Motivating the opponents, Dhanraj style
Mufeed Mahdi Rizvi
It’s rare when a coach enters the opposition dressing room to give them a pep talk. But when it’s Dhanraj Pillay, everything and anything is possible.
Yesterday, while the young, nervous Rashtriya Chemical Fertiliser (RCF) were preparing to take field against the formidable, experienced Air India, Dhanraj walked into their dressing room.
The former India forward and current coach of the Air India side may have had two reasons for this kind gesture. First, he began his playing career with RCF and second, his brother Ramesh is the coach of the team.
In simpler words, it was Pillay vs Pillay at the Mahindra Stadium yesterday. Younger brother Dhanraj ended up winning 9-1.
“We are a young and inexperienced side. The scoreline may not give the right mood of the match, but they were not too bad. We hope to improve with every match. Our aim is to qualify for the Bombay Gold Cup and we are on course for that,” Ramesh told Mirror.
According to Ramesh, his team had their share of chances in the first half but could not convert them. “We are playing seven to eight local boys in the side.
This team will ripe by next year and then you will see them play,” the RCF coach added.
It’s rare when a coach enters the opposition dressing room to give them a pep talk. But when it’s Dhanraj Pillay, everything and anything is possible.
Yesterday, while the young, nervous Rashtriya Chemical Fertiliser (RCF) were preparing to take field against the formidable, experienced Air India, Dhanraj walked into their dressing room.
“Don’t worry. Don’t go by big names and big teams just play your game and you will be okay,” Dhanraj told the players who were in shock and awe.
The former India forward and current coach of the Air India side may have had two reasons for this kind gesture. First, he began his playing career with RCF and second, his brother Ramesh is the coach of the team.
In simpler words, it was Pillay vs Pillay at the Mahindra Stadium yesterday. Younger brother Dhanraj ended up winning 9-1.
“We are a young and inexperienced side. The scoreline may not give the right mood of the match, but they were not too bad. We hope to improve with every match. Our aim is to qualify for the Bombay Gold Cup and we are on course for that,” Ramesh told Mirror.
According to Ramesh, his team had their share of chances in the first half but could not convert them. “We are playing seven to eight local boys in the side.
This team will ripe by next year and then you will see them play,” the RCF coach added.
