February 16, 2026 08:00 am (IST)
Follow us:
'Mumbai FC is a very good squad to win Fed Cup'
The Federation Cup is just a few days away. Mumbai FC Head Coach - Khalid Jamil - in conversation with media
How has the preparation for the Fed Cup been going?
It’s been really good. We have played nine matches in the MDFA Elite Division which helps in building the fitness levels of the players. Overall it’s been a fantastic pre-season. We are ready to play in the Federation Cup.
Any injuries going into the tournament?
Paresh Shivalkar is sadly injured. I cannot comment on how long he will be out yet. Otherwise everyone is fit. We are allowed to only take 20 players to the tournament so I had a headache of choosing what players I can take.
What’s the biggest strength of your team?
I would say the team has a lot of unity. I remember you asked me this question on team unity earlier too and I said that I wanted to wait and watch. I am really happy to see my team bonding so well. There is a good mixture of junior and senior players and everyone is combining well when they play. Now it’s time to put what we practiced in the training ground on the football pitch of Fatorda.
Looking back at the previous disappointments in the Fed Cup how motivated are you to take this team as far as possible in the tournament?
It’s best not to dwell on the past. We want to do well in this tournament. The first match will be important as it will help build momentum and rhythm.
Can Mumbai win the Federation Cup?
Why not? It’s a very good squad. But I prefer keeping my objectives short-term. My main focus is the match against Royal Wahingdoh. I am not thinking about the rest of the matches right now. I prefer taking it one match at a time.
As a player you participated in the Fed Cup a few times. Could you share some good memories?
Yes, I do have some good memories. During my second stint at Mahindra United, we won the Federation Cup twice (2003 & 2005). It’s a very coveted tournament and I really want my team to experience winning it.
Last but not the least! How does it feel to be a Pro Licensed coach?
I am happy to have achieved such a feat. I started my coaching career with the Mumbai FC youth team and then David Booth handed me the responsibility of becoming the gaffer here. It’s been a fantastic journey as a coach.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
T20 World Cup: Kishan’s 77 sparks carnage as India crush Pakistan by 61 runs, storm into Super 8
Sun, Feb 15 2026
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to break all barriers — Most accessible edition ever!
Sat, Feb 14 2026
After West Indies defeat, Phil Salt urges ‘expressive’ England in must-win Scotland clash
Fri, Feb 13 2026
Big blow for Zimbabwe! Brendan Taylor out, Ben Curran roped into T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Fri, Feb 13 2026
Massive blow to Ireland! Stirling ruled out, young gun Topping drafted into T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Fri, Feb 13 2026
Debut sensation! Jacob Duffy’s patience pays off as Kiwi seamer shines in T20 World Cup
Thu, Feb 12 2026