With Mohammedan jersey on it is an added responsibility, says Gaurav Bora

The player currently plays for the India U-23 National team.

He won the I-League with Chennai City FC in the 2018-19 season under the tactical acumen of Akbar Nawas. Scored a brace in his farewell game against Minerva Punjab FC to claim Chennai City FC’s maiden silverware. He transformed himself from a makeshift centre-back to one of the most complete centre-backs in the Indian domestic football circuit.

Yes, you have guessed it right. We are talking about none other than Mohammedan Sporting Club’s Indian defender, Gaurav Bora.

His association with the Indian Super League (ISL) dates back to his days at the FC Pune City Academy. He has been a regular for NorthEast United FC in the past, where he proved his worth and made a mark in the Indian Super League. Now he turned his boyhood dream of playing for one of the Kolkata heavyweights into a reality by signing for debutant Mohammedan Sporting Club prior to this season.

Recently, Khel Now was joined by Gaurav Bora for an exclusive interview. The excerpts from the interaction are shared below:

Experience being at the FC Pune City Academy

Gaurav Bora won himself an opportunity to train at the Baichung Bhutia Academy after his precision with the ball caught the eyes of the scouts while playing school football in Delhi. During his time at the academy, the scouts selected the young defender to represent Delhi’s U-16 State team. Later on, his performance with the state team earned him a spot in the trials of the erstwhile FC Pune City Academy.

“I think it was one of the best times for me, I also made a lot of friends, and a lot of memories. Most of them are playing in, I think in ISL right now. I have a lot of friends from back then who have made it here, and I was a part of it too, so I’m glad for the fact that it happened. I think I learned a lot of things, which was very important for me back then and helped me shape the kind of player and person I am right now,” Gaurav Bora said.

Akbar Nawas’s role in his life

I think he is one of the most important people. He was the one who gave me the chance at such a young age, believed in me, and trusted my abilities as a player. It is because normally, coaches don’t play young centre-backs that much.

They want experienced players at the back. But I was young back then, and he took the chance with me. Even though in the first game, I did not play well. But he still came to me and said, “Don’t worry, just keep playing how you are. I know the kind of player you are. So, just keep playing.”

He eventually kept on giving me those chances, nurtured me in the process, and I got better and better with time. So, I think Akbar Nawas being there then was very important for me and also for the club as well. We clinched the I-league under his guidance. I think of it as a very crucial turning point in my career.

The feeling of wearing the Mohammedan Sporting Club crest

Firstly, I would say it is a moment of pride for me and my family to be associated with this club and to be a player of this club. To wear that black and white jersey with written 1891 on it. To be a part of this club is such a huge moment. It has always been a dream being a young footballer to play for a Kolkata-based club.

One always wishes to play in those Derby games. Whenever I step onto the field, it feels the same; I want to give it my best. I want to help the team and come out with the best result possible. Also, with the Mohammedan jersey on, it is an added responsibility. We always want to give the best to the fans and the club.

Experience of playing under Coach Andrey Chernyshov

It’s been great till now. Though it’s been only four matches, we have been together since the pre-season. He’s a very demanding coach. He does not accept any less quality from his players. So, I think it’s a good thing for us too.

It is because we cannot be easy in the training as well. He’s always there to tighten things up. He’s very strict during the training sessions. He doesn’t want the quality to be down. So, I think that’s a plus point for all the players. I think it’s only betterment to cater from this point on when you are playing under the tactical acumen of the likes of our coach himself.

Knowing his pre-match rituals or superstitions, if any

No, not really. Just before putting on the jersey, I’ll just pray once. I think it’s not a superstition or something. But I’m a religious person. I like to pray before the match, and that’s it. I also love talking to my family before every game I play.

Expectations from Mohammedan’s debut season in the ISL

We have been playing good football since our very first game against NorthEast United FC. People have been praising the team a lot. So, of course, the whole team is all set and charged up to give it their best for this club. We are not here to demand anything less from us. We want to win. We want to win something from this season as well.

As you know, this team is a champion team. Last season, they won the I League. Even the Calcutta Football League. They have this championship thing running through their veins. They know how to win silverware. We want the best for us as well, for the club too. So I cannot tell you where we will end up or how we will end up. But I can tell you that in every match, we are going to give our best 100%.

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