Fight their way to top

Comebacks tell a great story. Turnarounds are even better. The story of the St Dominic Savio (Andheri) football team has both of the aforementioned.

A year ago, the team was in tatters. They lost most of their U-16 first division matches and were subsequently relegated to second division. Players were demoralised and almost gave up on their team.

This year, the team has produced excellent results. For starters, it won the U-16 MSSA second division title and thereby secured a promotion back to the first division.

Last week, it lost in the semifinal of the District Sports Office (DSO) tournament. On Wednesday, it beat St Francis D'Assisi (Borivli) 6-5 on penalties (2-2 after full time) to enter the final of the Ahmed Sailor tournament.

What's great about the win was that it was forced to play the final fifteen minutes with 10 men as one player was shown a red card for elbowing a D'Assisi player.

So what really changed the fortunes of the side that conceded an average of three goals a match last year? Their coach, Sushant Pawar explained: "When I started coaching them this year, I saw that most of the kids were demoralised. That was the first challenge. Then, as we continued practice, I realised that these kids were a talented lot. All they needed was a little guidance in the technical aspects of the game."

Pawar is part of a sports development firm called South United Sports Schools that train schools across the country.

"When we approached Fr Crispine D'Souza, the principal of Dominic Savio, he seemed very interested. Being a football lover, all he wanted from us was to get his team back to the first division. When I realised that I was going to get such a backing, I knew that nothing could stop us," said Pawar.

And what were the boys' reaction? "Of course, they were apprehensive about our initiative, but when they started winning, they realised the difference that the technical training made."

Pawar and his team monitor the progress of each kid. They have skill tests every quarter and find out the strengths and weaknesses of each kid and then work on them.

"Honestly, the kids have worked really hard. The extra practice sessions that we've had in the summer vacations helped us to grow as a team. Now, each one knows his position and what I expect from them," said Pawar.

While Pawar and his team may have changed a lot, one thing remained the same —their main player, Calvin Baretto. Seeing his skills with the ball and pin-point crosses, one wouldn't be surprised that Baretto was part of the U-15 India camp in Bangalore last November. Though he chose to take a break from the camp to concentrate on his studies, Baretto hasn't lost touch. He scored a goal during normal time and one penalty in his side's semifinal win.

"We played well as a team though we were under pressure after being reduced to 10. We wanted to reach the final at any cost," Bareto said.

The team face Don Bosco (Matunga) in the final of Friday. The team from Matunga beat St Joseph High School (Wadala) 4-2 on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw in normal time.