Memories of playing at Cooperage still fresh in my mind: Thapa

Walking down the memory lane, legendary Ranjit Thapa recalled his 16-year long association with Mumbai football.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 3rd MDFA awards function held at the Cooperage football ground Saturday night, where he addressed a large gathering of enthusiastic young and old footballers, present to receive their awards.

Thapa, who represented the famed Mafatlal Group of Mills from 1968 to 1984 in the Harwood League, admitted that memories of his playing days at the iconic Cooperage ground were still fresh in his mind.

"The sound of my shots hitting the woodwork (goalposts were made of wood) still keep resonating in my head. I enjoyed every challenge from the opponents and loved the comments from the large number of fans. It was always great to perform in front of vociferous spectators and especially those from the rival camp," Thapa was quoted as saying in a media release issued Sunday.

Besides Thapa, who represented India in the 60s and 70s, others present at the function were four-time hockey Olympian Dhanraj Pillay, India's U-17 World Cup goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh, junior India striker Anirudh Thapa, ISL player Rahul Bheke and a hosts of former Indian and national level players.

Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto, a former Mahindra United and Mohun Bagan star was also present.

The champions, runners-up and the third place winners of the Women's League, the First, Second and Third Divisions and the Super and Elite Division Leagues were presented with their respective trophies. In addition, awards for the best performers (nominees and winners) from all six divisions were also presented.

Three referees, who graduated to the national level were also felicitated.

JMJ Sports Club proved to be the most consistent club in the city as for the third successive year they emerged champions winning the First Division title. They won the Third Division title on debut in 2017 and won the Second Division title in 2018.

Mumbai Customs (Elite Division), FC Pune City (Super Divison) and Sparks FC (Women's League) also emerged champions, the release stated.