Steven Dias is moving on after seven years in Mahindra United, accepting the Churchill Brothers offer for next season from among several clubs in Goa and Kolkata interested in recruiting him. “The opportunity with Mahindras got me a place on the Indian team. I wanted to play away from home. Churchill Brothers were in touch with me for five years, after putting the offer on hold for so long, decided to accept it,” said the international, known for setting up goals via precise crosses from the right flank and free-kicks. “The choice was between pressures associated with a big Kolkata club, compared to Goa where football is competitive and club setup is similar to Mahindra United.”
Thursday’s home game at Cooperage against JCT will be MU’s last game in the I-League 2010 before the curtain comes down on the Mumbai team due to a management decision to pull out of I-League. It will also mark the last game in front of home fans for Steven. The MU star will play for the first time in the Goan league next season, representing Churchill Brothers. Dempo SC were also learnt to be in the hunt for one of India’s creative playmakers. “I got an indirect offer from Dempo, so chose to sign with Churchill where all brothers were present when they asked me if I was interested. The passion for promoting football at Churchill Brothers helped me decide.”
He trained at the Kandivili ground on Tuesday under coach David Booth, a routine maintained for years under various coaches. “I joined when David Booth was here for the first time. I was a junior then, but he always gave me chances though established names were in the squad. Booth Sir rewards those who work hard.” He played under Syed Naeemuddin and Derrick Pereira, figuring in the Federation Cup winning squad with the latter. “Mahindras will always be a part of my football. It is due to my performances here that I got selected for national camps. Even the current team has youngsters like Colin Abranches and Laukik Jadhav has the talent to go far in future for India and I-League.”
Steven came into prominence in partnership with Brazilian Jose Barreto. “I was hitting crosses before he joined Mahindra United. Barreto’s ability to score off my crosses put in the spotlight and he guided me off the field too. Our friendship and understanding was visible on the field too.” The domestic football and I-League exploits earned him more freedom and space to operate in the Indian senior squad under foreign coaches like Bob Houghton. “He respects the players, we respect him. Houghton Sir knows our strengths and makes full use so that the team benefits. We know what is expected from us.”
The 2011 AFC Asian Cup Football Championship is a major task for India under Houghton. “We are playing Australia, South Korea and Bahrain.
There is no fear now when India takes on higher ranked teams. Under Houghton’s preparation we are ready to give our best,” noted Steven, for whom life takes a new turn after Thursday when one door slammed shut in Mumbai, another opened in Goa. Future plans include a trial with clubs in Europe or the USA. “I want to make an impression at Qatar during the Asian Cup. Those performances against quality teams will put me in a better position to join foreign clubs.”
