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It has been an amazing past few weeks for Kenkre FC, as they have finally made the step-up to the I-League. Ahead of the new season, head coach Akhil Kothari was present alongside the one of Kenkre FC’s very own, Yash Mhatre, at a virtual press conference, speaking about how they are preparing for their next challenge.
“When we played in the qualifiers, our preparation time was short due to tough situations in Mumbai. What kept us going is the opportunity to compete in the qualifiers and to believe to do well in the tough times. Competing in a prestigious tournament like the I-League has motivated every player to do well in the competition and give their best throughout the campaign. It’s a different challenge altogether but we are ready to take this challenge on as a team.” said Akhil about the upcoming season.
Roped in at the last moment into the I-League, Kenkre FC have been looking to compete at the highest level for a long time. The team features a lot of who have come through the system at Kenkre FC. Around 16 players will have the opportunity to represent the club from Maharashtra as well. “There has been a strong focus on our academy system. We believe in our academy to grow players and we are here because of them. It took 21 years for the club to reach where we are now. We have retained the majority of the players from the qualifiers and we believe in the squad. We have a focused plan and we want to progress in our plan forward.”
Meanwhile, Yash Mhatre, one of the players who has been at Kenkre FC for a long time, gave us some valuable insights about the journey of the club. Playing for the club since his teenage days, he said, “I have been with the club for as long as I can remember. For us, it’s a very big thing. It has been a few years since a club from Mumbai participated in the I-League. We want to be here and compete.”
“Previously, I had an experience in an academy in England, and to be honest, I do not notice too many differences in the academies over there and here. However, all things being said, there is room for improvement. We will make sure that we will play well and show the country what we are. We are also looking forward to the campaign,” said Yash.
The coach had some special words reserved for the federations as well before the end of the press conference. “We would like to thank the AIFF, WIFA, Mumbai Football Association for encouraging us throughout. It is a dream come true for all of us. The players are motivated to give their best. We have all the support from the people of Maharashtra. We are just looking forward to the league. We are up for the challenge,” the coach concluded.
