2 NAVI SCHOOL GIRLS ON VERGE OF SELECTION IN FOOTBALL TEAM

NAVI MUMBAI: Two girls studying in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) schools are hoping to get selected for the State Under-17 football team.

The two, Shivani Ramprasad Jaiswal, 16, of Airoli School, and Kajal Lakandar Saroj, 15, of Rabale School, have been selected by the Thane District Football Association (TDFA) to play in the selection matches to be held from May 11 to 19 to represent the State at the national championship.

The duo terms the development as life changing. Residing in a hilly region, Kajal requires to trek her way to school and spends her free time helping her mother in peeling bulk orders of garlic.

“It’s like a dream-come-true. I used to play football as a pastime with an NGO that works for the betterment of under-privileged children. I will try my best to make it to the State team,” said Kajal.

Shivani is undergoing training at Nashik. Sitting on the bench, she learns by observing the techniques used by other players. Shivani is extremely confident of making it to the State team.

“I play as a forward and I observe the way other forward players go about their game. My family is very happy that my efforts are yielding results,” said Shivani.

For NMMC, the selection of the girls is nothing less than an achievement. “We are really delighted that our very first initiative to train students to play football has succeeded,” said the deputy municipal commissioner (sports), Manojkumar Mahale.

“It was during the league that 40 students were selected and were given training by TDFA. Among these 40 girls, Shivani and Kajal were found eligible to play for the State selection matches,” said NMMC sports officer, RH Gurav.

“Our students are extremely talented but lack the opportunity to make it big. If these girls get selected and manage to make a mark, they will at least secure government jobs,” added sports teacher, Pradip Mastud.