Kaustubh Sapkale is awaiting India call

Fifteen-year-old Kaustubh Sapkale started playing football only a year ago, but his passion for the game coupled with proper guidance and a bit of luck, gave him the opportunity to play in the recently concluded Gothia Cup tournament in Sweden.

A Std X student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhandup, Kaustubh moved to Mumbai from Hyderabad in 2009.

He made it to his school team the same year and by playing some exceptional football, he won the ‘outstanding player’ award. In order to pursue football as a career, he joined the renowned Kenkre Football Academy.

After performing well in the trials, he got selected for Kenkre's advance training programme and six months later, he found a place in the club's squad to play in the Manchester United Cup held in Goa. A year later, Kaustubh got his first breakthrough when he was called to take part in the Gothia Youth World Cup tournament, which was held in July.

Kaustubh has been called to take part in the trials conducted by English club Manchester United. The budding footballer, who idolises Ronaldo, hopes to play as a striker in the Indian team someday.