From Dream to Reality: Ashutosh Rathod reflects on Mumbai Soccer Prodigies’ title triumph

by Chittu Shetty March 25, 2025

In a candid interview, Coach Ashutosh Rathod shares about the team’s belief and relentless work ethic that fueled Mumbai Soccer Prodigies’ (MSP) title win in Mumbai Super League

From setting their sights on the championship from day one to navigating the pressures of a nail-biting final day, MSP’s story is one of Self belief and commitment.

“It really feels great,” Rathod expressed, reflecting on the team’s achievement. “We had decided this season we will play only and only for the title.” This singular focus, he believes, was the key to their success. Unlike teams who often settle for playoff spots, MSP aimed higher and achieved greater.

The team’s ability to thrive under pressure was a crucial factor in their victory. Rathod emphasized his role in alleviating the pressure on his players, reminding them of their potential and the hard work they had put in. “I feel if something is important to you, you will feel some pressure at all times for achieving that, it will always be there, and we need to figure our different methods to work around it,” he explained.

A pivotal moment in MSP’s campaign was the strategic strengthening of their defense with the signings of Nitesh Aswani and Prithvi ahead of the playoffs. Rathod acknowledged their crucial role, stating, “To put it in simple words, we wouldn’t win this title without this defense.” He highlighted Nitesh’s leadership and Prithvi’s aerial dominance, both of which proved vital in the crucial final matches.

Captain Deep Moorjani also played a significant role, embodying the team’s spirit both on and off the field. Rathod praised his leadership and work ethic, saying, “He was the one who has led players on and off the field.”

The team’s attacking prowess was spearheaded by Nihal Colaco, who had an incredible season, culminating in the Best Forward award. Rathod, while acknowledging Nihal’s talent, believes the striker has even greater potential. “I believe in Nihal, and trust me when I say this, we haven’t seen his best yet,” he stated.

In a poetic twist, MSP’s journey began and ended with Brothers WA, a fitting full-circle moment. Rathod, however, remained confident throughout, stating, “There were no doubts in my mind about the final game, I knew the boys were ready and we have got this.”

Rathod’s dedication extended beyond the field, as he even took a break from social media to focus on the team’s goals. “We all were off our major distraction to focus on bigger goal,” he explained, referring to MSP’s title win and TFA’s 1st Division runner-up finish. “It was about believing in dreams and fighting for them.”

Now, with MSP promoted to the MFA Elite Division, Rathod and his team face new challenges. He acknowledged the significant step up in competition, stating, “There is a lot of hard work now… we need to start from the scratch work hard to even sustain here.”

When asked to describe the season in one word, Rathod chose “Ecstatic,” emphasizing the fulfillment of a collective dream. “We dreamt something, we worked for it, we achieved it! Now we have more strength and more belief to dream and work towards it. There is no better feeling, I suppose.”

As Rathod takes on the additional responsibility of coaching the Mumbai U20 District team, his experience and leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Mumbai football. His ability to guide and motivate players, as evidenced by MSP’s championship victory, will be invaluable in nurturing the next generation of talent.

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