14 July,2011 09:23 AM IST | | Rohan Koli
Holy family striker Prashant repays coach's faith with a goal on debut
Holy Family, Andheri's Prashant Rane made a fairytale debut in inter-school football yesterday. The 13-year-old striker's early goal set-up a 3-0 win against St Aloysius, Bandra in an MSSA U-14 Div II inter-school tie at Azad Maidan yesterday.
Borus D'souza and Lancy D'souza completed the scoring for Holy Family after Prashant opened the scoring in the 13th minute with an accurate header from close range.
Prashant was quick to point out the person responsible for making his dream of representing his school come true ufffd his coach Denis Coutinho.
"I'm very happy I scored a goal in my first ever match. I hope that there are many more to follow in this tournament. I thank Denis sir for having faith in me and allowing me to be part of the team. I hope I can live up to his expectations," said Prashant.
Prashant recalled how he first fell in love with the game. "For hours I would simply sit and watch my friends practice at the school ground. Thereafter, I started playing with friends in my locality but never thought I would ever represent my school team," added Prashant. Not until coach Coutinho spotted him that is.
"I was very impressed by his play on the first day itself. I liked the way he was passing and tackling. If he is trains hard, I have no doubt that he will develop into a good player," said Coutinho
The other U-16 match between Bombay Scottish, Mahim and St Stanislaus, Bandra ended in goalless draw.
