Football coach Preetam Mahadik has been inundated with calls and messages since mid-day (edition dated July 31) highlighted his success story with his club Mumbai Knights in Mumbai Football Association-organised tournaments this season. Among the good wishes, one call was about a coaching role at a national-level 
tournament, which Mahadik is very excited about.

Mumbai Schools Sports Association’s (MSSA) Football Secretary Sebastian D’Souza has offered Mahadik the chief coach’s job for the MSSA Academy girls team that will participate in the U-17 Nationals later this season. “I read Preetam’s story and was very impressed with his achievements. I’ve offered him the chief coach’s role for our MSSA Academy girls U-17 team that will be participating in the next edition of the Dream Sports Foundation-organised U-17 National Football Championship in February-March 2026. Most of Preetam’s players belong to our MSSA member schools, so he can pick some of his players while he also scouts for other talent from across the city. MSSA will bear the team’s expenses and provide all allowances for coaches and players for this Championship,” Fernandes told mid-day on Friday.

Mumbai Knights coach and owner Preetam Mahadik. Pic/Rane Ashish