Interview: India U23 Midfielder Shilton D'Silva

He was instrumental in India’s improved performance against Qatar in the 2^nd leg of the Pre-Olympic Qualifier at Pune. He did a magnificent job in keeping Qatar’s most dangerous player Haidos quiet for most of the game. Meet Shilton D’Silva, the second “JEWEL” in the Indian U23 midfield.

My friend Karthik and I got a golden opportunity to catch up with the midfield star. In an exclusive interview he spoke about Pune’s crowd support, his pairing with Jewel Raja Shaikh, Des Bulpin and much more.

Shilton D'Silva

Rahul-Kartik(RK): People were really impressed with your performance in the second leg especially in keeping Haidos quiet. Were you given instructions to deal with him?

Shilton: It was just the normal setup. This is how the team shaped up. There was no specific plan for him. We struck to our own game and struck to the team shape.

RK: How motivated was the Indian team to make up for the 3-1 loss at Qatar in the 1^st leg? How did Des Bulpin motivate the side?

Shilton: He really motivated us. He told us not to worry and to give it our best shot. There was no pressure from his side and it helped our game. His motivation spurred us on and our play improved. He really inspired the team for this match.

RK: You received a lot of support in Pune. How do you feel when so many people back you guys cheering vociferously?

Shilton: Yesterday the crowd was really awesome. Last time when we had a match against Myanmar there was hardly any support. The supporters were great and the support we received was enormous. It was fun playing for India at Pune.

RK: Your thoughts regarding the crowd of Pune who had gathered collectively and cheered for Indian team?

Shilton: The Pune crowd was fantastic. The fans should turn up for matches. It is not about winning or losing. When we get support from the fans we players feel even more motivated and try to give our best. With the fans cheering and rooting for us the team confidence also increases.

RK: Your midfield partnership with Jewel Raja Sheikh has been highly acclaimed. How do you complement each other?

Shilton: I started playing with Jewel at Indian Arrows this season and it took time gel as a team and improve the understanding between the team and him. We support each other. We both cover up each other’s mistakes. When Jewel goes forward to attack, I drop back and play the holding midfield role. When I attack, Jewel drops back. We both complement each other very well. He is a very good teammate. The bonding is good.

RK: Recently it has been seen that Goan players like Steven Dias, Godwin Franco have moved to Goan clubs from non-Goan clubs? Do you share the same dream?

Shilton: Obviously everyone wants to play for top teams like Dempo, Salgaonkar, and Churchill Brothers. In the starting you need to prove yourself as a player and keep on improving in these big clubs. It takes time to get into the team and be a part of the team setup. Yes, I would love to play for a Goan team one day.

RK: You came up through the Mahindra United youth ranks. How did you feel when the club decided to disband?

Shilton: I was really shocked. It is every Mumbaikar’s dream to play for Mahindra United. I was shattered when the club disbanded. It happened all of a sudden. We had just won a Premier Cup and were about to compete in the U-19 I-league tournament when the management announced that the team was disbanding. Everyone at the club was shocked. I had no idea what would happen to me after that.

RK: Your advice to youngsters who are planning to take up a career in football either through schools or academy?

Shilton: The youngsters have to work hard and keep training hard. They need to be disciplined. There are many talented youngsters who have their way in various activities. My advice would be to work hard, play hard and be professional. Learn every day.

RK: How has Des Bulpin contributed to the Indian Arrows and U-23 team setup?

Shilton: Des Bulpin has really been a very good coach. He is really good in his own ways. What he says, what he does, what he thinks. Everything that he does has a specific purpose. He has coached a lot of good players in England (like Peter Crouch and Ledley King). Des has given a chance to all the Indian players. He has boosted our confidence and has supported us through thick and thin.

RK: In this team majority of you were playing for Indian Arrows this season, but there are players like Gurjinder Kumar and Arnab Mondal who have come from other I-League clubs. How did you guys gel in a short time span as a team?

Shilton: Initially it took time for them to understand our game and setup. In football you have to be professional and get along with the coaches. Both of them did a good job. They performed really well and played really well. They understood everything about the team.

RK: This team was built with the intention of qualifying for World Cup 2018 with an exciting and talented squad? From your point of view how is the team preparing to achieve and reach that goal?

Shilton: Our team is really performing well right from the U-16, U-19. If we practice as a team very well, work hard and maintain our focus we should be able to do well. If we maintain the same dedication it will help us a lot.

RK: We hope as football fans, you are part of the Indian team that qualifies for World cup 2018 and fulfill the dream of millions of Football fans in India?

Shilton: Even I wish for the same.