This has been and has to be one of the most memorable season in the 17 year history of the Mumbai Strikers SC's Football Team. Two years ago, the team got close by qualifying for the play offs and did not move further. Last year the club missed out a chance to qualify for the semi-final by one goal. But this time the lads made it count by not only qualifying for the grand finale but also winning the title of Champions in Division One of the Mumbai Football League (MFL). MS held the prestigious winners cup for the first time ever and with pride. This season will also go down in the history of the club as one of the best as the team qualified for the Super Division of the Mumbai Football League. It is an all new level and of course a tougher challenge.
The season began really well for MS with three wins out of the first three matches in the group stages. Every club has a bump somewhere during the season and after a hat-trick of victories, MS slumped to their first ever defeat against pool leaders Desperados FC who were authoritative all through the group stage and ended in the first position. The fifth match also was not any better as MS played out a goalless draw with a stubborn Chheda Nagar FA and kept their chances of qualification for the play offs hanging in the balance. The next three games were now crucial and nothing less than winning each of it would help them. MS took up the challenge and made it three out of three again with convincing victories and qualified for the play off stage. From the play off stage only 4 out of 12 qualified teams would make it to the semi final and there were four pools of three teams each. MS drew their first game against Chheda Nagar Prodigies who had lost an earlier encounter with Bombay FC and now only a win against Bombay FC would see MS through to the semis. MS did not disappoint its fans by winning convincingly against Bombay FC and qualified for their first ever Semi Final of the MFL. It obviously was tough now as 4 of the best teams in Division One would face each other to reach the finals. MS passed the test with flying colours as they walked past Goregaon SC comfortably and won the semi final. The grand finale was drawn against a strong and defiant Millat FC who also were emphatic throughout the season. However, MS were ready for all and came all guns blazing for the encounter. MS with all the support in the stands stamped their authority in the finals and made it look like a cakewalk as they breezed past Millat FC with a comprehensive score of 4-1.
The Road to Victory was of course never easy and full of ups and downs for the club. The team worked hard all season and put up a great show despite obstacles. The prize for it all ? “Division One Champions” and the “Super Division” next year. The club is all set for a new season and new challenges in the future.