Preetam Mahadik Scores His ‘Dream Job’: Taking Mumbai’s Young Football Talent to the National Stage!
The hard work of Mumbai Knights coach and owner, Preetam Mahadik, has been acknowledged in a major way, following a mid-day report published on July 31 highlighting his success with his club in Mumbai Football Association-organised tournaments. Mahadik, who has been inundated with calls and messages since the story broke, recently received a coaching role opportunity for a national-level tournament that has him “very excited”.
The Offer of a Lifetime
The Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) stepped in, offering Mahadik the position of chief coach for the MSSA Academy girls U-17 team. This is widely regarded as his “dream” job.
The offer came directly from Sebastian D’Souza, MSSA’s Football Secretary. Sebastian Fernandes, identified as the MSSA Football Secretary, expressed his admiration for Mahadik’s efforts, stating:
“I read Preetam’s story and was very impressed with his achievements. I’ve offered him the chief coach’s role for our MSSA Academy girls U-17 team that will be participating in the next edition of the Dream Sports Foundation-organised U-17 National Football Championship in February-March 2026.”
This prestigious championship, whose U-17 National Finals were previously held earlier this year at the Raia Sports Complex in Goa (where Jharkhand FA won the girls title and Punjab FC won the boys title), will serve as the perfect showcase for Mumbai’s rising female footballers.
Building the Dream Team
Mahadik is uniquely positioned for this role, as most of his current players belong to MSSA member schools. This means he will be able to select some of his own talented Mumbai Knights girls while simultaneously scouting for other talent from across the city.
Mahadik, whose girls have already excelled at the city and state level, is confident about their potential on a larger platform:
“A national-level tournament is the perfect platform to showcase the quality of my Mumbai Knights girls and also other talented girls from the city. I’m grateful to MSSA for this opportunity.”
Crucially, the MSSA is fully committed to supporting this endeavor, confirming that the association will bear the team’s expenses and provide all allowances for coaches and players for the upcoming Championship.
Acknowledgment and Support Beyond MSSA
The positive acknowledgment of Mahadik’s hard work extends beyond the MSSA offer. Apparel manufacturer Puma has also stepped up to provide crucial support.
Puma is supplying the entire playing kit for all the Mumbai Knights teams, which include the sub-junior girls (U-13), junior girls (U-15), and seniors. Mahadik views this support as a testament to the club’s success:
“Puma supports athletes at the grassroot level domestically across sporting disciplines, so my club and I are fortunate to be supported by them as well. They have already sent across some pairs of shoes. It’s good to see our hard work being acknowledged.”
With this new national role, backed by organizational and apparel support, Preetam Mahadik is ready to take Mumbai’s talented youth football players to new heights.
Is the U-17 National Football Championship sponsored by the Dream Sports Foundation?