In a dazzling display of football dominance, Don Bosco, Matunga, has emerged as an unparalleled force on the inter-school football circuit. Over the past two decades, the school has amassed an astounding number of titles in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) boys U-16 Division I tournaments. With victories in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004, the team has set a gold standard for excellence and consistency. Their football journey, however, is far from over as they prepare to face Bombay Scottish (Mahim) in the upcoming final, potentially adding another feather to their already illustrious cap.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant setback to their momentum, with the tournament being canceled in 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, the resilience and fighting spirit of the team have ensured they roared back to claim the title in 2022 and 2023. The current squad, led by Yohaan D’Souza, is brimming with talent and dedication, qualities that have been hallmarks of Don Bosco’s football culture.
The team’s success is not a mere accident but the result of meticulous planning and tireless effort spearheaded by Leslie Machado, a beacon of inspiration who has been coaching the school’s football team for the last 35 years. Machado, 69, attributes the team’s success not only to the strategic brilliance of the coaching staff but also to the foundational work laid down 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 shared.
The journey to the top is fraught with challenges, but Machado believes his team is built to overcome them. “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 noted, highlighting the holistic approach to player development.
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Echoing his sentiments, Savio D’Souza, the school’s sports teacher for 27 years, underscores the importance of commitment and teamwork in their sustained success. “Our domination in inter-school football over the years is a 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,” he remarked. Leslie Machado’s dedication extends beyond the football field, often spending extra hours mentoring players individually and encouraging them to excel both on and off the field.
The legacy of sporting excellence at Don Bosco, Matunga, owes much to the visionaries like Fr Crispino D’Souza, who served as the principal and rector until May 2023. Now based in Pune, Fr Crispino recalls the transformative impact of initiatives started in the early 1990s by Fr Adolph Furtado. With the introduction of a specialized sports division, the school offered top-notch coaching and training facilities for a monthly fee. The structured timetable and focus on various sporting disciplines propelled Don Bosco to the pinnacle of school sports in the city.
Notable alumni such as India cricketers Farokh Engineer, Ravi Shastri, Jatin Paranjape, and Shreyas Iyer, along with India’s 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal-winning hockey team member MM Somaya, stand testament to the school’s rich sporting heritage. Somaya, who also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Bosco Sports Academy, commended the holistic approach to talent identification and coaching across multiple sports, which he believes has made all the difference.
Former India cricketer Jatin Paranjape reflects fondly on his time at Don Bosco, emphasizing the school’s balanced approach to sports and education. “The fantastic sports infrastructure was the biggest lever for me. I started playing hockey but was quickly inducted into the cricket team. The most important learning for me was that I could do both sports and studies with the right time management,” he said, expressing pride that his sons are also part of this nurturing environment.
Current team skipper Yohaan D’Souza and top performer Adair D’Souza highlight the exceptional support from coaches and teachers. Yohaan lauded coach Leslie Machado’s fitness and dedication, which inspires the entire team. Adair emphasized the discipline and passion instilled in them from a young age, crediting Machado for shaping their growth both on and off the field.
As Don Bosco Matunga’s football team prepares for their next challenge, their eyes are firmly set on continuing their legacy of excellence—proving that winning is indeed a habit deeply ingrained in their DNA.
