It will be difficult to get into the final Asian Games squad – Churchill Brothers’ Alesh Sawant

Five years ago when even the AIFF was not taking youth development seriously, two Brazilian footballers – Jose Ramirez Barreto and Beto - took the initiative of giving something back to the country, where they made a name for themselves on the pitch, by launching the Brasil Futebol Academia (BFA) in Goa.

The academy is now well renowned all over India and recently tied up with Indian Football School (IFS) to open a centre in Mumbai as well. Their success has been highlighted by the rise of 19-year-old Alesh Sawant, who developed at BFA and now could represent India at the 2014 Asian Games.

After receiving his early football education at Sesa FA, Alesh joined BFA and learnt to play the Brazilian way. He became a very skilful player with the ability to shoot with both feet. In 2012 Alesh joined Churchill Brothers and a year later made his I-League debut for the Goan club.

Alesh, who can operate as a winger on both flanks, made 13 appearances for Churchill Brothers in the 2013-14 I-League and also played a key role in their Federation Cup triumph. His talent caught the attention of India coach Wim Koevermans, who has included the BFA product in the 30-man probables list for the Asian Games preparatory camp.

“I still can’t believe that I have received a call-up to the India U-23 team. It is the dream of every player to represent his country so I am delighted. I owe a lot to BFA for making me a better player because there the emphasis was on technique and of course I must thank Churchill Brothers for providing me the platform,” Alesh told Sportskeeda during an exclusive chat.

Besides Alesh, there are not too many natural wide players in the 30-man squad that will report for the camp in Bangalore starting July 1. But the teenager believes he has his work cut out to be named among the 20 U-23 players that will feature in the final squad.

“It will be very difficult to make the final squad because there are more experienced players than me in the camp. Of course I will give my best and try to perform well in training and practice matches. More importantly I will get to learn a lot by training under the India coach and with some of the best players of the country,” he added.

Alesh’s best moment till date was the goal he scored in the Federation Cup final which Churchill Brothers won 3-1 against Sporting Clube. However the Ryan Giggs fan didn’t feature in the AFC Cup campaign due to an issue with his passport.

He has that sorted now and thus is eligible for the Asian Games in South Korea but is disappointed that Churchill Brothers haven’t got the national license to play in the I-League.

“Although we had a very difficult I-League campaign I enjoyed last season with Churchill Brothers and winning the Federation Cup was undoubtedly a great achievement. But I am unhappy that the club didn’t get the license. Hopefully there will be a solution,” he opined.

Alesh is in no rush to decide his future and is focusing on doing well in the Asian Games camp for now. He has the chance to make BFA proud again and further reward the hard work put in by Beto, Barreto and company.