FPJ Exclusive | 'My Family Asked Me Not To Quit': Veteran Football Coach Leslie Machado's Journey From Adversity To MSSA Title Glory

Don Bosco Matunga secured the MSSA U-16 Division I title, marking another significant achievement in veteran coach Leslie Machado’s three-decade tenure at the institution. In an interview with The Free Press Journal, Machado expressed his joy, crediting his team’s consistent efforts throughout the competition. Machado, who has been coaching at Don Bosco for nearly three decades, reflected on his long journey, noting that “these three decades have been great and we have always given results.”

However, the path to victory was not without its challenges. Machado and his family faced difficult circumstances away from football, leading Machado to contemplate quitting coaching. Yet, it was his family, especially his wife, that convinced him to persevere. “My family was very supportive during this time. Even though I wanted to quit coaching, they asked me not to do so and continue to coach,” Machado shared.

The coach’s motivation stems from his deep love for football and his commitment to nurturing young talent. “It’s the love for the game which keeps me going, training young boys from grassroots level and preparing them to compete in tournaments,” Machado emphasized. Recognizing the importance of grassroots development, Machado argued for a stronger focus on training from the foundational levels in Mumbai’s football ecosystem.

The MSSA U-16 Division I title took on added significance as the U-16 team chose to dedicate the trophy to Don Bosco’s principal Fr. Flovy and Fr. Roy. This triumphant season, following a challenging period, underscores Machado’s perseverance, the unwavering support of his family, and his steadfast passion for developing young footballers.