3 from ‘Hollywood’ among 24 probables picked up for Homeless WC in Mexico.
For people living in slums, traveling in a reserved compartment of a train is nothing short of a dream. However, three slum footballers from Ahmedabad’s Gulbai ‘Hollywood’ Tekra have not only lived that dream but are now eyeing one step ahead, i.e. doing the impossible of boarding an international flight.
After their stupendous show at the 10th Rajiv Gandhi Memorial National Slum Soccer tournament held in Bangalore, Jitu Rathod, Rama Makwana and Naresh Solanki have got their names registered in the probables list for the Homeless World Cup to be held in Mexico later this year.
The trio represented Saamarthya Foundation backed Sharpshooters in the 4-a-side competition. Sharpshooters finished fourth in the 16-team event, which was organised by Nagpur-based Krida Vikas Sansthan.
Acknowledging the development the news Sharpshooters coach, Pratap Baroliya said, “Out of 24 boys, three are Sharpshooters. This is an achievement. Jitu, Rama and Naresh played exceptionally well in Bangalore.”
In the month of May the trio will board a train to Nagpur, where they will attend a month long coaching-cum-selection camp.
“We had a great time. Personally I learnt lot during those four days. This trip has made my parents feel proud and they are now encouraging me for Nagpur. I am looking forward to that trip,” said Rathod, who idolizes Brazilian Ronaldinho.
Unlike Rathod, it won't be easy for Rama Makwana for a month long camp in Nagpur. Being auto driver he earns his bread daily, which is consumed same day. However, family support and passion for the beautiful game has encouraged him to live his dream. "Till date, I managed to balance between my passion and responsibilities. My family understands the difficulties we are likely to face when I am away. But they are very supportive and encouraging. So I am looking forward to this challenge too. Also, before leaving for Nagpur I will do some adjustments, which will enable my family to enjoy the regular meals," said Makwana.
According to Makwana, the Bangalore trip has boosted his confidence and will not hesitate if he gets playing offer. "If any offer (to play football) comes, will definitely give a thought," he said. The road ahead isn't as smooth as it appears. If any of anyone of this trio makes it to Mexico, Saamarthya Foundation will have to shell out a few bucks. "Finance will become important if anyone of them impresses the officials in Nagpur. Krida Vikas Sansthan and the organisers will share only part of that cost. In that scenario, we will have work out on logistics. I will be talking to a few sponsors on this issue, once the picture (the money required) gets clear," said Jamshed Chinoy, of Saamarthya Foundation.
Sharpshooters played three league matches where they beat Andhra Pradesh 6-0, Madhya Pradesh 4-2 and lost 2-3 to West Bengal. The two victories took them to knockouts, quarterfinals. There they beat Tamil Nadu by Jitu Rathod's solitary effort.
Sharpshooters ran out of steam in the semifinals losing the penultimate round 2-4.
For Baroliya, the biggest achievement is the discipline he has injected in boys. "During matches you are bound to make a foul. But in our five matches not a single player was show a card. That shows how regimented boys were. For that we were given the Fair Play trophy. For me it is a biggest reward," said Baroliya, an Income Tax employee.
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