We are back with another edition of IN CONVERSATION. It has been a while we know, but today we have with us another senior player who has spent 7 brilliant years with the club. He entered the club seeking a place in the attacking department and did fairly well in his appearances. However, of late he has become a core member of the defensive unit and leads from the back. His huge physical presence contributes to his ever improving game. A graduate in IT from the S.M. Shetty College in Powai, he left a corporate job to pursue sport and has also started his own football academy. We are talking about MS defender Akshay Saraf. Let us talk to him and know more about him & his current state of affairs

1) What was your football journey like? Did you train from a young age or started off in the later years?

I started playing when I was 14 years old, but i took it seriously when I turned 16. It was really wonderful and hard too! Back when I started I had no idea about the football world and how it works. I was just engrossed & enjoyed playing the game with my friends. I later joined Kenkre U19 in 2011-12 who played in the 1st division of the MDFA. Unfortunately, the season didn't go very well for me. After playing the first match I suffered an ankle ligament tear which ruled me out for the whole season. I was completing my HSC and so I kept football at the backseat for a year. Later, I joined Mumbai Strikers in the 2013-14 season and since then I have come a long way and made my place in the current squad.

2) How was your experience in the 7s football tournament for which you travelled abroad?

I attended the Arena Soccer World Cup that was held in the USA five years ago.The experience was amazing. It was a different version of the game, but the exposure was fruitful. I got to play with international teams like Mexico, Germany, Colombia etc. Unfortunately, we didn't win any matches, but the experience had a great impact on my Football career and it was life changing for me. Trips like these give you a different perspective and there is a lot to learn in terms of the game and other fronts.

3) How did you come across Mumbai Strikers and what was the environment like when you joined in?

A former player of Mumbai Strikers and known acquaintance, Calvin Sequeira told me to give tryouts for Mumbai Strikers and try my luck. I got into the team in 2013 and the environment was excellent. As time went by, I learned that it was one of the most disciplined football clubs in Mumbai with some amazing talented players. The fact that they train religiously in pre and during the season for at least 3 days a week leaves me stunned. The club is well known for its etiquettes on and off the field and so I am glad to be a part of it.

4) You are now one of the key players in the club. It has been an incredible evolution for you as a player. Tell us more about it.

Yeah, all the players and coaching staff and the administrative staff have really helped me evolve as a good player as well as a person. I am thankful to them for putting their trust in me and help me evolve. And now I am among one of the senior players of the team, so it's like you have the responsibility on your shoulders to help other young players evolve which is also helping me a lot as a player. I trained under many coaches at this club. The first was Mr. Rohit D’souza himself. Later I trained under Mr. Firmin D’Souza, Mr. Sandeep Singh and currently under Mr. Maclin D’Penha and Mr. Varun D’Souza. I am really thankful to them for helping me grow as a player.

5) Your ambition to play with MS was that of an attacking player. However, you have become a vital defensive deal lately. How would you define this transformation?

Yes, I remember I started as a left winger when I joined the team. I then transformed into a striker, then a central attacking midfielder and then for a few matches I featured as a Right back. Till the last season, I was playing as a striker. However, this season the coach showed some faith and told me that I can be a good defensive player for the team. Seeing the statistics of last season, it would be right to say that I brought about defensive stability in the squad. In the 9 matches we played, we kept 7 clean sheets. I guess probably the best in the league. If you ask why I ended up being a defender from a striker, I would say that it's really important to be in the playing 11, rather than sitting on the bench. Also, I would love to play any position which can help my team in every way and win matches. I kept this in mind and the numbers speak for itself.

6) What tips would you give young aspiring football players who want to play at the highest level?

I also aspire to play in the top league of the nation. My advice would be to never give up on your dream. Always protect it and keep working hard for it. It is important to get yourself playing time and progress to better levels gradually. That is the most vital factor which helps you grow faster as a player. Not to forget, our Individual efforts matters too, whether off the field or on it.

7) Who is your role model in the sport and what club do you follow or like?

Luis Nani. He is the reason why I started playing as a left winger andI just loved watching him play everytime. Since then I started following Manchester United. But, since I’ve converted to a defender now, I admire Nemanja Vidic who is a former player of Manchester United. One of the most aggressive and fearless players I have ever seen in my whole life. He also was a leader on the field.