Hockey goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza says he’s happy switching his role as an analyst in the commentary box in last year’s Hockey Indian League (HIL) for some serious work as Dabang Mumbai’s goalkeeper in the 2015 edition set to start in January in Bhubaneswar.
The 30-year-old former India goalkeeper and Olympian (his last representative match for India was in the 2011 Azlan Shah tournament in Kuala Lumpur) will share duties with Irishman David Harte, bought at $51,000 at the auction.
“It’s a dream for any sportsman to play for his home team, and I am happy to play for Mumbai. We cannot get any worse than the sixth position; we hope to keep ourselves fit and reach the summit,” said D’Souza after Dabang’s first training session here on Friday.
Banned for one year for a dope violation in 2012, D’Souza still hopes to play for India.
“Once I wear the pads, I think of goalkeeping and performing to the best of my ability. Many players have staged comebacks, and HIL is a platform for me to play well. If I can play a big part in good results for my team I will regard it as a big achievement.”
He felt that changes like the match-duration being reduced to 60 minutes and split into four quarters has given importance to fitness levels for each quarter.
He also said that the defensive structure against short corners has changed; with the goalkeeper and defenders being given roles. I think these roles are being fulfilled,” said D’Souza.