MSSA inter-school football tournament: Don Bosco gears up to defend title

Don Bosco High School, Matunga — last season’s U-16 Division I champions — are feeling the weight of expectations as they prepare to defend their title amid a raft of changes to their squad — only four players from last year’s team remain. However, head coach Leslie Machado, now in his 36th year of coaching the school, insists his team is ready to gun for glory again, but is wary of the challenges that come with playing on a different surface.

The 82nd edition of the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football tournament kicks-off on Wednesday with a radical departure from playing on the rain-soaked mud grounds of Azad Maidan, CST. The players will instead strut their stuff on the slick, modern artificial turf at Wings Sports Centre in Bandra.

‘Different experience’

“It’s a good opportunity for players to experience a different, more modern surface. We have been training on artificial turf often, but have not played 11-a-side games. Injuries are more likely on turf, so precaution is the key. I’m old school, I still believe that the real test of character comes on the mucky ground, at Azad Maidan,” Machado told mid-day on Monday.

The artificial turf promises improved speed, fluidity, and technical precision. Anthony Albuquerque, coach of St Mary’s (ICSE) High School (Mazgaon), acknowledged this. “Last year, we played our DSO [District Sports Office] matches on an artificial turf in Ghatkopar and it was a huge difference when compared to playing on mud. Aspects like ball control, movement and even stamina of the players, everything changes,” said Albuquerque.

Former India hockey player and Olympian Edgar Mascarenhas, who is the sports director of Don Bosco International School (Matunga), feels the move to artificial turf will benefit quality players and teams. “A proper surface allows players to express themselves. This move to artificial turf, levels the playing field in a new way and will test the ability to adapt,” said Mascarenhas.

Hassle-free season

Meanwhile, MSSA football secretary Sebastian Fernandes felt the new surface will only intensify the competition between teams. “The move isn’t just about modernisation, it’s also about ensuring consistency and continuity. This move ensures an exciting and hassle-free season. Earlier, rains made the Azad Maidan ground unplayable, causing many delays and cancellations. That will never happen now,” said Fernandes.