Shivaprasad stars for Sharon in MSSA U-14 Div IV tie

Sharon English High School's (Mulund) Shivaprasad Shetty is having a good run in inter-school football having scored five goals in three matches so far. The 13-year-old striker scored a brace yesterday to help the Mulund outfit beat Saifee High School (Mohd Ali Road) 2-0 for their third consecutive win in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) boys' U-14 Div IV tie at Don Bosco (Matunga) ground.

Shetty's first goal came in the 11th minute, from a pass from Ashutosh Chavan from the right flank. He came back in the second half to make it 2-0 with a right-footed volley in the 36th minute.

Shetty credited his coach Sushil Shigwan for realising his dream of representing his school. "I never used to go for football trials in schools, as I was shy. I always felt that people will make fun of me if I play badly. I thank Sushil sir for having faith in me and allowing me to be part of the team. I hope I can live up to his expectation," Shetty told MiD DAY.

Shivaprasad Shetty (right), who never thought of representing his school, in now star with five goals in three matches. Pic/Suresh K.K

The teenager recalled how he overcame his fear to be part of the school team. "For hours I would simply sit and watch my friends practise at school. Thereafter, I started playing with friends in my locality, but never thought I would ever represent my school. It was my mother (Vinaya) who helped me gain confidence," Shetty added.

Coach Shigwan also showered praise on Shetty. "Earlier this year, I saw him playing in the inter-house football competition. I was very impressed with him. He is a shy kid off the field, but once he is on the ground, he is a different person. It is his first year in the team, but he has scored in every match. If he trains hard, I have no doubt that he will develop into a good player," Shigwan said.u00a0