I Got Real Soccer Tips from Mumbai City FC: Pranjal Bhumij

Our Sports Reporter

Guwahati: A stunning goal in the third minute of added time during the last season ISL tie against Kerala Blasters gave him much needed push in the competitive soccer. Pranjal Bhumij, a key member of Mumbai City FC and a product of Gauhati Town Club Academy, in a discussion with The Sentinel shared his experience to play for Mumbai City FC in ISL and his future plan. Here is the excerpt.

TS: Your journey with Mumbai City FC...

PB: It’s quite good. Initially I have joined the club for a year contract. However, later the club extended it for three more years. So this time too I’ll play for Mumbai City FC in the forthcoming ISL. I should admit that as a footballer I’ve developed a lot after I’ve joined the club.

TS: Share your experience in last two years in ISL.

PB: I got the opportunity to get training under two good coaches- Jorge Costa and Alexandre Guimaraes during my first two-year stint with the club. I didn’t have too much experience to play in the senior category, and that too, in such a highly competitive soccer. We, juniors are inexperienced and not aware of when to do what. They guided me nicely. It was their guidance which helped me to improve my technique and also my level of confidence. I’ve spent first two years to learn the game in a proper way and whenever got the opportunities I tried my best to deliver. Hope this season I would be able to play good soccer, and will help my team to lift the trophy.

TS: What is your memorable moment in ISL?

PB: I feel it was the goal that I scored in the 93rd minute against Kerala Blasters in the last season. We were trailing by a solitary goal against Kerala Blasters when I came into the ground as a substitute. However, at the third minute of the added time I scored the equalizer with a shot that I took just from outside the box. It was really a great moment for me.

TS: What about donning of Indian jersey?

PB: I’ve already played for India in the junior category and now want to represent my country in the senior level also. I’ve set a two-year target to reach that goal.

TS: Nearly 10-12 players from Assam are now turning up on regular basis to different ISL and I League outfits. Your reaction?

PB: It’s a good sign. Efforts of the players have started to yield results. Presence of good number of Assam players in the different ISL and I League clubs will help the junior players of the state to take the game seriously. Even we can promote a local club to I League level too.

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