By Dhruv Shah,

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: With the days passing by quickly, the Hero Futsal Club Championship is getting closer and closer. 16 teams from 13 states will battle it out for the crown, and among the favourites to lift this crown is none other than Mohammedan SC. The Hero I-League club has a rich history and is now participating in a new venture at the national stage, as they look to become the inaugural champions of Hero Futsal Club Championship.

Ahead of the tournament, we asked the player/goalkeeping coach and assistant coach of the Mohammedan SC futsal team, Mihir Sawant, about the team, some key players, and how futsal can improve a footballer’s game. “The team is really excited going into the tournament and are ready to go out all guns blazing. We have been lucky so far as there have been no injuries to the players in the build-up to the tournament. We had a training camp in Goa for more than a couple of weeks and we have had positive results there as well.”

When quipped about how futsal can affect and improve a footballer’s overall game, Sawant said, “The pitch is much smaller and hence, the player has to work a lot on his first touch. The players are constantly under pressure, so ball control becomes a key component.” He continued, “Another important factor which comes into play is, as the goalkeeper can spend very less time on the ball (a goalkeeper can have the ball for a maximum of 4 seconds inside his own half), my teammates have to help me out and constantly look to make passing options available for me.” Mr. Sawant ended by saying, “There are also opportunities to have more touches of the ball, and more shots on goal.”

The Mohammedan SC team has been a very successful unit so far, being one of 3 Hero I-League sides to participate in the Hero Futsal Club Championship. They have a blend of all kinds of players, tough on the ball and silky feet, with youth and experience in equal amounts as well. The chemistry and bonding in this group has been really good as well. Coming to the fans of Mohammedan SC, they will be excited to see this team in action, and will be hoping that their team can perform well in the competition.

Goalkeeping coach-cum-player Mr. Mihir Sawant will be hoping to add another feather to his cap as he comes into this tournament. Having been through a career-threatening injury when his skull was fractured, this would mean a lot to the man. He said, “I was in comma for around 2 days when I suffered a skull fracture while playing. If I can win this tournament, it would bring heaven and earth together for me.”

Mihir Sawant also went on to thank the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to organize this tournament. He averred, “We would like to thank the AIFF for organising this tournament. This is a great step taken by the federation, and we can see futsal growing at a rapid pace in India.”