The competitive spirit was high on Tuesday at Priyadarshini Park, Napean Sea Road, as Don Bosco High School (Matunga) marked another milestone in their illustrious inter-school football journey. The reigning champions retained their crown by winning the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) boys U-16 Division-I title for the third consecutive year. In a thrilling face-off that saw both teams battle not just each other but also challenging ground conditions, Don Bosco clinched a 1-0 victory over Bombay Scottish (Mahim).
The final match was a highly anticipated event, considering the rich legacy and quality of both teams involved. However, due to incessant rain leading to a soggy and slippery pitch, the game fell short of expectations. Despite these challenges, it was Adair D’Souza who emerged as the hero for Don Bosco, scoring the only goal in the 19th minute and securing the win for his team.
The first half of the match was predominantly a midfield tussle with neither side managing to craft clear-cut scoring opportunities. The ground conditions played a crucial role in disrupting the rhythm and flow of the game, making it a contest of attrition rather than flair. The breakthrough came when a defensive error by Bombay Scottish allowed Adair D’Souza to capitalize. A lapse in clearing danger saw the ball fall gracefully to Adair, who did not miss the chance to strike a powerful right-footer into the corner of the net.
Reflecting on the match, Don Bosco coach Leslie Machado expressed gratitude towards his squad, attributing the victory to a comprehensive team effort. “I give full credit to the entire squad for playing their part effectively in our title defense. Every player contributed. Had the ground conditions been better, the quality of football would have been top-notch,” said Machado.
On the other hand, Fhad Ansari, the coach of Bombay Scottish, admitted that his team’s defeat was partly due to the lack of adequate practice. “We have not been training for the last 15 days as the boys had their examinations. The ground conditions here were poor too,” lamented Ansari.
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Earlier in the day, the battle for third place saw Cambridge (Kandivli) stun St Stanislaus (Bandra) with a 1-0 victory. Austin Gama scored the decisive goal in the second half, securing a memorable win for Cambridge and adding a dramatic conclusion to the preliminary match.
This victory adds another feather to Don Bosco’s cap, further solidifying their dominance in inter-school football tournaments. The Matunga-based team has consistently set high standards, showcasing not only skill but also resilience and adaptability, traits that were particularly evident in their latest triumph. The win also serves as a testament to the strategic acumen of coach Leslie Machado, who has been pivotal in guiding the team to successive titles.
Adair D’Souza’s performance in the final was a display of composure and efficiency in front of goal, an attribute that has been instrumental in Don Bosco’s successful campaign. “Scoring the winning goal in such a crucial match is a dream come true for me and my teammates. We have worked really hard for this moment, and despite the tough conditions, we managed to pull through,” said an elated Adair.
The MSSA boys U-16 Division-I tournament is one of the most prestigious inter-school events in Mumbai, drawing participation from teams across the city. It serves as a platform for young footballers to exhibit their talent and gain valuable competitive experience. This year’s tournament, marked by high-intensity matches and standout performances, has once again underscored the vitality of school-level sports in nurturing future sports stars.
Looking forward, the success of Don Bosco provides a framework for other schools to emulate. The emphasis on teamwork, intensive training, and strategic planning has proven to be their winning formula. As other teams like Bombay Scottish strive to dethrone the current champions, it will be intriguing to see how the dynamics evolve in the coming seasons.
With the tournament concluding on a high note, attention will now shift to the next sporting events where these young athletes will continue to develop and showcase their prowess. For now, Don Bosco High School basks in the glory of their triumph, a well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and footballing excellence.
