In episode 4 of IN CONVERSATION, we have with us one of our first locally scouted players from the playgrounds of Mulund. He loved playing football with a bunch of friends initially and now he loves the game even more. Of late he has been a nemesis to many teams in Mumbai because of his deceptive body language and aggression. In a span of 9 seasons for MS, he has raked up 30 goals and 26 assists of the 62 matches he played in. From playing for a local club in the Thane District Football League to being awarded the Best Striker in the Mumbai District Football League, his journey has been magnificent. Let us get IN CONVERSATION with none other than our prolific striker Akshay Devadiga.
1. What went through your mind when you were picked up for Mumbai Strikers SC?
On a regular basis from school days, I just enjoyed playing with my friends. We have played a lot of football together in our locality and other grounds. One fine day I was spotted by the founder of Mumbai Strikers SC playing on one of the grounds. He spoke to me and explained to me about the club and its vision. He was impressed with the way I played and invited me to join the club. At first I was reluctant, but then I made up my mind and said, if I have the skill, why not? I joined MS in the season of 2011-12.
2. You were a talent scouted right from the local grounds of Mulund. How has your perspective changed towards the game since joining MS?
It has changed a lot. Frankly, before joining Mumbai Strikers SC, I knew nothing about Mumbai football. I was totally unaware of the facts, figures and happenings. Since joining MS, I became aware of the structure of Mumbai Football. I began to learn everything related to football in Mumbai and played a lot of tournaments as well. My only aim was to score goals and I worked towards it every day. As days went by, the club instilled a winning mentality in me and all other players in the squad. That made a huge difference to me.
I always knew how to play but Mumbai Strikers taught me how to win. Without self-discipline, success is impossible.
Joining Mumbai Strikers was one of the best decisions of my life.
3. It has been a journey of years and you may have encountered several players and coaches in your time with the club. What have you learnt from them?
Yes, 9 years. All Individuals are different and I have learned a lot from all of them. When I joined, there were several seasoned players who had tons of experience. My pace and aggression came as an added advantage. But despite the fact that I was young, I learned that it takes a lot more to mature in this game. Speed and a great physique are just minor aspects of the game. It is the instinct and decision making that is of great importance. Over a period of time I have learnt that if we lack these, it is difficult to sustain even if you have good pace and physical strength. Today I am a seasoned player and am sending across this message to the youth who join the team.
4. There was an injury filled season for you during your time with MS. What were the struggles you went through and how did you cope up with them?
In the 2013-14 season, I had my right Knee ACL tear. I played only 2 matches that season and before the start of 2016-17 season, while playing in the Palava league, I tore my left knee ACL. I missed out on 5 matches of that season and then it turned out to be one of the best seasons of my career. We qualified for the Elite division and to top it up, I was awarded the Best Striker of the Super Division at the MDFA Awards. The injury surely made the comeback sweeter. For a football player, injuries are the worst thing, but you as an individual should see it as challenge and learn from it.
5. You have worked in the corporate sector and are still a working individual. How have you managed to balance your work and football? How has the club helped you in that respect?
It is difficult to keep pushing yourself in the training session, when you know you have to work after this for 8-9 hours. But you have to because you love the game so much. When I was working for a corporate, I used to sometimes work beyond just to complete my target for the week. It's true you don't get everything in life.
I think I've been able to manage it all because of the will to sacrifice. I've sacrificed a lot of my holidays, family functions to a point where I even went two days late for my elder brother's wedding in Mangalore. I try to manage everything I do by always keeping training and football matches as a priority.
Our club also has an attendance system which helps a lot. It allows us to plan ourselves in all respects. Most of our training sessions in the morning, which makes it a little easier for me to plan my work schedule accordingly.
6. Which season with the club has been your favorite and why?
To that I would say, I have two favorite seasons. The first was the 2014-15 season with Mumbai Strikers where we were crowned FIRST DIVISION Champions. It was the first ever title the club earned at the Mumbai District Club level. I remember the crowd that turned out to cheer us at the St. Xavier's Ground, Parel. They were amazing and unforgettable.
The second is the 2016-17 season where we qualified for the Elite Division, thetop most league of Mumbai football. It is a season to remember because that was the first major objective of the club, to reach the top division of Mumbai Football. Achieving it was not easy, the club put in tremendous effort on & off the field to reach the Elite Division.
7. Who is your role model in football and why is he or she your inspiration?
CRISTIANO RONALDO - His Journey inspires me a lot. The amount of sacrifice he has made and the hardwork that he puts in is why he is the BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD. Moreover, his discipline in terms of his schedule is remarkable.