Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Right through the U-17 Orissa teams recent success in the Subroto Cup they have followed up their semi-final finish last year with four wins from five matches in this edition theres one man whos seen the team graduating from regular failures,even in qualifying for the main round. The experience skipper Sashi Toppo brings to the team with his third consecutive participation in the international school-level competition,however,comes as a bonus to his all-round skills.
But the drastic change in roles,from a striker to a defender,at the age of 17,hasnt been half as hard as it seems. Toppo says the guile of a striker only helped him figure out the mentality of defenders. Having played as a striker,it was easy for me to read the way defenders cover up a move. When the team needed it,I had no problems to switch places, Toppo said.
He scored his first goal in the Subroto Cup as a striker. But with his ability and maturity,we have the luxury of using him anywhere in the field. This year too he has scored three goals which is very good for a defender, Padhy says,adding,Whenever we are in the lead,he gets the licence to move up and thats exactly when he has scored the goals. Hes scored whenever we have won by a big margin.
The coach says he could spot Toppos all-round abilities at the very beginning,but theres nothing exclusive that goes into the grooming of such talent. His power and speed makes him an exceptional player,but another major aspect of modern football is strength and he is our strongest player. We teach every player the skills involving defence,midfield and attack but rarely each pick up everything, Padhy added.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
