Today we are IN CONVERSATION with a player who recently completed 10 years of playing with Mumbai Strikers SC. Therefore, we found it the most suitable moment to launch this dialogue. At the time of his joining, the club was competing in Division 2 of the MDFA. Looking to bring in some youthfulness to the squad, MS signed up this 16 year old who added to the attacking prowess on the field. In a span of 10 years, he has been responsible for the creation of several goals and has also scored some belters. Join me in welcoming the midfield maestro of Mumbai Strikers SC, Saurabh Solanki.
Saurabh, tell us about how you began playing football and when how did you end up playing for Mumbai Strikers SC?
At school we had a variety of sports to choose from. Surprisingly, I played my first competitive match as a hockey player and my first inter school match in Rugby. Then I went on to represent my school in Football, Handball, Volleyball and Athletics.
I started playing interschool matches from the 7th grade and I was also the school captain from the 8th grade. I joined the famous Kenkre FC Academy for a year and that helped me a lot in terms of professional training, but I had to quit after a year due to travel issues and also I wasn't getting any game time.
I continued with the school team till my 10th grade. Once I was done I decided to give a trial for Kenkre FC again. I wasn't selected then and didn't have much knowledge of where else I could get a trial.
Luckily, a month later a friend told me about Mumbai Strikers Sports Club. It was known as Strikers Football Club back then. I decided to go for a trial and I was welcomed with open arms. I continued practicing for 3 to 4 months without even knowing if I would make it into the team. But once the season approached, our team was announced and I was selected. I was young and didn't know much but I was told I have a powerful shooting ability. That's all I remember.
Once you joined MS, how easy or difficult was it to gel with the players and set the ball rolling? How did the club help you in that respect?
I have to say I was very fortunate to have the best seniors. I was just 16, youngest in the squad when I joined in and was taken care of very well. Everyone has always been helpful. What kept us connected was everyone was very like-minded. No one was there for money or to bag a job or anything of that sort. We were a group of boys that just enjoyed playing football together. Apart from all the fun and banter, what kept everyone in check was the discipline and respect everyone had for each other. Not only at the start but throughout my journey Mumbai Strikers has always been about brotherhood. The number 10 jersey which I have been wearing all the years was also a gift from one of my teammates. Also, I remember at halftime on my debut some of my teammates were explaining me the offside rule as I didn't know much about it.
A few years down the line you became crucial to the team in the midfield. How has MS impacted your game style over the years?
It's a very less known fact that I played my first season for Mumbai Strikers as a Centre Forward. I was 16 and wanted to just play wherever I had the chance. I then went on to play different positions for 2 years until I was mature enough as a player and a person and could fit into the central midfield. I have always been a central midfielder since childhood, as I always like being involved throughout the game. In other positions you are restricted to your attacking or defensive roles. In the Centre Midfield there is just so much freedom of being involved in every moment in the match unlike the left or the right. Obviously, the role comes with as much responsibility. Your actions influence the game the most and it feels good to have it, as it pushes your limits constantly.
Lately, I've been asked to perform goalkeeping duties in the absence of our main goalkeeper and I cherish those moments as I'm ready to do whatever it takes to be on the playing field.
From a Player to an Academy Coach with Mumbai Strikers SC. Tell us about this journey!
Well, having completed 10 seasons with the club this year, I would say it has been a fantastic journey. I have gained a lot as a player from this team. But now I think it's time to give back. Having gained so much experience and knowledge, I think it is my duty to share it with the next generation so that they donot face the obstacles we faced and have an even brighter future than us. What most people lack, is the knowledge off the field. If we can provide that as coaches, I'm sure the next generation is going to be better than we could be. Kids these days have so many resources, so it's only about guiding them in the right direction.
I'm sure you like to train the children of the MS Performance Academy. What methods are implemented to preach the club philosophy?
As a coach I always strive to give the child everything I had in terms of opportunities, knowledge, facilities and most importantly the experience and the memories that sport provides you!
Infact, we would always want to give a lot more than what we had as we know the pinch of not having it at the right time or not having it at all. We always want to work towards the betterment of all sports and the culture around it.
If your years of play are over, in what capacity would you want to be in the sport?
I won’t quit playing football anytime soon. But, I always want to be involved beyond the playing field. I would like to work as an administrator, as I have good strategy building skills and I could use that to better the current sport culture. Our culture doesn't support sport or rather any art form and we could change it with effective planning, creating awareness and employment opportunities. I would love to be a part of that change.
A repetitive question but with different answers all the time, which is your favorite football club and who is your favorite player?
Although I respect all football clubs my favorite club is Liverpool FC. Simply because it was the first jersey I purchased as a kid and coincidentally I happened to watch a match soon after. Ever since I was a 'fan' and also once I started following Liverpool FC, it isn't surprising to guess my favorite player. It is Steven Gerrard. I play the same position and would always want to play like him.