Blessing in Disguise? Joel Fernandes and Umang Foundation Trust FC look to turn adversity into opportunity
If we had to describe Umang Foundation Trust FC’s season in ACES Football League Season 3 in one word, we’d call it a movie, because the Men in White & Black served up a cinematic season for the ages, making them one of the most-talked teams last season.
They started strongly before falling by the wayside midseason, before mounting a furious rally that took them just one point away from making it to the Finals week, only to lose the plot as well as second place in spectacular fashion against the now-defunct AER Titans in what could be classified as unruly scenes that took place in the aftermath of that contest.
Speaking to Joel Fernandes, who co-owns Umang along with Aneesh Malankar, about the season, Joel did not mince his words, saying that his side were inconsistent, and failed to turn up in the moments of their season when it mattered the most. The fact they failed to make it to Finals Week despite boasting of having Season 3’s top goal-scorers was definitely a gut punch.
However, Joel is very very optimistic and confident that this season will definitely be the season where everyone will see the best version of Umang Foundation Trust FC in full tilt.
To begin with, Umang starts Season 4 with two key absences. Raj Bhaduria, who was banging in the goals for them, is unavailable this season, while Joel himself will be out for 3 games. While Joel acknowledges that these are big absences, he also looks at them as a blessing in disguise.
“It is all a matter of perspective. The good way of looking at this is that with Raj’s absence we will have to build a squad that will contribute equally. We cannot have a solitary player doing all the heavy lifting for us like Raj did last season.
“As far as my absence goes, it gives me a good opportunity to coach from the sidelines while also removing myself as a player from that equation. Given that neither me and Aneesh could pay enough attention to that aspect last season, it will allow me to dictate the flow of proceedings from the sideline.”
True to his word, Joel and Umang have built a side that looks stacked not only in terms of personnel, but also the quality that these players bring to the table. Yashhraj Singh once again returns to provide solidity and command in goal. Anmol Pathak and Brett Rodrigues, who was arguably one of the best young players in Season 3, have also returned. Rohan Jadhav and Siddhanth Kriplani join the side from Satans FC and Roarers FC respectively. Brenden Pires is a new introduction and will be making his debut at ACES, while Deepam Anchan, Joel, and Aneesh complete the set.
When asked about the thought process behind drafting these players, the answer was as straightforward as it gets. “We only wanted those players who wanted to play for us.”
Umang have been putting in the hard yards behind the scenes as well, preparing for the league in earnest as they participated in a few preseason tournaments to get up to speed while also looking to fine-tune their side with the new additions that they have got on board. This preparation could very well be the decisive factor in setting themselves apart from the others.
Having been drawn in Pool B, they will once again renew hostilities with defending champions Encore United in what is definitely being christened as the match of the group. Hybec Hydras and Wolfpack will also be tricky opponents, while newcomers KT Falcons and Juggernauts will be unknown quantities.
When asked about an early-season prediction for the league, Joel replied, " I believe that the two teams who been in ACES Football League since Season 1 will be the ones who will make it to the Final this season."
There are absences, there are new faces. There is familiarity, but there is also adversity. However, as Umang Foundation Trust FC look to kickstart Season 4 of ACES Football League with renewed hope, the expectation will be that these adversities will turn into opportunity, making it a huge blessing in disguise.
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