Mumbai, Jan 11 (IANS): Mumbai-born defender and one of the most experienced Indian footballers, Rahul Bheke has played a key role in the former champions of the Indian Super League (ISL) being perched atop of the standings.
Bheke has been instrumental in Mumbai City FC's successful season. The Islanders, as they are fondly known, currently sit at the top of the table for the ISL 2022-23 season, where they have enjoyed an undefeated campaign so far, with 33 points in 13 games. In their most recent clash, they secured an authoritative home victory against third-placed Kerala Blasters, winning 4-0 at home.
Bheke and Mumbai City will come up against another tough challenge next in the ISL as the Islanders travel to Kolkata to take on ATK Mohun Bagan on January 14 at the VYBK.
Representing his hometown of Mumbai, Rahul etched his name in the record books last year in 2022, when he scored the winning header against Iraq's Air Force Club, to become the first Indian to score a goal at the AFC Champions League and helped Mumbai become the first Indian club ever to win an AFC Champions League game.
This season, Bheke has played and led the squad in all thirteen games for the Islanders and he boasts impressive numbers. He has made 20 interceptions, 26 blocks, 37 tackles and 28 clearances and consequently, has been an integral component of Mumbai City's defence as they have conceded only 13 goals this season, less than any other ISL side besides Hyderabad.
Bheke, a leader, both on and off the pitch, spoke on Mumbai's immaculate form this season and also on the impact of coach Des Buckingham on the squad's dynamics as they gear up for a bigger challenge in the next few months.
"The players are demanding a lot from each other, continuous improvement is the expectation. Not only on the pitch but in training as well. We have been working hard on sticking to our game style through the 90 minutes. Our performances have been getting us results so it is important for us to stay disciplined and maintain the intensity," Bheke said.
Mumbai City have been thriving under head coach Des Buckingham with a solid concoction of youth and experience.
Bheke, one of the leaders of the Mumbai City camp, opined, "We have a lot of quality young players and I don't think they can find a better set-up than Mumbai City FC. This includes the Indian players, the foreign players and the coaching staff. They have the right people around them and they have been taking advantage of that."
As a captain and mentor in the team, Bheke consistently reiterates the same advice to young players, "Young players need to keep learning, regardless of whether they are getting game time or not, they have to give their best in every training session. This is the only way to keep improving."
Being a born and raised Mumbaikar himself, Bheke feels a special connection to the team. "It's a proud moment for me, every time I step onto the pitch and even more so when playing a home game, it feels like family at Mumbai City." He added that the return of fans to the stadium has made this season feel even more special. "It was really difficult for us last year, during the bio-bubble. Having no fans in the stands is like going to a party without music. It's great to have them back and it is very motivating to be playing in sold-out stadiums. I hope the fans keep coming and that we continue to grow with them. That's what the team wants and that is what the league wants."
As a crucial component of the Mumbai City squad, Bheke must be as fit as he can be. He works incessantly to ensure that he is available for all games. "I pay close attention to my daily routine and manage my workload, whether it is on the field or at the gym. I also ensure that I am getting the right kind of nutrition and constantly getting enough sleep. These factors really help me stay fit physically and mentally."
Finally, Bheke attributed Mumbai's success to the leadership and acumen of coach Des Buckingham, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
"He has massively impacted the playing style of the team as a whole and even individual players. I'm glad that the continuity will be there and I'm sure the fans, the team, the staff, each and everyone wants the clubs to grow and I'm sure he will do that. He has helped us tremendously, to grow as players and to be better teammates. The small details that he focuses on have a big impact.
"The way we played in the AFC Champions League, the Durand Cup, and the way we are playing this season is because of the work that he has done with us over the last 15 months. The coach has set clear targets for us, both as a team and individually, and we have been consistently hitting those benchmarks. This is the reason we have been getting the results we desire," he added.