Featuring inter-school football giants Don Bosco, Matunga, in the first of our Nursery of Champions series; the outfit primed for MSSA U-16 Division I glory this year.
Don Bosco (Matunga)’s under-16 Division I football squad, an embodiment of excellence in Mumbai’s inter-school football ecosystem, has long established itself as a formidable force. With a legacy of victory trailing back over two decades, the school’s dominance is undeniable. Their impressive track record reads like a footballing fairytale, having clinched the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) boys U-16 Division I titles in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004. Their relentless pursuit of excellence now positions them on the cusp of another potential title, as they gear up to face Bombay Scottish (Mahim) in the much-anticipated final.
The pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 interrupted what could have been another series of triumphs for Don Bosco, with the tournament cancelled due to COVID-19. However, their resilience saw them rebound swiftly, claiming titles both prior to and following the global interruption, illustrating a consistency that few could replicate. Throughout these seasons, the team has consistently demonstrated unmatched skill and determination.
Leading this year’s charge is Yohaan D’Souza, handpicked to inspire and guide his teammates to yet another victory. Yohaan Panjuani, his predecessor, was instrumental in leading the squad to titles in 2023 and 2022, supported ably by other key players like Ayush Kharat and Arya Kamble. Last week’s semi-final saw the Bosco contingent toppling their historical adversaries, St Stanislaus (Bandra), further cementing their prowess.
The man orchestrating Don Bosco’s football strategies from the sidelines, Leslie Machado, has been a cornerstone of their success. At 69, Machado’s coaching tenure spans an impressive 35 years. “One of the main reasons for us doing well is the foundation we have laid over the years. Our supremacy is a collective effort—players, coaches, and support staff. The players train religiously even on their holidays. We nurture these kids right from the under-8 level. Now, other schools have also started to work early on the kids like us,” Machado told mid-day.
Machado attributes their consistent performances to the team’s fighting spirit, remarking on their resilience in the face of adversity. He believes that the contemporary presence of multiple academies in schools has raised the competitive bar. “These boys are fighters, they never give up. With the influx of academies in schools, even other teams are becoming stronger. Despite that, we are able to do well. I believe for a team to perform well, we need to have not just one or two star performers, but all 16 players should be good,” he observed.
Savio D’Souza, the school’s sports teacher for 27 years, emphasizes the long-standing commitment contributing to Don Bosco’s continued dominance.
. He said, “Our domination in inter-school football over the years is testament to dedication, talent, and strong team ethos. The impressive and consistent success can be attributed to a combination of excellent coaching, a disciplined training regime, and a culture that values teamwork and perseverance. Sir Leslie is known for his dedication to the school football team across more than three decades. His commitment extends beyond coaching; often spending extra hours mentoring players individually, encouraging them to excel both on and off the field.”
While Fr Crispino D’Souza, an ex-principal and rector of Don Bosco High School, has since moved to Pune, his indelible impact on the sports culture of the school remains. Fr Crispino shared: “During the early 1990s when Fr Adolph Furtado returned from the USA, he started the sports division. It had 50-60 boys in a class, who were a part of various sporting disciplines. The sports boys had to pay a monthly fee and in return got the best coaching. The school invested in the right coaches and trainers, and sports took off.”
Esteemed alumni further bolster Don Bosco’s renowned heritage. Names like India’s cricketers Farokh Engineer, Ravi Shastri, Jatin Paranjape, and Shreyas Iyer, along with 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal-winning hockey player MM Somaya, testify to their all-rounded excellence. “A robust structure of talent identification, coaching and exposure across multiple sports has made a huge difference,” says Somaya, who until recently was the Chief Operating Officer of the Bosco Sports Academy. “With the vagaries of sport showing that the final goal difference is also about how the stars align on the day, Don Bosco’s well-equipped football stars will always be aiming for the sky.”
Former India cricketer Jatin Paranjape reflects on his formative years at Don Bosco, attributing much of his sports and academic balance to the school’s excellent infrastructure and supportive staff. “The most important learning for me was that I could do both, sports and studies, with the right time management,” he reminisced.
Current captain Yohaan D’Souza underscores the invaluable support from their dedicated coach, Leslie Machado, and the teachers. “The support we get from our coaches, especially Leslie sir, is just amazing. Leslie sir may be 69, but his fitness motivates us. He does all the drills with the same intensity as us,” he stated.
Adair D’Souza, one of the team’s top performers, underscored the enduring impact of their dedicated coaching. “It is the love for the sport along with the discipline and passion that has been invested in each child from a very young age that has played a huge role in the team’s success. Our coach Leslie sir has shaped all of us and led us to do well in football. His contribution in our growth, both on and off the field, has been immense.”
Indeed, winning isn’t just a habit for Don Bosco (Matunga); it’s a well-honed tradition, continuously built upon a solid foundation of dedication, perseverance, and unyielding team spirit. As they prepare to face Bombay Scottish in the final, one thing remains certain—Don Bosco’s legacy is far from complete, and their quest for footballing glory is eternally relentless.
