Mahindra's Mohammed Rafi: The Camp Has Been A Learning Experience

The Mahindra striker's enjoying his first call-up to the national scheme of things...

26-Nov-2009 10:20:40 PM

This Is Me, Mohammed Rafi: The Mahindra United Striker Exults After His Second Goal Against Chirag (Mango Peel)

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This Is Me, Mohammed Rafi: The Mahindra United Striker Exults After His Second Goal Against Chirag (Mango Peel)

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Mohammed Rafi

Of the 26 players who are currently attending the national camp in Goa , there is only one new face - Mohammed Rafi.

The Mahindra United’s striker has been in excellent nick in the I-League so far. The Red Devils have scored 17 goals from their 8 games so far. Rafi and his strike partner Muritala Ali have scored 15 of those goals, with Rafi contributing 7 of them. The two have struck up a terrific understanding, which has been the main reason for Mahindra being just two points adrift of the top in fourth place. Their goal difference is also superior to any other club in the league at the moment.

Rafi‘s performances caught the eye of the selectors and his efforts were rewarded, with a call-up to the training camp for national team. He is now currently in Goa for the same. Goal.com caught up with Mohammed Rafi as he took a break from training:

“The camp has been a very good learning experience so far. Ten days have passed since it started and I have got used to the routine", said the 27 year old. “It feels good to be back in the national mix after a while.”

He said the Indian coach Bob Houghton had been working very hard with him on the training ground. “The coach has identified that I need to work on my heading and shooting, so I am focusing on that at the moment.”

On asking him what he felt was the reason that he has been playing so brilliantly this season, he said, “I think that the coach’s (Mahindra’s David Booth) decision to play me as a center forward has made all the difference. Last season and even before that, I used to operate near the half-line, so I never got forward much.”

When asked about his fruitful partnership with Muritala Ali up-front, he said that they were comfortable with each other. “We both try very hard on the field and we complement each other well. The most important thing is that we are scoring plenty of goals at the moment.”

The striker is also optimistic about Mahindra’s chances to improve upon their 5th place last season. “We are aiming to win the league and nothing else. With a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, I’m sure that we will be champions come the end of the season.”

Rafi also said that he was very impressed with the youngsters at the camp. “The U-23 players are very enthusiastic and I am confident that they will do the nation proud at the SAFF Games next month.”

As far as his own chances of playing for the national team are concerned, he said, “I am working hard and hopefully this time I will get a chance to play for India.”

If Rafi gets the opportunity and replicates his club form at the national level, there is every chance that India can break into the top-100 in the FIFA rankings in the months to come.

Nilesh Pinto

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