working out nicely and a raring to play the opening match,” Jamil told media persons during a meet & greet session on Monday. All the players are fully fit and prepared to take on any opposition in this tournament. We have recently won the Nadkarni Cup, which will provides us a big boost,” said Jamil.

Mumbai FC introduced some their star players to the media and also unveiled their official team jersey’s.

Mumbai FC, Vice-President, Atul Badgamia exuded confidence of a good showing from his team.

“Last year the team performed brilliantly and did very well to finish in sixth position, their best-ever performance in the I-League completion. This year with the quality of players we have recruited and having managed to retain some of the key players from last season, I expect a better performance. We are aiming to win the title and if not at least finish at the top,” stated Badgamia.

The Mumbai club has managed to hold on to Japanese Taisuke Matsugae for another season. The 33-year-old Taisuke, an inspirational midfielder was the heart and soul of the team with his star performances last year. This season he will shoulder the added responsibility of leading the club as coach Jamil has put his full thrust in the Japanese by appointing him as the captain.

The team is expected to rely on their tried and trusted goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh to take care of their citadel, while in defence the coach will look to new recruits, the experienced North Korean Min Chol Son and Anwar Ali. Mumbai boys Ashutosh Mehta and Allan Dias, both reliable defenders have retained their position and will be assisted by Pratik Chaudhari of Mumbai and Clyde Fernandes while left back Srikant Ramu joins the club from Pune FC.

India veteran and Mumbai hero Steven Dias has also joined the Mumbai club along with former India teammate N.P. Pradeep and Liberian Eric Brown. 

Dias was thrilled to return back to Mumbai football.

“I am feeling good to be back and playing in Mumbai. I last played here (Mumbai) with Mahindra United before the club was disbanded in 2009 and after doing duty with a couple of outstation teams I am happy to be associated with Mumbai FC and I am confident that we will do well,” Dias mentioned.

The club, has also recruited a few crucial players, who all arrive from Bengaluru FC, namely, attacking midfielder Malem Meitei, Darren Caldeira, who returns to the club after his successful stint in Bengaluru FC. Forward Karan Sawhney, defensive midfielder Asif K and goalkeeper Pawan Kumar are the other new signings.

The forward line is boosted with the arrival of Japanese Ryuki Kozawa. Ryuki last plied his trade in the Polish Third Division club. Ryuki has previously played in the J-League with Tokyo and Pattaya United in the Thai Premier League. Fan favorite Jayesh Rane returns to the forwardline after a successful title winning stint in the ISL. Another big signing is the arrival of the versatile Izumi Arata on loan from Athletico de Kolkata. Mumbai boys Cletus Paul and Rohit Mirza complete the forward line.

The club has also recruited Under-22 players, Hitesh Sharma and CHingkhei from Tata Football Academy.

Mumbai FC, are geared up and eager to take on Shillong Lajong in their opening fixture at Guwahati on January 10, 2016.
The club’s legion of fans from the city will get to watch their team play at the Cooperage ground when Mumbai FC take on East Bengal on January 17 in the first of the club’s three back-to-back home matches. Mumbai FC’s next home games are against Salgaocar FC on Januray 24 and Bengaluru FC on January 27.

The coach was unconcerned that the club will launch their campaign in an away fixture against Lajong in their own den.

“Every match, away or home, is a match. So you don’t have to think too much about it. Instead we have to be mentally focused for the challenge. It gives us a chance to prove ourselves from the word go,” admitted Jamil.