Sk Sahil: I am fortunate to wear the green & maroon jersey again

The youngster will be given a defensive role in the ATK Mohun Bagan squad in the upcoming season.

Just over a year ago, Sk Sahil was still relatively an unknown name in Indian football. But the young midfielder managed to win over the attention of then Mohun Bagan coach Kibu Vicuna, who took the risk of making him a permanent starter. But the hard-working midfielder used the opportunity properly, having a breakthrough campaign as the Mariners won the I-league title.

After a year, Sk Sahil is once again fighting to earn a place at ATK Mohun Bagan – where the competitiveness is understandably higher. One of the two Mohun Bagan players from last season integrated into ATKMB’s Indian Super League (ISL) squad, Sk Sahil has the dreams and aspirations of many on his shoulders.

The 20-year-old, who graduated from high school very recently, is looking to make a bright impression on head coach Antonio Habas. When speaking about his experience under the Spaniard so far, Sahil said, “Habas Sir is giving me various suggestions every day. He is showing my faults.  He appreciates giving a good pass or taking the ball from someone's foot."

“There are so many good footballers in this team that it is a challenge to get into the first team.  Coach Sir says to take that challenge.  I am trying to do that as best as I can.”

Having played with the Mariners since he was a child, Sahil is understandably excited at making the ISL bow as he said, “I have been playing in my favorite green & maroon jersey ever since I came to play in Mohun Bagan U-14 team.  I am fortunate to have the opportunity to wear this jersey again.”

While the 20-year-old obviously lacks the experience of some of the other domestic midfielders like Pronay Halder, Jayesh Rane and Glan Martins in the squad, his talent makes him a viable option for Habas. Last season, Sk Sahil maintained 87% passing accuracy in the I-League and his ability to cut out promising passes from midfield has impressed the Spanish tactician.

Moreover, he is also defensively pretty strong and loves to dispossess opponents of the ball with his clean tackles and interceptions. Habas proved his love for hard-working young players by elevating Sumit Rathi to having a breakout season and if he can maintain the same exuberance, Sk Sahil is bound to get many opportunities to shine in the ISL.

Because of his sturdiness, Sahil will be given a defensive position in the squad and operate in a deeper role, when the team shift to a three-man defence, to help his side sustain pressure. For now, however, the 20-year-old needs to continue his good work in training and impress in the various training drills set up by the manager.

ATK Mohun Bagan are all set to play a closed-door, inter-squad friendly game pitting their own players against each other. The likes of Roy Krishna, Edu Garcia and David Williams will play in one, while Pritam Kotal, Tiri, Sandesh Jhingan and more are pitted in another. Sk Sahil will get his first big chance to impress in the competitive friendly game and if he can prove his worth by outperforming his teammates, the young midfielder could definitely feature right from the start of their ISL campaign.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter and join our community on Telegram.