The highly anticipated MSSA inter-school football tournament is set to commence with promising prospects as last year’s champions, Don Bosco High School (Matunga), and the runners-up, St Stanislaus (Bandra), gear up for another exciting season. The boys’ U-16 tournament will officially begin at St Francis D’Assisi High School ground in Borivli from Wednesday, marking the start of what promises to be a fiercely competitive showdown.
Simultaneously, the competition for the girls’ U-16 category will kick-off from Thursday, adding another layer of excitement and showcasing the growing talent among young female footballers.
The Don Bosco U-16 football team has been putting in rigorous practice sessions at their school ground recently. Led by their long-serving coach Leslie Machado, the team is brimming with confidence as they prepare to defend their title. Machado expressed his optimism about the team’s performance this season, despite the departure of several key players who graduated last year. “We completed a hat-trick of triumphs last season. Though most of the talented players from last year have passed out, the replacements are equally good. I started training the boys from the middle of May. They are fit and ready for action and I know they will live up to my expectations,” Machado shared with mid-day on Monday.
The Matunga lads are placed in a challenging Group B, where they will face tough competition from Cathedral & John Connon (Fort), Campion School (Cooperage), and Bombay Scottish (Mahim). Their campaign kicks off with an opening match against Bombay Scottish, setting the tone for what is expected to be a high-stakes tournament.
The journey to another title won’t be easy for Don Bosco. Their keenest rivals, St Stanislaus, are determined to shake things up and put an end to Don Bosco’s dominance. Head coach Roy Fernandes of St Stanislaus is cognizant of the formidable task ahead, especially given the absence of two critical players—captain Zidane Fernandes (midfielder) and Ethan D’Souza (defender), who are embarking on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Italy and will be unavailable for nearly a month. Jordan Kamble, the dependable custodian, has been appointed as the stand-in captain during their absence. “We have a good set of players, who have been practising for over a month and are in good shape.
. However, the absence of Zidane and Ethan will certainly make a big difference to our performance,” said Fernandes.
St Stanislaus finds themselves in Group C alongside formidable opponents such as St Paul’s (Dadar), Don Bosco (Borivli), and St Joseph’s (Wadala). The team has been training diligently to make up for the absence of their key players and to give their best shot at clinching the title.
Don Bosco’s impressive track record speaks for itself, having secured the MSSA title in the 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 seasons. The MSSA tournament, like many events, faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. With the tournament back in full swing, expectations are high, and the competition is fiercer than ever.
Leslie Machado’s confidence is reflected in the team’s preparation and spirit. “The boys are in peak condition and demonstrating the same level of dedication and skill that has brought us success in the past. I have no doubt in my mind that they will rise to the occasion,” he stated. The team’s resilience and strategic planning will be crucial as they navigate through the group stages and beyond.
The simultaneous commencement of the girls’ U-16 competition is also a testament to the growing emphasis on providing equal opportunities and nurturing young female talent in football. This strategic move by MSSA aims to create a balanced and inclusive environment that promotes the sport across all demographics.
As the tournament begins, it is not just about winning but also about the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance, and the lessons learned on the field. Both Don Bosco and St Stanislaus, along with all participating teams, will showcase their skills, foster new talents, and contribute to the vibrant football culture in the region.
In conclusion, the MSSA inter-school football tournament is all set to deliver exhilarating matches, unexpected twists, and inspiring performances from young athletes. The journey to the top is lined with challenges, but with determination and teamwork, the teams are poised to make this season a memorable one.
