Pune: Pune FC's continuing quest of grooming talent at lower age groups bore fruit with three of its city-based Under-16 were short-listed to play in the FC Bayern Youth Cup (India) finals scheduled in January 2012 at New Delhi.
The players include goalkeeper Rohan Fasge, mid-fielder Rushab Dhere and striker Atman Mehta, who went through the grind of a two-day selection process overseen by FC Bayern scouts Paul Breitner and Harald Cerny before making the final 15.
When the dust settled, the players ended with the chance to play against another set of 15 players shortlisted in New Delhi to decide “the best” that will travel to Germany for the FC Bayern Youth Cup international!
The finals’ of the India event will be held when the German giants visit India to play a friendly on January 10.
Apart from the city threesome, Pune FC had three others make it through the first round of selection and included Soumesh Gurke, Raj Bhanwari and Shantanu Kulkarni. However at the end of trials at the Western Railway Sports ground, Lower Parel, Mumbai it was Rohan, Rushab and atman who made Pune FC and their city proud.
Pune FC were represented by 12 players at this first-ever event titled ‘Be A Part Of The Largest Youth Search in India’ organized by Adidas, Audi and the Bundesliga club that attracted 400 players.
Others making the trip to Mumbai included Ashish Awati, Hemanth Mali, Jordan Fernandes, Prashant Venugopal, Nirav Tanna, Omkar Salvi, who were accompanied by Under-19 coach Gift Raikhan.
The three will now attempt to make it to the final 15, which will make up the best to represent India at the FC Bayern Youth Cup which will be held a couple of days after the Champions League finals at Allianz Arena, Munich in May 2012.
KNOW THE LUCKY 3…
ROHAN FASGE
Position: Goalkeeper
DoB: 23 July 1996School: Krida Prabodhini
His aim is to play for India and thus when out on the field he wants to be among the best. Currently Rohan is part of Pune FC’s Under-17 set up and s in the process of building upon the teachings of his coaches. Rohan is an avid Bundesliga lover and Bayern Munich is one of favourite clubs.
RUSHAB DHERE
Position: Medio
DoB: 28 December 1996School: Krida prabodhini
The promising playmaker has moved up the ranks in Pune FC after leading the Under-15 side in 2011. The promise shown by the lad led to graduation to the Under-17 ranks. Fact is that he is one of the two players to graduate, which includes being voted Pune FC Best Under-15 player in 2011.
3) Atman Mehta
Position: Striker
DoB: 26 June, 1996
School: Vikhe Patil Memorial School
The Solapur-born lad has shown abundant promise with a good left finish in tow. With goals to his name during the MUPC tourney, the soft-spoken player made an impressive impact during the MUPC meet. Among Atman’s favourite footballers in Germany are Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben, both Bayern Munich players.
