How excited are you for the finals?
Very very excited! This is the very first time that we are participating in a tournament outside of Maharashtra! The last we played outside Mumbai was in Pune.
How have you been preparing for the finals?
The preparation started since we’ve qualified for the finals in Bangalore. Playing football regularly, practising together and playing local tournaments on the weekends has been our routine.
What sets your team apart?
Our mutual understanding and friendship within each other is very strong . Most of us are from the same school or college and we’ve been playing together since a long, long time.
Who are the players in your team to watch out for?
Daniel Fernandes is an excellent striker with quick feet, Dion Menezes is deadly in defence and our goalkeeper Scott is a safe pair of hands.
How has the experience with IFT been?
Prithvi – This is a brilliant tournament organised by the IFT team, we are looking forward to go to China and winning it for the manager.
Dion – It has been a fantastic experience throughout the tournament and we hope to win it in Bangalore.
Anthony – The experience in Mumbai was quite good and it will be a good time playing football with these young lads in the team.
Johnson – Very well managed and run by the organisers. I can’t wait to get back to play after my injury.
History of your club/team. How it all started? How has the journey been?
The club was started in 1982 by our seniors and we’ve been contributing to the club since the past 2 years. It has always been a good time to play for Kalina Rangers, and we’ve got all the support from out manager Neil D’Costa and Cyril Estibeiro whenever required.
Kalina Rangers is a very popular team in Mumbai for a long time and now we are also getting better at 5-a-side and 6-a-side tournaments.