Football

We met up with Akshay Sathe, the captain of the BITS Pilani football team hoping to get a pre-BOSM insight into the team. Akshay is not so happy with the team’s preparations or rather the lack of it in the last few days. This is because the 3rd and 4th yearites, who form the crux of the team, have been having continuous CDC tests. However in August, the practice had been going great. Fitness levels are good although the stamina still needs to be worked upon. There were a few hiccups in the team’s preparations due to the fact that the coach came pretty late this year and will get only 2 weeks with the team. However he is pretty confident of the team’s chances in this year’s tournament. Practice will help them iron out the few remaining chinks in their armor. Akshay is confident that this year’s team will be at least on par if not better than last year’s trophy winning team.

He was amazed with the turnout of the 1st yearites and the high energy levels and enthusiasm shown by them. However all but one failed to make it to the team. This was not due to lack of skill but due to the fact that the seniors are better players. The team chemistry is currently excellent, as most of the players know each other’s style and strengths. 1st yearites had not been able to gel and co-ordinate properly with the team during the short trial period and hence have failed to make the cut. Akshay remarked that football is not based on individual skill but on how well one fits into the team. There is one first yearite on the team as a goal-keeper in addition to one first year ME’ite. For all those who are interested, Vijay Sharma has been showing up for practice regularly but is unsure whether he will get time to play during BOSM.

Akshay is happy with the BITS Premier League matches that happened last semester as it helped the players improve on their game. Three new 2nd yearites and a 3rd yearite got into the team on the back of their excellent performance in the league. The team’s strategy focuses equally on attack and defense. The defense of the team is the same group as last year and so is pretty strong. The attack has been enhanced by the addition of a new M.E striker. The formation of the team will mostly be 4-4-2 .There is going to be a practice match on the 13th of September with the BHS football team. Akshay is hopeful of trying out a few strategies and possibly a 4-3-3 formation in this match.

Akshay is looking forward to BOSM 2009 where his team will be under slight pressure being the defending champions. He is sure that it will be a new experience for the new players on the team and indeed a challenge for all. He has this message for all you ‘footie’ fans out there-“Do turn up for all the matches, even the ones where our team is not playing. And of course, cheer for our team. Be there for us…”

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